I just entered a great contest!  Go check it out and get your entry in.

You Won't Believe This!

I know, I go for ages without posting and then I do two in one day.  What can I say?  This was too great to pass up sharing with you!  Rockin' Teacher Materials is hosting a fabulous giveaway with a chance to win a trip to the National "I Teach K" conference this summer in Las Vegas.  I had the privilege of attending in 2007 as a trainer for my district and I have longed to go back every year since then.  It is truly a wealth of resources and opportunities to meet and collaborate with other kindergarten teachers from around the country.  I've got my entry in for a chance to win!  Be sure to head on over and get your entry in for a chance to win this amazing opportunity!  Oh, and if you win and need someone to go with you, (winner gets to take a friend), I'm available and would love to go!!!

Literacy Without Worksheets

If you're a follower I guess you've figured out I'm not very good at posting regularly.  In my quest to move away from worksheets in my Super K Smarties classroom I'm always on the lookout for new ideas.  I was excited to check out this new site called "Literacy Without Worksheets".  Head on over yourself and see what she has to offer.  She's also hosting a giveaway.  Go check it out!

Literacy Without Worksheets

Mrs. Hoffer's Kindergarten Giveaway

Mrs. Hoffer's Spot, An Okie Kinderteacher, is hosting a fabulous giveaway.  Head on over to check it out and get your entry in!  While you're there check out her great blog and the fantastic ideas this fellow Okie has to share. 

The "Write" Stuff Giveaway

Head over to Teacher Idea Factory blog and enter for your chance to win a writing packet.  You'll find resources from some great bloggers. ;)

Kindergarten Common Core

I've located a new resource for Kindergarten teachers who are looking for Common Core resources.  In addition to the standards, it includes activities and worksheets to support the standards.  This great resource is free through September 16th.  Go check out “Kindergarten Common Core” and get your copy!

We're Off To a Great Start!

Wow, it's hard to believe we've already been is school a month!  I've got a great class this year and I anticipate taking them to great heights.  We quickly settled into our rules and routines and are now immersed into letter recognition and handwriting.  Of my 21 "Smarties" I only have one child who does not already recognize most or all uppercase and lowercase letters.  We have some fine motor skill issues but we will develop these with practice and time.

Our school has implemented the "Conscious Discipline" Classroom Management program.  We are in our third year and the results have been very positive.  In addition to this program, some of our staff have also introduced the "Bucket Filler" series.  The two go very well together.  I recently found a site that has some great videos that demonstrate this concept.  Check out "Yearn to Learn"s blog for these videos and other "Bucket Filler" resources.  http://yearn4learning.blogspot.com/2011/04/value-of-bucket-filling.html

I'm also excited to tell you about a great giveaway "Yearn to Learn" is hosting.  She's giving away a personal laminator for your classroom.  I can think of tons of things I could use it for.  Our school laminator is often busy or out of film so it would be great to have my own in my classroom!  Plus, how great to have it available when something needs laminated quickly and I can't leave the room.  As much as I would love to win this, I am sharing the link here so you can go and enter for yourself.  After all, teachers are the friendliest and most generous people I know!  Good luck!