Monday, July 21, 2014

Number of the Day Books

So today I made the dreaded trip to school to officially "kick off" work.  Teachers go back Aug. 4th, but I have some serious anxiety attacks at night (the hubby hates them, then stays up all night keeping watch over me) and it's just no fun for anyone if I don't get started early.

Today the hubby was on shift so I thought it'd be a perfect time to drag my two helpers along and put them to work.

My oldest daughter is going into middle school (sniff, sniff) and was a terrific helper today!  I'm so going miss having her at my school, she's been at my school since Kinder :(  Sadsville!
And....well.....my youngest thought it was cool to hang out in the lunch tub....*gag* (thankfully the custodian washed it out over summer)

ANYWHO.....I went to work to make my Number of the Day books for my kiddos.
I spent the greater part of my morning copying them so I could hole punch and bind them.  I went a little OCD on them and made every 10th page a color.
This is the cover....if you've purchased this packet, please go and re-download it so you get the cover page.  I'll let the kiddos color it on the first day of school.

Each page has the number word, a space to write the numerals, a number bond, 10-more, 10-less, 1-more, 1-less frame, ten frames, tens/ones columns, and a place to write addition and subtraction problems.  
I plan to do our number of the day whole group and then let the kids do it in their books.
And the finished product! It feels SOOOO good to have this marked off of my to-do list!  I pray I sleep well tonight.  Go check it out at TpT: Number of the day.
And right when you think it was a good idea to bring your kids and use them as free labor....I heard "Mom, Mom, look, I'm a floating head.....take a picture"   OY VEY!!!

Monday, July 14, 2014

Vegas Baby!

So I was able to talk my sweet friend and teammate into going to Vegas with me for the I Teach 1st! conference.  It was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!!  We both walked away with so many great ideas and memories.  I was SUPER DUPER thrilled to meet some of the bloggers that I've been following for a few year, and I was even excited to spot a few across the room.

We drove to Vegas and once we toted our crap (sure with the men were there for that part) ALL through the Canal shops AND through the Casino, we finally found check in and got up to our room.  After making a few trips to the car (yes we hauled that much stuff with us) we went to the conference to get our stuff.  We were full of all sorts of nervous excitement!  I mean.....2 moms, kid and husband free in VEGAS!


 
Yes we had to pose for a cute photo op.  Thank's SDE for a great opportunity.
We ventured out on the strip and made it out of Sephora just in time for the volcano at the Mirage to erupt.  So cool!  We were all about the free entertainment.
This is the beautiful view (aside from the nasty roof top below) from our room up on the 23rd floor.

We made it to the keynote speaker, Marc Brown, author of Arthur, with plenty of time to take a selfie. 
After an amazing day learning we did a little shopping in the exhibit hall and spotted Greg from www.thekindergartensmorgasboard.com, go check out his page for some great ideas.
On Wednesday night we went to the blogger meet up.....holy cow!  It was filled with superstars whom I admire and want to me like one day.  It was also PACKED with people, to the point of shouting at each other to talk, but it was nothing shy of amazing.

I was able to meet Rachelle from www.whattheteacherwants.blogspot.com and she's also known from www.forblognesssake.blogspot.com for losing 100 pounds on her fitness journey.  This gal is so super sweet and full of life....again, I kindda wanna be like her when I grow up.

And this gal....O-M-G....celebrity sighting!  This is my new friend (hope she's ok with that) Kristin from www.ateenytinyteacher.com   I have been reading her blog for probably 2 years now and she is a hoot!  Kelly and I totally want her to join our team because she is just that amazing.  Again, so super sweet and down to earth.

These are some fellow bloggers from Arizona. I look forward to meeting up with these ladies again.  It was so busy and loud, we didn't really get a chance to chat...soon we will!

And THANK YOU www.teacherspayteachers.com for our little treat!  It calmed the nerves!
After the blogger meet up we decided that we needed some dessert!  We had the best chocolate cheesecake and cake ever!
This week Kelly and I gained so much knowledge, new friends and became so much closer. I am so thankful that you are on my team Kel....until next year!  #KellyandAmberDoVegas






Friday, July 11, 2014

Holy Whirlwind Batman!!!

To say this summer has been busy is a bit of an understatement!  I started my summer with 1 quiet, peaceful, unplanned week.  Week 2 I took a very intensive math class, ALL day EVERY day.  Weeks 3-6 we went on a road trip to West Virginia and finally week 7 I was in Vegas for the I Teach 1st! Conference.  Right now my head is spinning knowing that I only have 3 weeks left of summer.  3 weeks to cram everything in and to prep for the school year.

At the 1st grade conference I learned so many new tricks and tips that I need to spend a whole day just rereading my notes and blog hopping to remember it all.  I'm pretty sure that might happen tomorrow, in my PJ's and in my bed.

I will be posting some of my new ideas, so keep checking back.  I will also post a few of the pics from Vegas and vacation.

...Off to do laundry and grocery shopping...oh the joy!