Back to work...

The French trip came and went. 5 days with our students, trekking through England to get to the stunning French countryside.

We took a 6.hour.ferry.

Way too long.

The kids were very well-behaved though, and they brought lots of games and bracelet making things to keep themselves entertained.

There were a range of activities and the camp (camp? residential? something like that) was very well organized. And the food!!!! The bread! The cheese! The wine!

Everything was in French.

Everything.

Yep, I don't speak any French. It was all a bit much. On one hand, I felt so fortunate that I saw and participated in all the amazing activities with the students. But on the other hand, long days with the children were so exhausting.

Thank goodness I had my little book translation thing. Although I still can't tell you any French words.

After the trip it was half term! 1 week off-hooray! Only bad thing was the terrible weather here in rainy England.

But I did manage to rest and not do any school work (although I'm paying for it now with reports due soon).

I guess I technically did a bit of school work. I had to take the opportunity to update some of the math journal activities in my TPT store and finally get my second grade place value printables finished!!

 

Next--------> 6 weeks left of school!! The major things are reports, parent conferences and our big play!!

I have got to say that our lovely students are off to a great start with this play and I am enjoying this sweet time of the year with them. Despite the lack of stability with our admin, and high turnover of staff, I thoroughly enjoy my students and the subjects I get to teach. I am fortunate that I get to focus on a few subjects instead of teaching everything, in addition to teaching across a couple year levels. It's nice to get to know the children throughout the school this way. I must remember this when the gossip and low staff morale get me down!!

Have a great day!! 

almost forgot my fencing picture!!

 

Why does it feel so good to throw stuff away?!

Wow!! It is seriously pathetic how happy I am about the amount of stuff in my classroom that I threw out!!

First I started with the school library (which has been a bit neglected). I got the OK from the headteacher to clear out unwanted books and donate them somewhere....my husband and I filled the car. The library is looking so much better!

Then I moved onto my classroom. Teachers from the past have left lots behind. I was unable to use any of the cupboards (there's only 3 as it's a very small classroom!!) because it was full of junk!

Again, my husband and I filled the car and went to the dump/recycle center and it feels like I've lost weight or something...does that make sense? Like dumping all that stuff (none of it was even mine!!) has taken 10 pounds off my classroom-ha ha!

It just feels so nice to have a non-cluttered, simple, organized classroom. I also made my copies for the first month of school and now feel ready! We have another week until we go back, so next week I hope to relax, read and rest.

I wanted to share some freebies:
This is from last year, but I updated it and wanted to share it again. It's for rules or aims for your class (maybe more uppergrade as there aren't pictures).

We discuss the aims of our class and then the children work in partners, coloring in the words and I hang it on the walls. Click here if you want it!

I also just made this:

 Students glue in heading, roll dice and draw shapes! Grab it here : )

Off to bed! Have a great weekend!
Kelli xx

Journal Giveaway + Summer Lovin'

Hello!! For those that have started school already, I hope your year is off to a great start! I still have a few more weeks of relaxing (although I will go in next week to make copies and clean out my classroom).

Here's some photos from last weekend's {local} travel for a wedding:

(giveaway after the pics!)

forgot my camera so these are from the internet!

OK!! The giveaway!!

My kindergarten and first grade math bundles are finished!!! (second grade is coming)...

click on picture for more info

click on picture

 The giveaway!!

Hope to hear from you! I'm off to 'tea' at a friend's. Tea time in England-gotta love it!

Kelli xx

Journals freebie and TPT update

Hello!!! I've been busy busy busy. I first want to tell you about a concert I went to this week. 

I don't know if you've heard of her, but she is my favorite!!!!

Her name is Regina Spektor.

Please have a listen:

http://youtu.be/wigqKfLWjvM

here's another (loooove):

http://youtu.be/AGNfE7r-Vdc 

Oh it was a great concert. I was mesmerized.

Next, I have updated my addition printables--have a look!

 

I've also got a freebie for you!! It's data and graphing (for journals of course!) for kindergarten. Hope you like it! Click on the picture to download.

I also wanted to show you something that I'm working on:

Well, I've put it off long enough...time to mop the floor and finish cleaning! Have a great weekend!

Kelli xx

summer! & place value update!

I know many of you are getting ready to go back to school, but I have just finished school 2 weeks ago, so I am finally getting to rest and relax! 

Here's what I'm up to...I would love to hear what you did this summer!!!

1. Museums

 2. Parks

3. Cooking

 4. Bible study & Book study

 5. Anything! 
Thank you letters, teaching resources, skype with family and friends, coffee with friends

Finally finished this!!!

So tell me about your summer!

Oh and did you see this?

Kelli xx

Kdg Counting and Cardinality: Part 2!!

I am relaxed already on day 2 of summer break!! Hope you're enjoying your summer!

I have finished Part 2 of my K.CC for math journals pack (K.CC.4/5/6/7)...take a look if you enjoy using journals in your class!

Word Problems for JOURNALS!

Hello!! So loving this song-click and listen to 30 seconds of it!

How was your week? Mine was GREAT! My heart feels like this right now:

I am feeling more settled than ever, into this city, being a wife, building friendships, my place in our church (how best to serve), and now a JOB!

It has been confirmed officially that I will finish out the school year and continue on in September!! I got to tell my students on Friday and their reaction was the sweetest thing ever and a priceless moment. 

This job has really touched me more than any other year, perhaps because it's a job that has stretched me so out of my comfort zone! God always has a plan and handing control over to him is always the best way.

In other news, here is my latest journal resource: word problems for 1st and 2nd Grade!! I worked a little bit about once a week for ages, and I hope it will save you time and paper. The word problems cover measurement, money, addition, subtraction etc. 

 Moving along, have you been to Mrs. Terhune's blog? She has got so many organizational ideas and anchor charts-I'm really loving her pictures!

 I'm a bit all over the place, but the next thing on my mind is our field trip tomorrow to Hampton Court Palace! With our studies on the Tudors and Stuarts, I know we'll learn even more about Henry VIII. Wish me luck (field trips always stress me out)!

Tell me about your week!!
Kelli xx