Mega Teacher Appreciation Sale!! 

Howdy all! I feel like I've been MIA lately.  Hope to get better about posting soon.  Trying to pack up our home of 25 years and move by the end of May.  But, I wanted to let you know that TpT is running a MEGA Teacher Appreciation Sale!  The sale is a 2-day event on May 7th & 8th! Everything in my store will be on sale, PLUS TpT is offering an additional 10% off! All you have to do is remember to enter the code TAD13 at checkout! Happy shopping!! And, thank you so much for your support this past year!!

Hug the Earth!

This past weekend I was searching for a cute little idea to use with my little people to teach about Earth Day.  I came across this adorable bulletin board by Katie over at the "Teacher to the Core" and decided my kinders could do this amazing little project.  So, I broke out the Silhouette to cut my letters and attempted to draw the pattern pieces to recreate Katie's creation!

Next, I wanted to add a touch of writing.  So, I hopped our to "The First Grade Parade" and like always Cara Carroll came to my rescue with an Earth Day Promise.  So, I combined the two and my kinders came up with our "Hug the Earth" craftivity!  

 I promise to never litter.  I promise to pick up trash!

 I promise to grow trees and plant flowers.

 I promise to pick up garbage because it is bad for the Earth.

Thank you Cara and Katie for your wonderful ideas!!

A Note From...1st Grade Hip Hip Hooray!! AND a DEAL you can't refuse!

I am so excited to have been asked to be a guest blogger.  And having to follow Nikki is thrilling as she is my Number One Fan!  She makes my products come alive and the kiddos just love them.  I even found if I wrote Nikki and told her I needed something she was right on it.  Thanks Nikki!!

Being asked to be a guest blogger was "mind blowing" because each and everyday I am humbled by all the amazing sites and materials out there.  I have been teaching a LONG time BUT I can't bring myself to retire because of all the exciting material now available to teachers and the love I continue to feel each and everyday toward educating our "future leaders".  A few years back when I was raising my three sons and working full time I really would have loved to of had a site to go to where teachers use their creativity to prepare products that are teacher tested, embedded in the Common Core and kid friendly!  How lucky are we now?  Because of the new "bloggy" world , TpT and Teachers Notebook there is no reason not to be successful in enhancing standards,curriculum and your lessons.  

My blog was just a year old in February and what a growing experience it has been.  I still am looking for more followers and to get some conversations going but I also know I need to be patient. My favorite part of it all is preparing materials and packets for students and teachers that I know are valuable and worth the effort to put together.  Like Nikki...preparing them is easy because I LOVE to create them and I can assure that all the writing, word work, reading and mathematics that needs to be included is there.  At my school we have no official reading program.  They used 4 Blocks for awhile and now we are using Daily Five.  These are wonderful formats but as you know it puts the responsibility on the educator to assure you are creating a Balanced Literacy Program that meets the Common Core.  For this reason most of my packets embrace these themes.  Creating them has been fun and allowed me the freedom of embedding my science standards into my literacy which also meets the informational text piece in the Common Core and saves time while making connections to the real world.  So.... here is the deal!

For any follower of Mrs. McLaren who becomes a follower of 1st Grade Hip Hip Hooray! (http://hensonsfirstgrade.blogspot.com/) I will give you a packet of your choice.  All you have to do is email me (michele0003@aol.com)  and I will forward the packet to you.  I have made this same offer to my followers who follow Mrs. McLaren.  I am so happy to share my blessings with others as I know what a limited budget we are all on.  

Final days are here my friends...Summer is just around the corner.  Together we can make a difference.   Michele  

Hi friends!

Hi my friends!
     Nikki here, from Melonheadz Illustrating. What an honor to be asked to be a guest blogger on Mrs. McLaren's blog! I have been so blessed to call her friend:) My blog has been up and running for a little over two years, and what a crazy ride! I have learned so much from those in the teaching community. It's been quite an eye opener, being allowed into your world:) As a parent, I have always felt guilty when it comes to my children's education, wondering how on a limited budget and very little extra time. Being able to share my "stick people" with the world has helped me feel useful! I can't tell you how exciting it is to see that my scribbles are on papers that my kids bring home from school...WOOT WOOT!
     So I thought I would tell you a little about me, and what inspires me to draw the things I do.  My hubby and I have been married a little over 11 years. He is my best "supporter",lol. I am a mommy of 3 girls (O yes... 3!) ages 19, 8, & 7, and 2 furry 4 legged boys. I am also going into my grandmother years... (I don't know how THAT snuck up on me). I work a full time "real" job, and also full time doodling. Yes I never sleep... ever.
     It's a weird thing once you find something you LoVe to do..... I find myself with a running list in the back of my head of "I should draw that".  I have had to become organized.... sort of. If I don't write everything down and in the same place, it is lost in my whirling dervish of a brain. I  am so grateful for the requests and suggestions offered as well. When not working on my list of requests, I like to do silly things that make me smile and are fun! I have no idea usually if they will be useful for anyone else, but they make me happy. Inspiration can come from a story on the news, my faith, or to someone I see on a corner. My little ones are quick to supply me with stuff if I ever run out of ideas too,lol.
    Thank you so  for letting me gab at you, and for taking the time to stop in and see Mrs. McLaren! She has

 and I know you will learn tons from her, and love her as much as I do!

"Lub" you guys!
xox
Nikki

"The Three Little Pigs"

First up today for the Flash Giveaway Weekend "The Three Little Pigs!" Which little piggy story is your favorite? All you have to do is leave a comment and your email address on my facebook page!! Three winners will be chosen right after lunch. Then get ready for the next little prize! 

Happy Spring Everyone!!

Flash Giveaway Weekend!!

Watch for more flash goodies this weekend over on my facebook page!! I'm celebrating spring!  Also, it is an extra special day because it's "Happy 1st Birthday" to my adorable grandbaby Wyatt!!  Please check on Saturday morning for the first of the goodies!!
Woo!  Hoo!

Flash Giveaway!!

Hop over to my facebook page to entry my "flash giveaway" tonight for "Chomping Along with the Very Hungry Caterpillar!!  All you have to do is leave me your email address in the comment section on facebook!!  Good luck everyone!