First Grade Bling: July 2013

Friday, July 19, 2013

{Classroom Finds in Hawaii}

I just got back from Hawaii, that being the reason I haven't posted in awhile {sorry!!}. I bought a couple of things for my classroom that I wanted to share! My classroom theme is Beach/Ocean so Hawaii was the perfect place for finding things!!

Here is the view from my hotel as I was attempting to get a nice tan :)

I LOVE palm trees for some reason, I think I took about 50 pictures of them. This inspired me to somehow incorporate a big palm tree in my classroom.

I went to a Maui Art Fair and a lady was selling these AWESOME jelly fish displays. I thought the kids would love this, it changes colors and looks so real.

I use clip magnets on my whiteboard 24/7. I found these BLING clip magnets and just had to buy them!

Monday, July 8, 2013

{Bucket Filling} & Monday Made it!

I have been using the bucket filling system in my classroom for the past two years and not only do my students love it, I do as well. If you're not familiar with bucket filling, be sure to check out www.bucketfillers101.com.

On the first day of school I read this book:

Image from teachingheart.net

After we read and discuss the book, we make an anchor chart together. I don't have a picture of mine but here is a picture of one that I found from Blog Hoppin' that Mrs. Williamson posted:

Once we make the anchor chart together, we make buckets out of scrapbook paper and pipe cleaners and list examples of bucket fillers and bucket dippers. I don't have a picture of this right now, but I'll be sure to post one when we make them next month.

Everyday from then on, students are able to fill out bucket filler slips and fill a classmate's bucket. Here is what my chart looks like. I stick a label with the student's name on each pocket.

I got my bucket filling slips from What the Teacher Wants, I think they are so cute!!

*When we return from winter break, I usually reread the book and do a mini lesson for review on bucket filling!

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This coming school year, bucket filling is going to be promoted to the entire staff at my school. Here is where the Monday Made it comes in! I decorated a cute bucket from the Dollar Tree that will be displayed in our workroom. I used ribbon and stickers to decorate it! Teachers can fill out bucket filling slips and they will be read at our staff meetings.

and I found the cutest teal teacher bell at Target last summer and decided to add some bling to it! I just glued the rhinestones around the edges, super easy!!

Tara from 4th Grade Frolics is hosting Monday Made it, loved reading her post today, got so many great ideas from it! Be sure to go check out her blog!

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Sunday Smorgasbord

Today I'm linking up with Fabulous in First and posting a post full of all kinds of random :)

I just made this name sign today for outside my classroom door! PTSO gives each teacher a white piece of wood to decorate and this is what I came up with! I covered the wood in scrapbook paper and used my Cricut to cut the letters.

I know Christmas is still months away but I found these Martha Stewart labels at Staples today for $1 and couldn't help but buy them.

AND another thing I just couldn't help but buy were these Post it Notes with the handwriting lines (I found these at Walmart). I do many activities in class that involve students writing on sticky notes. I think these are going to be perfect for first graders.

Here is a picture of my cute puppy asleep on the couch :)

Be sure to head over to Fabulous in First Grade to link up on Sunday Smorgasbord!

I just started this blog and am very excited for what is to come! Here are some upcoming topics that I will be blogging about in the next month: Student Data Folders, SHARK Notebooks, Workroom Remodel, Decorating Classroom using Cricut, and more.

Stay Tuned! :)

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