A Friday Mash-Up {Freebies, Decor, Giveaway, and More!}

This post is going to be a mash up of a few different topics, so sit back and enjoy the random :)

Today is a SNOW DAY here in North Texas, which is actually more like an ice day.

 

It's bittersweet because it's definitely nice to have one less day of crazy before the winter break, but come June when we have to go one day longer- that's going to be rough!

 

Here is a precious video of my pups playing in the backyard. They weren't sure at first, but they eventually decided it was OK. (sidenote: Could you imagine running around out there in your bare feet? Dogs are so much better equipped for the elements!)

 

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Now to link up with Doodle Bugs for some Five for Friday! :)

 

 

This week we read Grumpy Badger's Christmas and talked a LOT about the story elements. I just love this book! I think it's really good to discuss problem/solution and also how characters can change from the beginning to the end of a story.

I had my class get in groups of 3-4, and they had to write down the problem and the solution for the problem on a post it note.

I just *love* the way this one spelled grumpy :)

 

They loved the book and I caught many of them reading it to themselves during free choice reading time throughout the week. :) 

 

We also did a retelling sheet on the book. Look for it as a FREEBIE at the end of this post!

 

 Our focus in writing this week was How-To writing and my kids LOVED it and truthfully, so did I!

We started off talking about how someone learns to do something if they can't ask anyone about it. After a lot of suggestions, one of them said that you could read it in a book. DING DING DING! :)

I explained all about How-To writing and we watched a Brain Pop Jr video.

I modeled a how to by writing about how to decorate a Christmas tree. They kiddos gave me suggestions and I showed them how to put it in order.

The next day, we did more of a shared writing on how to make hot chocolate. Then, they did this little graphic organizer to put the steps in order and draw a picture!  

This one is a little artist :)

 Continuing our how-to writing, on Thursday we talked all about how to build a snowman. I let them talk with partners and we talked as a class. Then, I let them get to it on their own. A few of them were SO excited to get to do it by themselves, and I was quite impressed because even my kiddos who normally struggle with writing had a great time!

 

After they used their very best first grade handwriting, they got to start on the craft to go with it! :)

 

 

Another tradition for first graders at my school are to make stockings. Then, everyone brings in a class set of trinkets or candies or pencils and the kiddos get to pass them out.

At our party, they get to dig in and see what all they got!

 

It's super simple! And in case you want to do it too, here are the steps we follow:

Cut out 2 stocking patterns for each student.

Glue around the edges but leave the top open.

Punch holes all the around and then string the stocking.

Glue cotton to the top.

(I do this last step) Write names in pencil, then go over with glue and glitter (or use a glitter pen).  

Hang and enjoy!

 

 I got my decorations up! I am so excited to have my own place to decorate this year. (The past 2 Christmases we've been living with family). I don't have a LOT of stuff, but that's OK. I will go clearance shopping this year and then next year I'll have more! :) I'm linking up with Christina Bainbridge from Bunting, Books, and Bainbridge for her décor linky party!

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And now for some FREEBIES for Freebie Friday with Teaching Blog Addict! Click the picture to snag your freebie from my TpT store. I'd appreciate your feedback!

 

 

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And, last but not least, because you have read all the way to the end of this post, I would like to announce a GIVEAWAY!  

 

To enter, all you have to do is follow my blog on Bloglovin' and follow my TpT store. Once you do those 2 things, you'll also be able to earn 2 more entries by blogging about the giveaway and linking back here with my graphic! :)
 

The winner will be announced on Wednesday December 11th at 6pm CST. Good luck!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway