Table Tally Freebie

I use table tallys to encourage teamwork in my classroom. I also use them to encourage my students to keep their "lips zipped" throughout the day so everyone can get their work done! The table(s) that I see working together during a clean up and/or working quietly can earn a tally mark. At the end of the week the table with the most tallys earns our class trophy to have at their table for the week (a plastic trophy from Target's Dollar Spot). Whenever I mention "table tallys"my students help each other during clean up and keep their voices off... works like a charm!  I made a page to keep track of tallys and keep it on our class data wall. I laminated it and use a visa vi marker to keep track. Click here to download a copy!

My First Grade Website

I'm not sure why I never linked my blog to my website????? Oh well! Here it is!

lathamlovesfirst.com

End of Year gift

I got this idea off of Pinterest. The twisty straws are from Joann's and the Kool-Aid packets were 20 cents each at Meijer. I made the tag on my computer using a fun font from LetteringDelights.

Dr. Seuss Hat Cookies

I make these each year for Dr. Seuss' birthday. This year I found an easier way online to make these fun cookies. Here's what you need: 1 bag of Wilton red melting candy chips (from Joann's), 2 bags of white chocolate chips, 1 bag of jumbo marshmallows, 1 package of Oreo cookies, and red sugary sprinkles (optional).  First, get the marshmallows ready. Melt the red candy chips in a bowl. Dip one end of the marshmallows into the red melted chocolate. Set aside on wax paper to dry. Once dry, dip the other end of the marshmallow into the red chocolate. You can sprinkle the top with red sprinkles if you want (I did!). Now that the marshmallows are done it's time to start the Oreos. Melt the while chocolate chips in a bowl. Dip the Oreos completely into the white chocolate (both sides). Place on wax paper and plop a marshmallow on top. It will dry together.

These were super easy to make, but kind of messy and time consuming. I'm sure my little first graders will gobble these treats up in no time!

Great Teacher Gift!

These fun clipboards are so easy and affordable to make. Thank you Pinterest! The large clipboard was $1.50 at Meijer. I picked up a bunch of mini clipboards over the summer for $0.25.  I have a TON of embellishments, letter stickers and scrapbook paper at home. So making these as a gift is quick and easy for me to do. First lay your scrapbook paper over the clipboard. Then flip it over and trace the outline of the clipboard with a pencil. Cut out the paper. Then lay your paper on your clipboard. Use a foam brush to brush Modge Podge onto the clipboard. Then use your hand to smooth the paper over the Modge Podge (get air bubbles out with your hand). Let this dry for about 15 minutes. Put anything else you'd like on the scrapbook paper now (I put the last name initial on mine). Then brush a layer of Modge Podge over the top of the entire clipboard. Add embellishments to the top and/or ribbon. The black and white border at the top is called SWASH tape. I purchased it at Archiver's Scrapbook Store. There you have it... a simple, cute, easy gift to give a friend!

Groundhog Day!

Thank you to Christie over at first-grade-fever for this cute groundhog day project idea! My kids loved making these funny little guys. They turned out too cute!

 

MLK project...better late than never!

I know it's too late, but I kept forgetting to post this and wanted to share!

After learning about MLK and reading books about him, we brainstorm together dreams for our world. Each child writes their dream on a white cloud and then glues it to a watercolored background created the day before (they watercolor a blue sky and green grass). I take pictures of each child pointing up towards the ceiling. It's kind of funny because I don't tell the kids what they are doing this for!