Musings

What does a Kindergarten Teacher do when she's stuck in the house because it's close to 106 degrees outside?  My current projects are strewn around the house, and my children are listening to the end of their book on CD, left over from this week's trip down the California coast.  My husband actually drove all the way from San Francisco to Kennewick, WA in a day! It's awesome and a bit frightening, but the call of your own bed can be overwhelming sometimes.  

Musings for today:
What am I reading?

 Follow this link to my friend Marsha's page for DAILY 5 and then scroll down to the bottom!

A Differentiated Kindergarten

For FREEBIES Connected to CLOSE READS be sure to check out:

Little Minds at Work

A Year of Many Firsts

What am I listening to?

  

These two ladies' music have been such a blessing to me lately.

What am I touching?

Antique Scarecrow Doll for my Oz Collection!  I couldn't believe my luck to find two collectibles that were on my OZ Bucket List.

This plate was one of them too!!

I've also been working on a Hexagon wall hanging for our newly painted "retro" kitchen.  I've created the flowers with English paper piecing.  I'm working toward a circa 1950's look.  I'll be sure to showcase everything when it's finished.  

In the meantime, I will give you a peek at the project I'm putting together.  I think it's turning out awfully cute.  I'm very pleased!

I've also continued to work on many printables for my classroom and TPT Store.  Be sure to follow this blog for more updates and FREEBIES.  

COMING SOON!!!!!!!

Today, I am simply grateful...I love my job...family...and the new adventures that await me.  Choosing to thrive, just like I promised my special Grandma I would....

Be blessed,

Fabulous Feedsacks #1

Purchase this new set HERE at my TPT store.
Each of the fabrics are authentic, vintage Feedsacks and quilts from my quilting studio!  Enjoy a bit of Vintage Charm.

Another tribute to my Grandma Eileen is my love of all things 1930's -1950's.  I've often thought she and I would have been best friends, had I lived during that time.  She never tired of telling me stories about her quick wedding to a handsome man on leave from the Navy.  I choose to honor her as I continue to create beautiful things to share with others.

A Look Inside My Classroom

Happy Sunday!

I thought I would give you a look inside my classroom, a.k.a. The Emerald City...you will notice a SERIOUS Wizard of Oz addiction. It's probably going to hang around, at least it has since I was six. My students continue to add to my collection, as well. It certainly helps when you teach Kinders and McDonalds puts Oz toys in Happy Meals. It was a competition to see who could bring in the characters first for the window sill. I am blessed.

Everyday my students line up under the rainbow and on the Yellow Brick Road. I laminated the road and have only needed to repair it a few times so far. It helps set the magical tone as soon as they walk into the room, along with the rainbow, bluebirds and Tin Man hanging above their heads.
 

 

Dorothy and Toto...no, I do not make kids stand in the corner!

And here is our WHOLE SCHOOL RULE (also taken from the Make Your Day Program)

These rules, accompanied by gestures are based on WHOLE BRAIN TEACHING (WBT).  There are tons of great sample videos on WBT on You Tube and all their resources and conferences are FREE!  I plan on using these same strategies in Rwanda, Africa when I teach there as well.  Call and response is so natural for children and it keeps their brains engaged-thus less behavior modification. Here are two of my favorite videos for you to preview: WBT1 and WBT2! My rules are based on the second video. Click in the link below to get your own set of Whole Brain Rules free.

These are one of my favorites, that I received as a gift last year from a friend.  They were purchased on Etsy.  One of my other addictions for homemade Oz goodies.

Thanks for stopping by.  Here's your FREEBIE, as promised. Follow this blog and receive more ideas and freebies in the future.  I'd love to follow you too!

Be blessed.

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