2 month TPT anniversary

It's officially been two months since I uploaded my first paid item.  Here are my stats:

50 followers 

32 products

I've sold 261 units.

Earnings:  $411.29

I'm feeling very blessed and appreciative to everyone who has supported me.  Thank you!

Can I buy these in bulk?

Random Post for the day.....

BEST

Christmas Candy

EVER!!!!

Do I need to go on?

Free "App" of the Week

Every week, I try to include a FREE educational app in my weekly newsletter.  I introduce the app to my students at the beginning of the week.  When they visit the iPad Center during the week, they have a chance to play that particular app.  At this point in the year, I actually "lock" my iPad so they only have access to play that one app.

Click here to find out how to lock your iPad so children can only play one app.

Click here to download this week's FREE app.  

Turkey Words

My Class Song

I love, love, love this song!  I wish we could play it over the loud speaker every afternoon.  During my "Meet-the-Teacher" QR Code Scavenger Hunt, I had the students and parents listen to this song at one of the stations.  Now, we listen to this song every Friday afternoon before we go home.  It's honestly my favorite part of the week.

Click here to download the lyrics.

Ranger Cookies

Yummy, yummy, yummy!

Ranger Cookies are one of my favorite type of cookies.  Coconut and Rice Krispies seem like a weird combination, but I promise you won't be disappointed.  

Click here to download the recipe.

Keep in touch with PARENTS!

As a mom, I absolutely love it when my children's teachers keep me informed of what is going on in their classroom.  The more reminders the better because let's face it- we're busy people and sometimes forget things.

Here is a list of ways I keep my parents updated.  I promise it's not as hard and time consuming as it looks.

1.  EMAIL
At the beginning of the year, parents fill out a form with important information.  This includes an email address for mom and dad.  (Click here to grab this FREEBIE.)  I send out email updates about two or three times a week.  I admit that seems like a lot, but again I feel like parents need a lot of reminders.

2.  Weekly Newsletters
I send home a newsletter every week with important announcements, as well as a joke, free app, and weekly website.  (Click here to view an example of my newsletter.)

3.  Keep an updated website.
I try very hard to update my website once a week.  I upload my weekly homework plan, as well as my newsletters, study guides, and school announcements.  If you don't have access to create a class website through your school, then try out Weebly or Shutterfly.  

4.  Twitter
I created a Twitter account this year for my parents and students.  I absolutely LOVE it!  It's easy and fun.  I also try very hard to only send out NEW information via Twitter.  That means I put stuff on Twitter that I do NOT send in an email or mention in my newsletter.

5.  Text Messages
I signed up at Remind101 this year and think it's absolutely fantastic!  Parents can receive FREE text messages about things going on in your classroom.  Again, I try to ONLY send out NEW information via text.  My goal is for a  parent to sign up for email, twitter, and text messages.  Therefore, I try not to duplicate the information I send out.

6.  Blog
I created a class blog that I try to update with pictures of things that happen in our class.  I want this year's students to start visiting it on a weekly basis, so I've started posting questions for them to answer.  (Click here to check it out.)

Thanksgiving Plays

     

      During my fourth year of teaching, I saw two Thanksgiving Plays in a teacher resource book.  I immediately copied them, passed them out, and told the students to memorize their lines.  At that time, it didn't even occur to me to tell them to wear costumes.  My-oh-my.... times have changed!

      Over the years, I've made many changes to my Thanksgiving Plays.  At one point, I decided to create my own plays based on those "original" two plays.  I've added different parts to fit the size of my class.  I've added a little humor.  I've added costumes.  I've added props.  

      Every year gets a little better.  I pass out the plays the day after Halloween.  Everyone has at least three lines.  The students are told to memorize their plays.  Students are told to wear costumes.  (I've actually had quite a few costumes donated over the years, so I happily pass those out to the students that need them.)  Parents and families are invited to watch the performances.  I also invite my administration to view the plays.  It really is quite impressive if I do say so myself.

Click here to view this year's plays.