Here’s to the Animals, Freebie

Last September I blogged about this fabulous book And Here’s to You!  I’ve since read it to my class two more times. I absolutely LOVE this book. I wish I had written this book!  It’s so incredibly delightful and heart-warming. If you don’t have it yet … go buy it! We spent some time reading and re-reading it so that … Read more

Some Spring Freebies & Poems

My spring break is almost over (sniff sniff). But happily, I’m starting the week out with these fun spring poems and writing activities. I’m going to start the day with this lovely poem by Meish Goldfish. I found this particular copy at Mrs. Wills’ Kindergarten blog. Thank you, DeeDee! Later in the day, I’m going to read the kids a … Read more

Chinese New Year Book Reviews

Inside: 2 reviews of wonderful Chinese New Year books Gung Hay Fat Choy! I have two fabulous books for Chinese New Year to share with you. Title: Sam and the Lucky Money Author: Karen Chinn Illustrators: Cornelius Van Wright & Ying-Hwa Hu Publisher: Lee and Low Books, 1997 Ages: 4 and up Theme: Chinese New Year, Helping Others Opening Lines: … Read more

Christmas in Our Classroom

Inside: Christmas activities in our Grade 1 classroom. Last night our school had a Christmas Dance instead of a concert. I have to say I was happily surprised at how much fun it was! One of our Kindergarten teachers was the DJ (an amazing one I might add) and he had the coolest lighting system ~ a very disco feel. … Read more

Christmas Student Books & Writing Freebies

Inside: A free Christmas writing template and links to Christmas book freebies. Hello! Two years ago I made a couple of little Christmas books that I read to my class over the days leading up to Christmas break. Both these books are patterned after Eric Carle’s Brown Bear, Brown Bear. Click here for Santa Claus, Santa Claus book link. Click … Read more

Easy Free Letter to Santa Template and Countdown Calendar

Inside: Templates for a Santa letter and Christmas countdown Christmas in Grade 1 is so much fun. Yes, it gets a little crazy sometimes, but it’s all good:) Leading up to Christmas, some of the most exciting parts for first graders are the Christmas countdowns and writing their letters to Santa. Especially if Santa writes back, as he does in … Read more

Rosie the Hen Meets Pete the Cat

If you’ve been teaching as long as I have then you’re probably familiar with this great book by Pat Hutchins: Rosie’s Walk. Rosie goes for a walk, never noticing the fox following her. The text is very simple yet engaging. The illustrations are quite comical — the fox always makes you laugh. What’s really cool about this book though, is … Read more

Easter Egg Writing Freebie and Easter Bunny Art

Inside: Directions and printable for Easter writing, plus some Easter bunny art. If you’re looking for a last minute easy Easter writing activity, you might want to try this: Stories using Easter stickers as writing prompts. Be sure to read to the bottom because there’s also a super cute rabbit art project. All I did was let the kids choose … Read more