A Back to School Activity & a Freebie!

So I've been thinking about some fun back to school activities, so I thought I'd share one I saw online. I don't know about you but in my district, we get our old students back for a few days, while new classes are being sorted out, so we've got to have some activities to keep them busy, until they head off to their new classrooms.

It's always fun to have the students reflect/write/draw/share about their summer vacation.

via Kids Artists

I saw this picture from Kids Artists on Pinterest and it reminded me of an activity I did. Provide students with an outline of a pair of sunglasses and have them draw two events from their summer vacation. Put them up with a catchy slogan and you have a fun back to school bulletin board.

To go with this, I came up with a little writing activity. Have the students write a letter (to a friend, parent, teacher etc.) about their summer vacation. Click on any of the pictures below to download the free activity.

I've also finally finished my Back to School Daily Math for 1st Grade, click on the picture to check that out if you're interested.

This pack follows the same pattern as my other Daily Math units with each day consisting of 5 questions that review various Kindergarten Common Core Standards. Now off to work on the Fall set!

What's your go-to back to school activity? Leave me a comment below!

Creative Bulletin Board Ideas

Well I guess it's creeping closer to that time . . . Back to School Time! I cannot believe I am already saying that. I've had school on my mind all Summer, but to actually be thinking it's coming in just over a month seems way too fast. Where has my time been spent? Oh yeah, sleeping late, reading in the sunshine and eating too much chocolate! Wow, it sure has been nice.

So I've been thinking about bulletin boards. I will probably be starting in a Kindergarten class in the Fall and I am a little worried about all the cutesy craft/art stuff. I love the look of it, but I am just not that creative. Enter Pinterest, the modern teacher's best friend!

This crayon bulletin board looks so fun and perfect for kindergarten, but could I pull of making that crayon box? (I tried to find the source for this pin, but could not. Let me know if you know where it's from).

Love the bright look of this puzzle bulletin board. You could have each student write (and decorate?) their piece and then put their school picture on it. Again, I could not find the link back to where this originated, so if know, please tell me so I can provide proper credit.

These owls (and all the variations I've seen around Pinterest) are too cute!

Rainbows Within Reach has a ton of ideas, not sure just limited to Back to School ideas.

If you're are looking for some classroom decor, I've finally finished and bundled all of my decor packs, click the images if you'd like to check them out:

What does your bulletin board look like at the beginning of the year?

Favorite Pins Friday

Well it's Friday again which means more Favorite Pins Friday! with Cara over at The First Grade Parade.

I'll be honest. I've probably been pinning all week but this Summer has been such a nice blur of relaxation that I kind of forget what I've been pinning. Let's take a look back and check it out.

Teaching:

Imagination Soup has a blog post about hooking reluctant readers - I'm always looking for ways to get students interested in reading so this was a must-pin.

This idea, from Tales of Frogs and Cupcakes, of an "Ask Me" student for when teachers are busy is fantastic and a must-try!

Some sweet stuff:

Anything chocolate? Sign my up! These Fudgey Chocolate Chunk Brownies form Something Swanky look delicious!

I love Magic Shell for ice cream, so this recipe from The Coconut Mama will be a must-try!

Syle:

I've been meaning to jump on the chambray train and those jeans really make the look pop! The handbag doesn't hurt either.

For the Home:

Love the look of this DIY breakfast nook bench from Top Dreamer Magazine.

I need this reclaimed wood kitchen island from Our Vintage Home Love.

And I'll leave you with this some funny courtesy of Tina Fey talking about her daughter:

Ha!

Favorite Pins Friday!

So today I'm linking up with Cara over at The First Grade Parade for her Favorite Pins Friday (or FavoUrite Pins Friday for all you fellow Canadians)!

I am so excited for this link-up because since school has been out (last Thursday!) I have been a pinning machine!

So to start, school stuff:

May as well start with this Back to School idea from Ginger Snaps of having a back to school forms checklist for parents.

I love this idea from My Own Twist on Things for displaying the day's objectives - keeps students and the teacher focused.

This pin is for a link-up hosted by Rainbows Within Reach to check out classroom set-ups and organization schemes.

Finally, a little writing freebie from Rome's Readers.

Apparently I didn't pin as much school-related stuff as I thought so I guess, onto other categories.

Some yummy stuff:

I get bored of packed school lunches very easily so 25 sandwich and wrap recipes from Fitness Magazine is exactly what I need.

How delicious do these Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes from Damn Delicious look?!

These Buffalo Chicken Lettuce wraps from Skinny Taste look delicious - spicy and healthy!

These soft pretzels with Roasted Jalapeño Cheese Sauce from Smells Like Home, look like a must try.

How much do I love pinning gorgeous clothes that I cannot afford?

I believe this fun dress is from Sabo Skirt but is sold out.

Of course, I had to include some home stuff.

Love this table!

This entryway from Inspired Design is amazing!

Love these baskets from Cute Decor for bathroom storage.

Can't wait to check out all the other pins! Click {HERE} if you want to see some of the other stuff I've been pinning.

Picture Book Linky Party #2

Well it is finally summa summa summertime and I spent my first weekend off sleeping in a ridiculous amount.

I awoke long enough to join up with the second week of First Grade and Fabulous' fantastic linky party, Picture Book Linky Party!

This week, it is all about picture books for teaching math concepts. I love to use picture books, and definitely love to incorporate them into all subjects. I am also always looking for new picture books, so I am looking forward to seeing what other books people have on their lists of noteworthy titles on the subject of math (that sentence seemed way too wordy - it must be my Summer brain kicking in!).

So, onto my list:

#1 The Greedy Triangle by Marilyn Burns

I was first introduced to this book by my math professor and university and think it is so fantastic and fun for teaching shapes.

#2 How Big is a Foot? by Rolf Myller

Another cute book that sets the stage for a fun measurement activity.

#3 How Much is a Million? by David M. Schwartz

This one is fun to help students visualize and (attempt to) understand large numbers.

#4 Math Curse by Jon Scieszka

I'll leave off with Math Curse - a fun, math-filled story for older kids.

Can't wait to see what titles made it onto everyone else's lists!