Word Family Fun and a Freebie

Each week I introduce my firsties to a new word family. When they go into their literacy work stations I want them to practice making words with the chunk each week. So, I created "Word Family Fun" packets to put in the work stations.

I found these cute containers at the Dollar Tree that I will put the letter tiles in.

The first one I created was the -an word family

I also created the -ug word family.

Then I created the -og word family. 

I also created the -ip word family.

All of my Word Family Fun  packets are in my TN store.

I also had these plastic file folder envelopes that I will put the word family units in.

Now for the freebie!! Here is a copy of the word family fun record sheet for each unit. Click on the picture below to grab a copy.

I am off for a quick run to Target to check out the $1 bins and see what goodies I can find!

Hobby Lobby, Dollar Tree, Target, and Walmart Shopping Sprees and Another Blog Award

I just linked up (7-31-12) with Kristen over at Ladybug's Teacher Files for a Summer Shopping Linky Party!! Now you know we all love to shop!!!
Good morning Bloggy Friends! Well I have been busy shopping for the upcoming school year.  I was wondering where I was going to find all the cute things that I would need to transform my room into my version of the wild west. I was starting to feel bummed about choosing a western theme because I really couldn't find anything to go with it and did not like a lot of the bulletin board sets.  Well I hit the JACKPOT when I went to Hobby Lobby.  Now I know what all the bloggy guru's mean when they were feenin obsessing over HL!! It is now officially my go to store. (Don't worry Target I still love you!!) Anywho!! 
Here are some of the great finds I was able to snag:

First Stop Hobby Lobby

I am using the bandana print border from CD so these will be perfect! : )

Aren't these just adorable!  Love the little purses!! Will my little sweeties not 
love them?  I will use these for "Meet the Teacher" Day.

Sheriff badges, cowbell, and little wooden plagues to make pointers with.

Scrap-booking paper-I might create a cute clipboard!! 

Paper plates to make my rules with,  cute bowls and trays (two in a pack).

Western picture frame, wooden barrel, and containers. I love it!!

How cute are these? I'm mad that they were out of the cowgirl pattern.
They came from Joann's Fabrics. My daughter will paint them for me!

Denim and bandana print fabric and ribbon (all of it was on sale)!
 Oh!! The spray bottle is to make my curtains flame retardant
(I had to take my curtains down last year!!).

Second Stop Dollar Tree

6 Baskets for my centers, little containers and educational sticker charts, and
magnetic vowels.

The crayons came from Toy's R Us 4 for a $1! I purchased 24. I like to have them on
their desks on the first day of school. I save the ones they bring for after the new year.

Next Stop Target

Dr. Seuss Items. I also got some of the blue pocket charts and the Star Student Seat Cover.

Final Stop Walmart

25 Pencil Pouches for my Communication Binders, duct tape, the big
 container will be for my clipboards and last but not least from the
 88 cent corner, speech bubble accents.

Insert "Joker" like grin here!! I am like a kid at Christmas!! Now I am motivated to work on all of my projects to get my room finished.  Hopefully I can get in there next week!!!  Stay tuned...

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Oh yeah, before I forget!!! I received my third blog award this week!!! I always wondered how bloggers got this one...

Thanks to  Karmen  at  Karmen's Kinders of Room 103 

Go on over and check out her blog!!!

For receiving this award I will need to...

1. Follow the person who gave me the award... check!

2. Link back to the person that gave me the award... check!

3. Pass to 15 (I'm doing 6 for now) new bloggers and then let them know they have received the award... check!!

So I am passing this wonderful award to the following blogs:

Stacy

Mrs. H.

Michelle

Kelli

Jeannie

Rita

Jillian at Little Miss Whimsical 

Jessica at Fabulous and Fun 4th Graders

Meghan at  First Grade with a Cherry on Top 

Annie at  Tips and Tricks Teacher 

Go check out these amazing blogs!!

I'll be back soon to share some of the things I create! See Ya!!

Blogging, Jena, Color Words and my Dollar Tree Find

I DID IT!!! I am finally here! I have plunged into the world of blogging!! Something I said I would never do! Go figure!!  What would I have to blog about? Well one thing that I can tell you is that after 7 years of doing a jungle/monkey theme in my classroom I'm changing over to a western theme (more to come on that later). Yee-Haw!!! So I thought it befitting to have my blog reflect that change. I absolutely love my blog design.  With that said, I want to send a shout-out to my girl - Jena -over at 1st Grade With Miss Snowden .  She is an absolutely fabulous blog designer!!! Many of you may already know her work.  So if you have been thinking about starting a new blog or are in desperate need of a make-over, check her out!! I guarantee you won't be disappointed! She was so patient with me-through my several changes and add-ons.  My own daughter asked me did I give her a hard time-it's a shame when people know you so well!! I don't think I was too bad! Thanks again Jena for the fabulously fly job on my blog and being my first follower!! You rock!!!

I know many of you are gearing up for back to school. As teachers, why do we find it so hard to turn it off? I guess it's just that passion/heart for teaching.  I like to start the year off with a review of color words. So I was so excited when I found these cute Crayola Crayon books at the Dollar Tree.  Aren't they adorable?

Here is what it looks like on the inside:

I also created a color words review book.  You can grab a copy by clicking on the picture below:

My Teachers Notebook store is set up but I don't have anything posted yet due to technical difficulties.  Bear with me as I get this process going. If you can provide any assistance with uploading files that would be wonderful.  If you grab a copy of the color words book, don't forget to send me some love and tell me what you think about my first freebie, if the link is working, and how my blog looks from your view!! 

Well that's all folks!!!