Saturday, October 25, 2014



Liebster Award

I'd like to thank Little Miss EduGatorkinderdoodlezMy Life at the Pencil Sharpener,  and lisateachr  for nominating me for the Liebster award!!! 



1. Why and how long ago did you start blogging?

I started blogging this past summer. This was the first summer that I wasn't working at a camp or taking classes and I needed something fun to fill my time.

2. What one word sums up the heart of your blog and why? 

Sharing: I love sharing ideas and activities that have worked in my classroom. I also offer Freebies with many of my posts.

 3. Is there something you learned late in your blog journey you wished you knew before?

Google+ can be a great way to network and get your blog noticed.

4. What is your favorite past time other than blogging?

 I love to go hiking. We actually have some pretty decent trails here in Jersey.

5. How many hours per week do you dedicate to your blog? 

Not enough :( I typically spend 2 hours a week networking and promoting but I would like to dedicate more time to creating quality posts.

6. What category of blog posts do you enjoy the most?

I love seeing activities and tips in action. Seeing the inside of other classrooms, it helps inspire my own teaching.

7. Where does your blog inspiration come from? 

I get most of my inspiration from my own classroom. If I find something that works I share it.

8. Of which post that you have written are you most proud?

  I loved sharing my classroom makeover. My family and friends loved seeing it all come together.

9. Is there any post you have been planning to do, but have been postponing it for a while now?

I've been meaning to do a post on sensory activities. I just need to collect some great images to make the post come to life.

10. What is your favorite aspect of blogging?

I love connecting with other educators. I have a great Kindergarten team and we share everything, but it is nice to see what people are doing in other districts and states.

11. Which recipe, project, or idea on my blog would you be most likely to try yourself?  

Little Miss EduGator- I love your Q-Tip Skeletons, they would be perfect for Halloween.
KinderdoodlezI love your First Day of Kindergarten Frame, too cute!
My Life at the Pencil Sharpener- I love your meet the author box! I always kick off writing with Library Mouse, what a cute extension.
LisaTeachR's- I love your post about Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. My Kinders love Moe!!
My Nominees:
To those who have been nominated, here are the "official" rules for accepting:
1. In your post, link back to the blogger who nominated you as a thank you and "shout out." (Follow their blog if you haven't already!)  
2. Answer the 11 questions given to you (the ones I answered above).
3. Nominate 5- 11 blogs of your choice that each have less than 200 followers. Provide them with 11 questions to answer or have them answer the questions above.
4. Let your nominees know that they've been nominated and provide them with a link to your post so that they can accept.
5. Send your nominator a link to your post so that s/he can learn more about you as well! (You can just put your post link in the comments below!) 

Friday, October 3, 2014

Tricks and Treats Blog Hop

Hi everyone,
Is it just me or has this year been whizzing right by? I can't believe we are already in October!! Today I am teaming up with Mrs.Pelmonskindergarten and other teacher bloggers to bring you this Tricks and Treats Blog Hop.

As the title of my blog suggests, I love anchor charts.  I always find such cute anchor charts on
Pintrest, you know the ones I'm thinking of. These anchor charts must be made by some REALLY talented teachers. They  put mine rushed, slanted writing to shame.

Here are a few tips for creating anchor charts that pop....


1) Plan your spacing and arrangement:
I have 13 students so I always figure out how much room I need for each of their responses and leave room for the tile and embellishments.

2) Use bright colored markers to make important text stand out:
I picked up these really cute Scentos smelly markers at the craft store. They make my anchor charts really stand out. Plus the kids have fun guessing what the smell will be.

3)When all else fails, make a computer template:
I have to admit I do not have cute teacher handwriting, its something that I am working on. I will often create my titles or labels in PowerPoint using cute font and fun colors. I've been really attracted to KG Second Chances Font. You can download a free version here, but you have to buy a commercial license if you intend to sell any of your creations.  



Here is an example of a my computer embellished What Writes Write About anchor chart. The day before I presented the lesson I asked the students to brain storm about the topic. I then took their topic ideas and some ideas I had and got to work looking for cute clipart. I found all of these images for free at mycutegraphics.com.

You can snag your own copy of my anchor chart here. I love Freebies

I hope these tricks help you create beautiful and and useful anchor charts in your classroom. Now hop on over to see the tricks and treats the others have in store.