Mother's Day, Freebie and #teachertalktuesday

Rain, Rain, Go away!!!

Today we were supposed to have Field day.  But, boohoo, we were rained out.

My kids were so not in school mode. So we put some finishing touches on our Classroom Chronicles Newspapers and started some work for Mother's day. Honestly, I am actually behind. I usually start my project at least 2 weeks in advance. I like to get it laminated for my students--and that can take some time. We always make a beautiful poetry book, with portrait and hand print. 

I call this book "Because You Love Me" as inspired by Celine!

This year, I have also added a cute little flower pot card and flower pot holder to give to moms.

Check it out.

I added a sentence strip around the cup!

Front of the cup holder. I guess you could use this for any old plant, and not just for Mother's Day. I just thought it would be nice for the kids to give their mom something prettier than a styrofoam cup!

One way to make the card. I also gave an option to make it into a full page card, instead of a shape card.

So here is the front of the card--I guess I am working backwards today. The kids then wrote on the b&w version of the pot. I made a Happy Mother's Day one for them to decorate and a Dear_______, version.

 Looks like more rain in the forecast for tomorrow too.  We were supposed to have our school-wide carnival, but that has been pushed back to next week. So, I might be able to get more crafts done tomorrow!!!  
Oh, 1 more thing--did you get to check out #teachertalktuesday on instagram?
It was so much fun taking a peek into so many classrooms and "chatting" with new friends. I even figured out how to add an instagram button over on the side bar!  By the, way is my sidebar too crazy? I'm trying to streamline it a bit, but haven't had the energy.  Anywhoooo, check out my new Teacher Instagram page, and stop in on Tuesday and search the tag.  

Freebie Time: The 3 Little Pigs was a hit this week. We compared the original to The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs (see side bar book carousel for the books we read). I gave them several other versions to read--next week we will be writing our own version of the 3 Little pigs.  I hope you enjoy the freebie!

Happy Birthday and Mother's Day is on it's Way

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SYDNEY! 
Today is her 8th Birthday!
This is my daughter on her class Field trip to the Manatee Center in Fort Pierce, FL. She loves all things and is inspired by everything around her.  I wish I had her imagination!   As a mom, I couldn't be any prouder.  She is a talented, smart and spunky kid.  8 years has flown by and as many of you know it feels like just yesterday that the Dr. put her in my arms.  


 For the last several years I have made a point to make a book with my students for Mother's Day. The Cover Page is not Shown--but I call it "Because You love Me". (You can find it at the link if you click on the Title). We wrote an Acrostic Poem and Cinquain Poem about their moms.  The students each wrote an "I am thankful for you" letter. They conducted an interview with their mom as a homework assignment on the "All About Mom" page. They got to draw themselves with their mom and last we did a hand-print below a poem for a keepsake. Luckily, my school has a laminating machine and someone who laminates everything for us.  So the pages are sealed and protected. The last phase of the project is to  punch holes in the side and get ribbon to tie and bind it for a beautiful keepsake to give their mom's on Mother's Day.  It has changed and morphed over that time, but here are what some of the pages look like today.  

My mom and me--Students Illustrate. I always love to see how they view themselves and their mom in their drawings.

MOTHER Acrostic Poem--We brainstormed Words and the students chose which words would describe their mom.

  This is my favorite-- I used red paint to make a heart in the middle and painted the rest of their hand blue.  The poem was given to me by a friend long ago, so sadly I don't know who the author is.
Unfortunately, I was unable to upload all the pages but hopefully you get the idea..
I am going to be getting ready for my daughter's Birthday party today and This week I will be binding these books.  I hope you all have a great week too, and of course a Happy Mother's Day!

Enjoy,

Jessica j