Summer Blog Hop

Summer has finally arrived in Western Kentucky!  Since our last day of school was this past Friday (after several winter snow days), we are at the finish line for another school year!  My precious Kinders are all ready for first grade, we've said our tearful goodbyes, and our sights are now set on the next school year.

BUT FIRST... I am blessed to enjoy a summer with my own sweet children (ages 9, 5, and almost 3).  We make a Bucket List within the first few days we are home together of all the things we plan to do to pass our easy stay-at-home summer days.  Activities may include something as simple as a backyard picnic and themed movie night, to something as complex as a family vacation or project. My girls and I love keeping up with our list as the days progress!  It helps make sure we are mixing in lots of fun activities, surprises, and even a little learning, too.

Check out my Pinterest Board full of fun summer activity ideas!

SUMMER FUN ON PINTEREST

Edit 5.30.15: You can still find this summer resource in my shop at TpT, but the free promotion is expired. :)

Check out my fun freebie for a limited time only!  "My Summer Journal" is perfect for primary students.  It can be used as a year-end review, during summer intervention sessions, or for a fun way to practice reading, math, science, and other basic skills at home over the summer.

Enter here for a GREAT summer resource 

PLUS a $10 TpT Gift Card!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Earth Day!

Have you checked out the new Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)?

For the past year or so teachers at my school have been working to adjust our science curriculum to meet these standards and it has been tough!  For my team of Kindergarten teachers it has been hard to "let go" of some favorite topics and themes in order to make time to address the rigor of our new standards.  BUT, I have truly enjoyed incorporating the engineering standards!  

21st Century Students are practically crying out for more lessons that involve multiple levels of thinking and melding various topics that apply to "real-world!"

One topic that we all love to teach that has not been moved to another grade, though, is Earth Day!

NGSS-K-ESS3-3.	Communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on the land, water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment.

In a couple of weeks we will dive into a unit on the 3 R's and culminate our various themes from the entire year that pertain to the Earth (ie. plants, animals, weather, and even maps/globes).  I think the topic of Earth Day appeals to primary students and teachers alike because it is a call to action that knows no limit in age.  Anyone can help care for our earth and everyone should!

Some favorite Earth Day books:

Why Should I Save Water? By Jen Green

Our House is Round By Yolanda Kondonassis

Recycle Every Day By Nancy Elizabeth Oliver

It's Earth Day By Mercer Myer

The Earth and I By Frank Asch

What Does it Mean to Be Green? By Rana DiOrio

The Lorax By Dr. Seuss

Harry Kindergarten has the best songs and videos on YouTube... His Earth Day songs are fun and catchy!

And... check out my new Earth Day freebie!

Now that I have shared it's your turn!  

Link up any and all of your favorite Earth Day blog posts, products, freebies, and pins here for the next week as we plan to celebrate our wonderful planet!

An InLinkz Link-up

April Currently

April?!?  It's already April?!?!  

I cannot believe how fast this school year has flown by... It is true... time really does fly when you are having fun!

Take a peek at my month as I join "Oh' Boy 4th Grade" for another monthly "Currently" link-up!

 It's Spring Break in Kentucky!  I am enjoying some quality family time!

Find out how your students spent their break and get them writing as soon as you return with this fun FREEBIE!