Marker Heaven
Now, you all know you have markers that dry up. We have a community supply of markers in my room so, when one dries up, I have been asking students to put them in “marker heaven”…aka the trash can. The students find it amusing and it still makes me smile under my breath.
More recently, I thought I might should save the almost dried up markers that don’t color so well. I remembered the “marker bots” we had made a few years ago realized I had saved the almost dried up markers for this. I exclaimed, “Oh no!” during one class and told children we needed to save them somewhere. One child said, “Marker Jail, ” and so there it was, marker jail was born. Maybe marker purgatory would have been more appropriate, but I loved the child’s idea. Children who weren’t in the same class began inquiring about the marker jail. I love the curiosity it has generated. I used a random box top lid for marker jail because it was what I had nearby. Use whatever container you like. I hope this idea spreads a little fun in your classroom.
Children Will Love this Easy and Fun Activity with their Name!
I had children create name monsters a few years ago, but these are new and improved! This time the art teacher let me borrow his graphite sticks. First have children fold their paper in half the long way. Then have children write their name large on the fold. Then they write over it with the graphite stick, fold the paper back, and rub the paper. This will create a reflection of their name on the other side. Bonus! Children are learning about reflections and symmetry. Their next job is to make a monster out of the shape that was created. Challenge the children to see eyes, a nose, a mouth, a tongue, hair, and eyebrows etc. Then children can color their creation. They all turn out really interesting!
Start the School Year with this Book!
Patricia Polacco is probably one the most famous children’s authors there is…and for good reason! Her books are so rich in content. There are so many connections that can be made from one book. I just discovered this book a few years ago and it is one of my all time favorites! The book The Junkyard Wonders shows how believing the best in your students can impact them for a lifetime. When you read this to your students, they will be hanging on every word. What’s even better about this impactful story is that it is actually TRUE! I plan to read this book to my students soon to start the school year out. The book can be found in video format on YouTube, you can pick up a copy from Amazon, or maybe you will find it in the library!
Gather Your Math Ninjas!
Enlist your Math Ninjas to help pull off this academic feat! Your students will be super excited to help with this mystery. I had students secretly go around the school and place math facts. Students (Math Ninjas) are excited to help place the facts around and other students enjoy the surprise of finding unexpected math to help their learning. This past year I had students create the fact signs and not myself. You can do a lot with this if you have the right manpower! ( I also did this without students during the previous year. Go here to read more about it.
Happy Memorial Day!
We humbly give thanks to all of those who have sacrificed so that we could enjoy our free country. We will probably never know the degree that some paid with their lives or the lives of their family members as we enjoy the freedom.
Come Enjoy the TPT Sale!
Come visit my store and enjoy the TPT Appreciation Sale!
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
(Clip art from Glitter and Glue Designs & Krista Walden’s Creative Clips)
Are you looking for a quick activity for St Patrick’s Day? I love how Super Teacher Worksheets always has the perfect activity at my fingertips!