New to Hopping!

I’m a newbie blogger and now a new hopper (I guess that’s the terminology) – I had to Google “what’s a blog hop” to figure it out! LOL After a little research, the idea sounded great to get to know some new bloggers!!!

Thanks to Janis at Grade 3 is the Place for Me for hosting!

Here are the questions and answers:

1. What state do you live in? Tampa, Florida – Less than an hour from some of the best beaches in the world!

2. What is your current teaching position? 4th Grade

3. What is your teaching experience? This will be my 5th year in fourth grade! Time flies . . . I have actually taught over 160 students so far in my career! 40 kids in 2 classes a year X 4 = A lot of wonderful smiles and memories! I teach math, science and writing - I come alive in science, but math in my muse. It simply excites me!

4.When did you start blogging? June 2012

5. Share a blogging tip/resource. Other bloggers have been my resource - If I have a questions I simply ask! Also, when ever in doubt  . . . Google-it and research away! = )

NOW . . . "LINK UP" - I feel so much better now I know what this means! Smiles for miles!! ==== ))))

Parent & Family Communication Cards that are Magnetic

Here’s another project I am checking off my TO-DO list.

I started giving out information business cards to my students’ parents and families last year. On the card I include the class website address, my email address and cell number, and all the school information. Some teachers tell me I’m crazy for giving out my cell number, but my students and their family really become part of my family through the school year. I want them to know I am there for their child. Parents appreciate the communication and can never say they didn’t know how to contact me.

I saw another blogger, Kindergarten Cupcake Crumbs, use a magnet communication card that had her email address. Because I already had communication cards from Vista Print's FREE Business Cards Offer, I just laminated them and attached magnet strip tape to the back of it. Here they are!


This Scotch laminator is AWESOME and
worth the money (all $25 of it)! = )  
Here I'm laminating the cards.

The magnet tape and laminated cards

The magent tape cute into pieces

They all stick to the fridge! LOL -
I just wanted to double check!

FIREWORK Wall ... Basically a Brag Wall !

Click the picture to take you to my TPT store where you can download it for FREE!

I just finished the frames for my display wall in my classroom. This project was inspired and mixed by two of my fellow bloggers -  Teaching in Cardigans and LittleNanny Goat. I gave them a little twist though – Which means cheaper and more colorful of course! I also included quotes that the students will come familiar with as they learn about our class theme.

It won’t be the average display wall. I’ll use this area to show the VERY BEST examples of student work - The wall will be called "FANTASTIC FIREWORK FRAMES.”  These frames will be on a wall that connects two classrooms. This wall has the water fountains and bathrooms next to it. It has the most traffic by both classes, so students will see the wall often and be able to brag about it!  

DIY:

1.     Find CHEAP frames from Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc. – the more unique the frames the  better!
2.     I took out the glass (I don’t use glass in the classroom) and backing
3.     Painted the frames the color of choice (I covered mine with glitter after painting!)
4.     Lined the back of the frame board with foam sheets (cheap and more colors available)
5.     Put the frame and backing back together
6.     Painted clothes pins to hold the papers
7.     FINSIHED!!!