Sunday, September 21, 2014

Last Day to Enter

Just a reminder that there are only a couple of hours left to enter my Birthday Giveaway. If you haven't entered yet, be sure to do so for a chance to win an awesome gift set from LoveBird Soap and a TpT Gift Certificate.


Monday, September 15, 2014

Birthday Giveaway: LoveBird Soap and $25 TpT Gift Certificate

Today is my birthday. I decided over the summer that I wanted to have a giveaway for my birthday.


I spent too long making a 'quick' little button. It wasn't what I wanted, but it will do! What really matters is that I am giving away a $25 TpT gift certificate and a prize pack from LoveBird Soap with two large soaps, a lotion bar, and a lip balm.


When I was in middle and high school, I did a lot of babysitting. I had enough regular clients to not need any other jobs. I feel really old admitting that I used to babysit for the owner of LoveBird Soap. Last year I ordered from Katie's store for the first time. I bought several bars of soap, a lotion bar, and a lip balm. I loved everything so much I ordered more to give as Christmas gifts.


I use the Morning Madness soap each morning. The tea tree spearmint lotion bar is fantastic for when I have a migraine. It is also great on my feet and hands. I custom ordered lip balm with cinnamon and clove that has replaced my old Burt's Bees. I love it!


I haven't seen her since the late 90's, but I know Katie is working hard to grow her business, and I was thrilled when she said she would donate to my birthday giveaway. Please be sure to visit her on social media.

Oh, and I'm also giving away a $25 TpT Gift Certificate. Just because can.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
**Disclaimer: Katie is sending me a bar of her yummy smelling pumpkin soap as a birthday present, but all opinions are my own. This stuff is awesome. That is my honest opinion.


Thursday, September 11, 2014

Index Card Self Portrait Collaborative Art Project

I went on Pinterest right before school started to look for some inspiration. I wanted a project for the first day of school. Actually, because I see students on a three day rotating schedule, I needed a good project for the first DAYS of school. I fell in love with this post I found through this pin.

The end result, was this collaborative project.



To start, we practiced drawing faces using white boards and markers. From there I handed students an index card with a colored dot on the back. They went to a bin full of crayons, markers, and colored pencils in the assigned color. Like the original project, my fourth and fifth grade students were assigned two colors to help the colors blend in the finished project.



I placed the cards on a long sheet of black paper. I spent almost two hours using rubber cement to attach the index cards.


 Here are a few up close pictures.




I am in love with this project. It was the perfect way to start the year!


Unfortunately it is still looking for a home! The clothesline was not strong enough to hold it up in hallway traffic. It is HUGE. Right now the plan is to hang it was up high in the school entryway. We'll see how it goes!

In other news, be sure to check back next week. I have a birthday giveaway planned that you will not want to miss!


Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Outdoor Learning Space Update

Last year it was just a space with potential.


While it is still a work in progress, it is well on its way to being a true outdoor learning space! The overgrown grass has been replaced with mulch. The aquaponics system has been installed. That blue tank? There are ten coy in there. The grow beds have herbs and a few vegetables.


The middle school science class is going to take care of the fish and testing the water. The elementary STEAM classes are going to take care of the plants.

Did I mention that I do not have a green thumb? I've emailed the local garden club for help picking plants. It is a little outside my comfort zone, but I'm ready to give it my all!

My students voted on names for the outdoor space. With over three hundred votes, it was a tie! We will have to have a run off to decide between "The Burrow Lab" and "The Owl Hideout." They also had suggestions for other things to add to the space. The suggestions went from monkeys and sharks to butterflies and ladybugs. We are going through the list looking for those that might actually be possible.

I was on Pinterest before and am suddenly consumed with the idea of making a plastic bottle cap mural. I actually forgot to eat lunch today because I was sending messages through ClassDojo to all 18 classes asking them to send in plastic bottle tops.



I've set up a Pinterest board here. I would love to see one of these bright, colorful works of art in our new outdoor learning space!