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

sweet award

Thank you so much to Becky at Musings from the Foreign Teacher, and Michelle at Big Time Literacy, for nominating me for the Liebster award!! I am so happy to be recognized (especially since I feel like I've been away from blogging forever!)

To accept the nomination I must:
1. Link back to the blog that nominated me.
2. Nominate 5-11 blogs with fewer than 200 followers.
3. Answer the questions posted for me by my nominator.
4. Share 11 random facts about myself.
5. Create 11 questions for my nominees.
6. Contact my nominees and let them know I nominated them.

OK, I will probably just pick a few questions from each person so it's not too many for you to read. 

Becky's Questions:

1. Why did you get into teaching? I got into teaching because a) I had an awesome time in school myself. Loved the structure, loved the specials, loved the social time. Love. b) I'd rather hang out with kids than adults. I am quite a big kid myself.

fond memories of listening to the librarian

2. What is your favourite age to teach? Why? Oohh. Tough question. I've spent a lot of time in kindergarten and first grade, but in the last couple years I've stretched myself with fourth and fifth grade. I'm pretty smitten with uppergrade now. But I still love K-2 as well.

3. What was your favourite subject in school? Spelling! Man I could spell! Science was my worst.

4. What type of music do you like? Lots! Temper Trap, Gotye, Rhianna, Coldplay, Regina Spektor. All over the place.

5. What is your most annoying habit? I put things off. Then I feel like everything comes at once. But really I should prioritize better.

6. What is your favourite word? Right now it's Muggins. This comes from a (not-so-nice) British word 'mug' as in stupid or gulliable (example: 'Don't be such a mug!' Or,' You're muggin' me off in front of my mates!'). Anyway, my husband and I think it's funny and we say Muggins as a nicer way of using it in public and we work it into any sentence. Silly. (have you heard this word Becky?)

 

Michelle's Questions:

1. When did you know you wanted to be a teacher? Probably in high school when I worked in a daycare. It felt very natural.

2. How long have you been teaching? I've lost count with all my moving around. 11 years I think. Can't believe it!

3. What subjects/grades have you taught? What is your current position? I've taught (through a variety of full year contracts or maternity covers), K-6, 3-5 gifted, Reading Specialist (Literacy Lab) and a New Arrivals Programme (English and Math to refugees and immigrants to Australia). The last was my absolute favorite.

English Language School in Australia

4. What is your biggest accomplishment as a teacher? Creating a safe, fun, positive atmosphere in the classroom (I try anyway!)

5. Any special summer break plans? Make the most of London! Museums, parks, beach. And rest.

 

Natural History Museum in London

6. What is your secret super power? I have endless enthusiasm/energy when I teach lessons, regardless of how tired I am. 

 

Random Facts (I'll keep it short as I feel I've made this really long):

*I have to work SUPER hard at all things technological. It is all very foreign to me.

*I don't like scary movies. At all.

*My husband and I got married in a hotel in Wimbledon.

*I don't watch sports (except the Olympics) which is surprising as I grew up playing sports! I don't mind rugby though.

*I love hot chai tea lattes. Yum. 

 

 Blogs I nominate and love:

Ladybug's Teacher Files

Fifth in the Middle

Rambling About Reading 

Young Teacher Love 

Finding JOY in 6th Grade 

 

 

Off to bed!!

Kelli xx 

Birthday SALE!!

 Hope you're having a great day!!! A sale in honor of my birthday!! Click here for the sale!

Remember, you're only as old as you feel! Be silly and have some fun today!

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!