We are only just beginning to realize the potential for prizes to mobilize global expertise and accelerate innovation in education.

Have you seen these things??? They are Ah-Mazing!!! My school is about to go bananas over these!!! What are they? SPIRIT STICKS!!! created by a teacher of course these are the newest and greatest things around how do they work? WELL - different ways they are incentives to bring things back like signed papers or library books they can help with attendance, food drives, or PTO membership they encourage good behavior and good grades they can be awards for joining clubs and having good manners SO MUCH these STICKS can do... first your students need the spirit stick key ring (which you can sell and use that profit to fund your sticks) and then you order some sticks that you can give away like... these honor roll sticks each color represents a six week period OR PTO can give these away when the parents join or perfect attendance sticks can be given out every 6 weeks too or THEN you can pick some STICKS that you can sell you want to make these limited edition so they are special and the kiddos want them you sell them for $1 each the sales of these helps offset the cost of the ones you give away examples of some we are going to sell are: this set has one stick per month... so what we are going to do is sell the apple one only in August and then the leaf in Sept. and the Pumpkin in Oct. here are a few more we want to sell and then there are these.. and these I am telling you these are the newest incentives and the kids are going to go CRAY CRAY over them AND GUESS WHAT??? Spirit Monkey is making me a deal if I can get 200 people to head on over to their FB page and LIKE their page AND tag themselves in the pic below they will not only give one of the new followers 200 Spirit Key Rings BUT I get 200 for my school too!!! YOU HAVE TO LIKE THE FB PAGE and you tag yourself in the pic *****UPDATE AS OF 3:58pm on 6-4-2012****** the pic is NOT allowing anymore TAGs because too many tags are on it so LIKE the picture and be sure to LIKE THE FB PAGE too thanks for your understanding!!! love ya SO head on over to SPIRIT MONKEY's FB PAGE by clicking on the pic below and look around... leave a note that I sent YA While you are there... tell them FARLEY sent ya!!! remember 200 is the magic number look around when you go over there they post new pics regularly so make sure you look under wall pictures to find the pic above a Rafflecopter giveaway **********squirrel********** HOLLA it is that time again... CURRENTLY TIME the last question is ALL about trips WISH you could go here WENT here this hear WANT to go here this summer I would LOVE to go to the Galapagos Islands trouble is I am scared to fly and I think I have to get to Ecuador and well that ain't gonna happen and then you have to cruise to the islands and I read a really upsetting article about how tourism is ruining the islands and well I won't support that I went to Rockport, TX this year it was possibly the best weekend trip I have taken with my little fam of 3 I want to head to The Sip (Mississippi) this summer a LOT of my fam lives there and they have NOT seen bub so hubs and I are working out the details for this to happen and if it does I am sure you will see pics!!! *wink* OK here is yours.... **********squirrel********** BEFORE I let you link up look over on my sidebar and do not forget to join the Teacher Block Partay click on your grade level and LINK up!!! AND don't forget to head on over to Spirit Monkey's FB page and LIKE and TAG it is so worth it :) **********squirrel**********

I am a Step2 Ambassador and am partnering with Step2 for the following review. I received a product in exchange for my review and honest opinion. This post contains affiliate links. If you are a toddler mom, like me, I can bet that you go through A LOT of bubbles around your house. Toddlers are […]

Make these DIY Bubble Blowers and have a blast making bubbles. They're great bubble wands and will make the cutest decorations for your pool party!

Read more about a powerful and positive classroom management tool for the whole class. It has been used successfully with thousands students!

Here are a few more designs i have added to my porfolio. I just volunteer face paint for small events, i think its alot of fun, let me know what you think!! Ballons batman symbol football scull and cross bones rainbow

We are sharing an Easy Sidewalk Chalk Art project that anyone can do. This Mosaic Sidewalk Chalk Art is a great way for the kids and adults to play outside. CHALK ART A really simple and fun way to get outdoors and off of electronics is to create some chalk art on your driveway or

I incorporate character traits into each of my classroom guidance lessons. I've mentioned before that my school district focuses on eight specific character

Have you seen these things??? They are Ah-Mazing!!! My school is about to go bananas over these!!! What are they? SPIRIT STICKS!!! created by a teacher of course these are the newest and greatest things around how do they work? WELL - different ways they are incentives to bring things back like signed papers or library books they can help with attendance, food drives, or PTO membership they encourage good behavior and good grades they can be awards for joining clubs and having good manners SO MUCH these STICKS can do... first your students need the spirit stick key ring (which you can sell and use that profit to fund your sticks) and then you order some sticks that you can give away like... these honor roll sticks each color represents a six week period OR PTO can give these away when the parents join or perfect attendance sticks can be given out every 6 weeks too or THEN you can pick some STICKS that you can sell you want to make these limited edition so they are special and the kiddos want them you sell them for $1 each the sales of these helps offset the cost of the ones you give away examples of some we are going to sell are: this set has one stick per month... so what we are going to do is sell the apple one only in August and then the leaf in Sept. and the Pumpkin in Oct. here are a few more we want to sell and then there are these.. and these I am telling you these are the newest incentives and the kids are going to go CRAY CRAY over them AND GUESS WHAT??? Spirit Monkey is making me a deal if I can get 200 people to head on over to their FB page and LIKE their page AND tag themselves in the pic below they will not only give one of the new followers 200 Spirit Key Rings BUT I get 200 for my school too!!! YOU HAVE TO LIKE THE FB PAGE and you tag yourself in the pic *****UPDATE AS OF 3:58pm on 6-4-2012****** the pic is NOT allowing anymore TAGs because too many tags are on it so LIKE the picture and be sure to LIKE THE FB PAGE too thanks for your understanding!!! love ya SO head on over to SPIRIT MONKEY's FB PAGE by clicking on the pic below and look around... leave a note that I sent YA While you are there... tell them FARLEY sent ya!!! remember 200 is the magic number look around when you go over there they post new pics regularly so make sure you look under wall pictures to find the pic above a Rafflecopter giveaway **********squirrel********** HOLLA it is that time again... CURRENTLY TIME the last question is ALL about trips WISH you could go here WENT here this hear WANT to go here this summer I would LOVE to go to the Galapagos Islands trouble is I am scared to fly and I think I have to get to Ecuador and well that ain't gonna happen and then you have to cruise to the islands and I read a really upsetting article about how tourism is ruining the islands and well I won't support that I went to Rockport, TX this year it was possibly the best weekend trip I have taken with my little fam of 3 I want to head to The Sip (Mississippi) this summer a LOT of my fam lives there and they have NOT seen bub so hubs and I are working out the details for this to happen and if it does I am sure you will see pics!!! *wink* OK here is yours.... **********squirrel********** BEFORE I let you link up look over on my sidebar and do not forget to join the Teacher Block Partay click on your grade level and LINK up!!! AND don't forget to head on over to Spirit Monkey's FB page and LIKE and TAG it is so worth it :) **********squirrel**********

Here are some of my favorite finds of the week...I just can't get enough of Pinterest! Great Resource for Six Traits Writing...love the printable posters! Link Love this writing idea...we are a latex free school (No balloons) I was thinking ping-pong balls that are spray painted pink???? Link Great idea for area and perimeter Link My fraction unit is coming up! Link New slips for my buckets! Link

Reward your kiddos for attending school with these fun, monthly themed Perfect Attendance Awards. September-June Awards are included in this pack! :)

Kid-approved field day activities including everyone's favorite water games, relays, and more! The most epic list of field day games ever!

I promised a while back to post about our superfun Literacy Night. We had a good turnout and the families who came seemed to really enjoy t...

A teaching blog full of ideas, tips, and resources.

The Happy Doodles Clipart set is perfect for all your celebrations. The Happy Doodles Clipart set is full of 20 fun graphics for all the sweet moments in life. Perfect for stationery, scrapbooking, embroidery and so much more. PNG format (300dpi with transparent background) JPG format (300dpi with white background) EPS format (Adobe Illustrator version 8) Clipart Included: a rainbow, two peace signs, a heart peace sign, heart with arrow, four hearts, four flowers, three butterflies, ice cream cone, a cupcake, a sunshine, a star { I N S T A N T - D O W N L O A D } ---------------------------------- Once your payment has been confirmed, you will have two ways of downloading your files. ◊ You will receive an email from Etsy that will contain download links. Click on the 'View your files on Etsy' button. You will then be taken to a download page where you can download a zip file of your purchase. (Please check your junk mail or spam folders if you do not see your notification email in your inbox). ◊ You can also access your download by going to https://www.etsy.com/your/purchases and clicking on the download button next to the item you purchased. For more help, https://www.etsy.com/help/article/3949?ref=help_search_result { I N F O R M A T I O N } ----------------- ◊ Artwork is created in vector image software and saved at 300 dpi resolution. ◊ Artwork formats: JPG (white background), PNG (transparent background) and EPS. ◊ All artwork is suitable for digital, print or web. ◊ All download files will be in ZIP format. ◊ Please note color may vary slightly from color on screen when printed. { T E R M S - OF - U S E } --------------------------- You may use these for personal and small commercial use projects. You may NOT resell as clipart or AS IS or as part of DIGITAL SET. Copyright remains with Goodness & Fun. You must give credit to Goodness & Fun anywhere it is used/displayed. Examples: credit in product description where posted, on product itself. Your purchase includes a artwork required small commercial use license but if you'd like to use it without giving credit, you will need to purchase a $20 commercial license. Any questions, please ask or check out my policy page: http://www.etsy.com/shop/goodnessandfun/policy {Q U E S T I O N S } ----------------- Questions? Please let me know if you have any questions about anything. Looking for something else? http://www.etsy.com/shop/goodnessandfun

5 Rewards that don't lead to Entitlement - here are 5 ideas that can be used to encourage children to take pride in their work, but not feel entitled to rewards.

Find ideas with my End of the Year Activities & FREE Resources! Check out awards, memory books, summer review packets, and a freebie download.

Looking for a fun and cheap way to make your students feel special? Check out these fantastic printable rewards for your music class, just print and cut for an easy and inexpensive reward! (Download the preview to see more images) Includes: 20 pages of printable bracelets (I sang a solo, I played a solo, Rock Star, I had a rock star day, Great day in music) 24 printable crowns (Outstanding Musician, Rock Star, Super Singer, I had a great day in music, I sang a solo, I played a solo) 21 pages of printable stickers (I rocked music class today, I sang a solo, I played a solo, Rock Star, 'note'able work, 'note'able behavior, Music Class Rock Star, 'Sing'sational, I had a great day in music, Bravo, I Rocked Today, Great Work) 40 pages of printable 'notes from your music teacher' Grab a free sample version of Notes from your Music Teacher here.

Hi Folks, Third day of summer vacay and I'm already thinking about what I can do differently next year. Aren't we blessed that way? Finish up a year, feel good about it, but then start fresh next school year. We're so lucky to be able to reinvent ourselves and our classrooms each year. So, my current thinking is about alternative seating. I've been tossing this idea around for a few years now and just haven't taken the leap. I *think* I might be ready to go for it next school year...but I might need a little encouragement {or, "what the heck are you thinking"} from all of you. Here's my thought process... The last few years I've been concerned that my kiddos are coming to me with different needs than what they once did. They just seem more distracted and in need of a faster pace. I started speculating why this was and I do have my thoughts - but it did strike me the other day, that it's just as much about the kids as it is our teaching. Classrooms have changed, expectations have grown. I'm pretty sure the difference in my classroom today versus 15 years ago is a combination of high expectations {developmentally appropriate isn't even in our vocabulary anymore} and kids coming in with different needs/ways of learning {thanks video games and overbooked/overcooked families}. What I do know is I'd like to set up the environment in a way that will help my little ones, who have only been on this earth for 6 whole years - yet are expected to infer, use their schema and perform mental math operations that I still have troubles with, succeed. I do want to put out there that my students have never sat at their desks 6 hours out of any day - we do move around the room during workplaces, science experiments, reader's workshop, etc., but I'm thinking about writer's workshop, and other times during the day when they are sitting on those hard, uncomfortable chairs. So, I'm thinking about bringing alternative seating into my classroom. Before you give me your thoughts let me share with you how I see this looking and working in my classroom. {I definitely have a lot of questions and wonderings too} I'm thinking I want to purchase a couple moon chairs {something like this}... This one is from Walmart - wonder if I can find them somewhere for even cheaper? Butter up my awesome custodian and see if he'll lower a table or two so that I can have this... Miss Hoffman's Class - visit her website for more cool info on alternative seating... I already have lots of pillows, a mini couch, wiggle seats, a rocking chair and a big chair with pillows for the kids to sit on. And our PTA purchased 5 stability balls for me at the end of the school year. PTA purchased ours using Campbell Soup label points I figure I'll keep six first grade desks, and get 3 bigger kid desks and have those raised as high as they will go for my "standers"... Think about how much space I'll have in my room with only 9 desks! I already have a kidney bean table for guided reading - so kids could work there when I'm not. I'm hoping that in the future I can purchase some bean bags to add to the collection. Oh, and I have these guys from IKEA... Only $7.99 at IKEA - and they are strong enough to hold me! I have cute crabby and froggy cushions to go on top. I also have a classroom set of clipboards and might look into purchasing a few lap desks... $15 at Walmart - wonder if I can find them cheaper somewhere? So, here's what's holding me back... 1.Storage. The only investment I have to put into this {so far} are the mushroom chairs {and maybe some lap desks} - everything else I have already. Since I won't have one set "seat" for the students I have to think of ways to store materials such as: *Folders *Math book, handwriting book *Pencil boxes 2. Management *How do I manage who sits where - especially early on. I can see once my kiddos are solid in rules and routines being able to introduce something like alternative seating, but I'm pretty concerned with how this will look at the beginning of the school year. I think it's this piece that's REALLY holding me back, more than management of supplies. I'm still not 100 percent sure if I'm going to take the leap and do this - but I really, really want to. I think it's what my students need to help them stay engaged with this "rigorous curriculum". Buuuutttt....if I don't manage it properly and have all my ducks in a row going into it, it could really go south. {I'm sort of a control freak...sorta, but I'm calming down in the area with age...HA!} Here are a few websites I've found on the topic to help me {and you if you're wondering about it} wrap my brain around it further... Article on Balance Balls and Balance Discs Stability Balls let Kids get out Their Wiggles Using Exercise Balls in School Instead of Chairs Second Grade Paradise Blogged about Alternative Seating Second Grade Paradise - Seating Lessons So, I would REALLY like you to weigh in. What do you think about desks vs. tables? Alternative seating vs. traditional seating? Do you have any ideas for storage if a teacher should opt out of desks? My mind is whirling - but I'm excited about this new venture! Toodles!

I am so excited to share this FUN and MOTIVATIONAL classroom management tools/incentive board…PUNCH IT! This board is super easy to make, only requiring a few tools. How it works is students earn letters (one letter at a time) on the whiteboard every time the class is working well as a whole. For example, if […]

We are a dynamic duo of Kindergarten teachers, dedicated to finding fun and exciting ways to motivate and engage children to learn.

End your year with a bang! Literally.... This product includes 20 ideas to put inside of balloons to countdown until the end of school. Blow up each balloon, fold up a rewards and put it inside! Pop a balloon each day for a new incentive! If students are green or above (good behavior), they get to participate in these fun events. There is a blank sheet to create your own as well! I have also included a list of numbers to tape to the balloons as well as a chart to keep track of each day. Enjoy! ****How to get TPT credit for future purchases:**** Go to your "My Purchases" page. Next to each purchase, you'll see a "Provide Feedback" button. Simply click it and you will be taken to a page where you can give a quick rating and leave a short comment for the product. Each time you give feedback, TPT gives you feedback credits that you may use to lower the cost of your future purchases. I would so appreciate your feedback! If you have any questions about the product or need me to tweak something for you, please email me anytime: [email protected]! Thank you! Click on the green star next to my store logo to receive upcoming sales, freebie and product launches, and email updates!

As the end of the school year approaches, students can often start to wind up. Think “senioritis” when you were a high school senior, but bottle up that same excitement in smaller humans. Every spring, come May or June, even a superstar teacher with the most effective classroom management system in place can still suffer the wrath of (dun dun DUN) chatty class syndrome, or as I like to call it, “June Bug.” Even if something has worked all year long, you may feel the need to reach into your bag of tricks for a little extra reinforcement.

So, I really haven't started my Summer Vacation yet. I've been at school every day since post-planning, well, Mondays-Thursdays anyway, working on my long summer to do list and I've gotten a few things crossed off the list. Here's what I've done so far: I've worked on organizing and correctly cataloging the book sets in the Media Storage room. Here are pictures of my progres: 50 boxes of Guided Reading Sets ready for classroom use A close up of the labels which I made individually for each box Here's a sample of the types of books in the sets. 22 Guided Reading Chapter Book Sets A Close Up of the Chapeter Book Set Labels 12 sets of 30 different books, sorted by ascending reading level A close up of the label on each set Each set is labeled with bright neon labels desginating what set the books belong with to hopefully help keep books together and make them easy to spot if they get mixed in with classroom library books. The books are labeled on the front and the back. Here they all are, nice and organized. Isn't it purdy? ;) That took most of two weeks so I rewarded myself by working on decorating the MC for next year in the "Read Like A Rock Star" theme. Here are pictures of what I've done. I made this using PowerPoint then printed off the slides, laminated and cut everything out. Then I just had to hang it. It's hard to see from this picture, but it reads "Read Like A Rock Star." Then I started on the ciruculation desk. I made a smaller version of the bunting/flags to go here. This is the not quite finished photo. And here's the completed picture. Here is my Return Books desk. And the corner of the circulation desk. This sign says "Welcome Rock Star Readers!" I made a new "how to check out" sign with rock star characters. Then, I moved on to the outside entrance. Here's a close up of the "iReader." The signs reads "iRead...Do U?" And another version of the "Welcome Rock Star Readers!" sign. I used our school's poster maker to make the signs larger. It was so much fun making all the signs and decorations. I even made new Media Center passes, bookmarks and punch cards. If you're interested, I've uploaded some of these items on Teachers Pay Teachers. Click here to get the 8 pack of Media Center/Library Passes. Only $1.00! Click here to get the Group/Table signs. Only $1.50! Click HERE to get the "Read Like A Rock Star" Bookmarks. Only $2.00! Click HERE to get the iReader Punch Card Sampler. If you want it all, you can get the entire pack of all the signs, bookmarks, buntings, passes, punch cards...everything for $7.00. Click here to get it now. Although I've done quite a bit, I still have a few projects left to do like... organize and barcode all of this stuff... and this stuff... and the magazines on these shelves. But after all the hard work these last few weeks, I am ready for a break. We leave for Port St. Joe tomorrow and I can't wait to feel the sand between my toes! What are you busy doing this summer?

As the end of the school year approaches, students can often start to wind up. Think “senioritis” when you were a high school senior, but bottle up that same excitement in smaller humans. Every spring, come May or June, even a superstar teacher with the most effective classroom management system in place can still suffer the wrath of (dun dun DUN) chatty class syndrome, or as I like to call it, “June Bug.” Even if something has worked all year long, you may feel the need to reach into your bag of tricks for a little extra reinforcement.