Wednesday, January 4, 2012

A Blast from the Past

I hope this is not bad blog etiquette (and if it is, someone kindly tell me!) but I want to bring back a few of my favorites that you might have missed if you are new to my blog. Over the break, I went back and followed a few of my favorite blogs from the very beginning. I loved it! But unless I am looking for a certain skill or activity, I really only go back a few posts and then I am off blog hopping again! So, today I want to bring some of my favorites to you in a quick, easy way! =)

The first is my Wish Well Circle. We do this everyday and it only takes about 2 minutes. Today, we welcomed back one of my kiddos who had been absent the past 2 days. As we were about to sing to her, she said she got better faster because she knew we were at school thinking about her and wishing for her to come back to Our School Family because we weren't the same without her! Awwww, I got tears in my eyes! Click on the link above to go to the post and grab the Wish Well Circle *freebies*! Here is a picture of it!


Next, we wander back to some Word Study *freebies*. The reason these came to my mind is next week I have the joy that every K, 1, and 2 teacher in the state of Texas gets to experience...the TPRI! It is a reading inventory that can take up to 45 minutes per child to administer and I always have a headache when I finish...this is when I head to Auntie's Pasta's for an adult beverage!

The 2 tasks on the test that are the most difficult for the majority of my kiddos are deleting the initial and final sounds in a word. O. M. Gosh!!! To share with you what I am so looking forward to, "What is the word cart without the /c/ sound?" Kiddo: "Monkey"!

Some little ears just have a hard time hearing sounds...OY!

I made 2 different bingo games to help teach and build this skill. We play these in a small group.

This one is for deleting the final sound. We talk about how turtles are so slow when they speak that they often forget to say the last sound of the word. Click on the picture to go to the post and grab the *freebie*!



This one is for deleting the initial sound in a word. The Sound Snatcher comes and he is trying to be so quick that he can only get away with stealing the first sound in the word. Click on the picture to go to the post and grab the *freebie*!


Finally, we hop back to one of my kiddos favorite ways to practice our Word Wall words. I bought a class set of small exercise balls at Target...they are about the size of a large lemon. The children bounce the ball for each letter in the word and then bounce it once more it say the word. We usually do it with one child bouncing at a time and everyone else just pretending to bounce while spelling the word (because if not you have balls rolling everywhere). This is great for those kinesthetic learners and helps with hand eye coordination too! I have done this in a center after a LONG talk about the right way to do it and what will happen IF......


I hope you enjoy these and a visit to the "past".

Now to the BIG topic! =)

I recently had a very hurtful comment made about my blog and myself (and let's just say it was NOT from any sweet follower or blog stalker). I, for a moment, had my feelings hurt and then wanted to make a comment back but finally just let it go because it wasn't worth it. I left High School a looonnnnggggg time ago and if I want to be around some catty females I will watch the Bachelor (and thank you sweet Kristin for your post that has made me want to go check it out!).

So, my question of the day is this:
Do you have any bucket dippers or bullies at your school (and I am not talking about the little people)? If you have a juicy story, feel free to vent and share! =)




45 heart notes:

Unknown said...

I haven't had a ton of experience with negativity but Im still newish to blog land.

Don't let the bucket dippers get you down, their just jealous they're not as awesome as you! :)

Unknown said...

You just have to ignore people sometimes...for your own sanity. Just ignore, ignore, ignore! (or at least that's what I do! =)
You are awesome, don't believe anything different!
Jennifer
First Grade Blue SKies

Tara said...

I am so sorry you got a mean comment....I don't get it...I think people are just jealous and miserable and want to steal someone else's joy!! Not nice!! You are super sweet and your blog is awesome and that's that!! I haven't gotten a mean comment yet, but I am sure my time is coming....Just let it go and have a wonderful night! Loved your trip to the past:)

4th Grade Frolics

Unknown said...

I think it's great to bring back some fav. posts every so often.

I do that too especcialy for the new followers who missed out on the oldies but goodies!

I love you blog!

❤ Mor Zrihen ❤
A Teacher's Treasure

Kristin said...

WHAT?! Who said it?! Point me in right direction and I'll tell'em what's what!!! (not really - I hate confrontation but didn't that sound good?) I haven't gotten a "direct" mean comment on my blog (YET) but I did go fishing one day and I completely understand how you're feeling. Just remember every nice comment you have received -- and RE-read them. :)
You're loved by me!
A Teeny Tiny Teacher

Buggy for First Grade said...

I love your blast from the past! So sorry some silly person who doesn't know anything made a mean comment! I LOVE your blog so don't you believe any of that nonsense!
Ms. McBee’s Kinderbugs

Learning with Mrs. Parker said...

Thank goodness for the delete button. It's your blog and you are the moderator.

I love your blog, kindness, and generosity that you share. I love "blasts from the past.". Keep them coming. I have a few more vacation days left.

Miss Squirrels said...

What!
544 people can't be wrong!
We love you and we love your contribution to the blogging world!!!
Staci

Going Nutty!

misssquirrels@yahoo.com

Holly said...

Don't you feel sad for people who can take something so sweet, kind and giving {you and your blog} and find something meanspirited to say? I feel sad for people like that because I think something must be going oh so wrong in their own lives.

You know you rock it out, you know we love you so phooey on them!!!!

I've been at my current school for two years and absolutely LOVE every single person I work with.

My old school had two bullies in, horrible bullies. Oh my goodness...we swore they stayed up at night scheming. It was horrible. Lots of confrontation {where they even involved higher ups}...oh it got ugly!!!!!

Big gigantic hugs to you and your sweetness!

Holly
Crisscross Applesauce in First Grade

Jena Snowden said...

Did someone leave a mean comment or did someone you work with make a mean comment? I have had both happen to me, and either way it is not cool. If it is some one you work with,they are probably envious of your energy, passion, and commitment. It is obvious that you have a teacher's heart.

Jena
1st Grade with Miss Snowden

Erika said...

I worked many years with a grown up bully. It is strange how we let one person bring us down when there a so many building us up. I guess it is human nature. I'm sorry you got a mean comment. It hurts and it's hard to get over. I wish I could give you hug, instead I'll send "wish you well" wishes your way from my heart!

2B Honey Bunch
The Best Endings

Unknown said...

Unfortunately, there are a lot of bullies in elementary education. You would think that with the respect we are all (supposedly) teaching the kids, teachers would consider their own behavior. People will always be around to say hurtful things; you just have to take it in stride and move on.

-Ari

Gretchen said...

I think they are just envious of your fantastic ideas!!! On a different note, 544 followers...HOLY COW!!! If all 544 of your followers are teachers and they each have approximately 20 students in their rooms then you are not only helping your kiddos but those 10,880 kids as well. You go girl :) Keep rocking it and don't let that Envious Engrid/Debbie Downer get to you.

Sarah in Houston said...

Heather, I love your blog. I'm going to look over the conscious discipline information, but I'd REALLY like to hear what you do instead of the changing your color type system. I don't like it either and have looked for other methods, but I haven't seemed to make anything else work. Please tell me what you do. Also, thanks for reminding me about the TPRI. I've been in 3rd for several years and I'm not back in that 1st graderoutine yet. I forgot that was coming up again! Blah! The kids are cute, aren't they?

Anonymous said...

There are WAY too many bullies in my field (I'm in administration now). They bully my staff and they bully me (I'm talking my colleagues). Keep your chin up. Your blog is awesome!!!

Heather said...

Love your blog, all your cute ideas, freebies, and your spirit!

Thank you for sharing this blast from the past. I downloaded your "Turtle Talk" and "Sound Snatchers." Can't wait to use them in my classroom next week in preparation for TPRI testing.

Mrs. Egley said...

Heather I love the bingo games. I am excited to print these up and use them in small groups!! I love freebies!!

Diane

kindergartenafunplacetobe.blogspot.com

Katie @ Miss Klohn's Classroom said...

Your blog is amazing and whoever that horrible person is, is so wrong!!! I am so grateful for your contribution to the teaching blog world! You make me want to teach at the elementary level!

I unfortunately have some of the bullies at school! I don't get why they have to be that way either. Aren't we all there for the kids in the first place?

Big hugs to you!

Miss Klohn
Adventures of a 6th Grade Teacher

Unknown said...

Oh, Sweet Heather, you know you rock! I love your blog! You are so creative, sweet and funny! Don't let negative Nelly's get you down! There will always be one of them trying to tear you down (I like to think that is the devil trying to get to you). You are an awesome person! Remember you are loved by many (and by God!) and no negative Nelly matters! Thanks for all you do and give to all of us! Sending lovely thoughts your way! :)
Cheryl
Crayons and Curls

Elisabeth said...

Isn't it crazy how teaching is so competitive! What is really sad is that when teachers who are creative and go above and beyond to make learning fun and engaging for students. I know its hard, but try not to let them get to you. You know you are doing great things for your students!


Twins, Teaching and Tacos.

Pam said...

Oh.... I am so sorry! Ignore those bad comments...because there are a lot of us who love you! Keep up all your great work! Sometimes people forget that we are about helping children and not in competition!

Mrs. B said...

Heather, thank you so much for your wonderful, relevant postings and contributions. I have used many of your freebies and am so grateful. You are appreciated and your students are very fortunate to have you!

Michelle Rist said...

They say that when someone puts you down it takes 7 positives to lift you back up. But when it happens to me I always feel like it's going to take 100 positives.

I think you are awesome, funny, inspiring, creative, caring, honest and generous!

Thank you for being you!

Sheri said...

Heather....you ROCK!!!! Just ignore! Your blog and your activities are almost as FABULOUS as you are!!!! Your sweetness shines through with every post you make....keep bloggin' it out girlie:)

Sheri
1stgraderocks.blogspot.com

Barbara said...

Yes, I have worked with adult bullies (way in the past) and it's awful.
But try to ignore it, cause like everyone has said, you're awesome and so is your blog. I LOVE it!
Hugs and smiles and only good wishes to you:)
Barbara
Grade ONEderful

Traci Clausen said...

Sound Snatcher Bingo... very clever. :D

Sorry about the meangirls/guys. Came across this Mark Twain quote:
"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you too, can become great."

Just stay away from those small people! :D
♥ Dragonflies in First ♥

Mrs. Nunley said...

I am so sorry that someone was so lacking in manners and courtesy for others that they commented unkindly. There are always mean-spirited people out there who get their kicks by making others feel bad.

I was taught that if I don't have something nice to say, don't say anything....there are many people out there who need to follow that little piece of advice!

You and your blog are awesome and I am so glad that I discovered both!

I hope today is better!
-Megan

http://firstgrademagic.blogspot.com

zputty said...

I love your "Bounce and Spell" activity. I had found that in November and started using it as an independent activity on the rug with their spelling words. They love it! The rug helps control the balls (I found small ones at the dollar store) and they spend more time with their words, rather than zipping through the activity, because they love the balls.

Kinder Kiddo said...

I LOVED these ideas! And ewww...some people are just mean for sport. You're awesome, we all know it!

Cecelia said...

Gotta *love* the people who bring you down. They are just trying to make themselves feel better about their inadequacies by being cruel.
DO NOT LET THEM WIN! You are a strong fabulous, sweet teacher and if you give in to their comments, they will win! Be strong and hold your head high! {and steer clear of the bullies} You ROCK!

Cecelia
http://ilove1stgrade.blogspot.com/

Mrs. Cockrell said...

WHAT?! I am SO sorry you had some haters hatin' on you, girl! Thank you so much for being one of my first followers; I now follow you, and your blog is wonderful!

I think you are right to IGNORE bad behavior. Almost makes you feel like you're dealing with a CHILD in your CLASS, huh?! ;)

Hang in there and keep doing what you're doing. You are obviously a loving and dedicated teacher, and that's what counts!

Thanks for sharing such great ideas on your blog, too!

Happy New Year!

http://teach-on.blogspot.com

Mrs. Cockrell said...

P.S. My school no longer does TPRI. (Yay.) Instead, we do DRA2, which takes at LEAST as long. (Not yay.)

Randi said...

I am your newest follower and am so giddy over it! You have made my day better...I'm sorry that someone was hateful. I adore teaching but most days have trouble handling the adults involved. Truly some are toxic to a school. However, your hateful person is wrong...wrong...wrong...chin up butter cup!


Randi @ Teach It With Class

My TPT Store

My Facebook Page

Kelley Cirrito said...

I love that your shared some of your old posts! I enjoyed reading them! I am sooo sorry someone wrote a mean comment! That makes me so mad! You are one of the sweetest bloggy friends I have! My blood is totally boiling over this! I think you are AWESOME! I love your blog and all your comments and posts! Keep a smile on your face girlie!

Lisa Lizak and Beth Wright said...

Hi Heather! This is my first time at your blog and I love it! I was completely drawn in by your great writing and ideas :) I'm sorry people in the blog world are not being as nice as they should be, I'm trying to get through that too :) Obviously you are SUPER LOVED with 544 followers and now me to make 545! Thanks for being great and hang in there :)

Lisa :)
http://madeintheshadeinsecondgrade.blogspot.com/

Mrs. Durden said...

I love your blog! I've given you the Versatile Blogger award! Head on over to http://confessionsfromafirstyearteacher.blogspot.com/ to check it out!

Anonymous said...

I love reading your blog. This school year I have found teaching blogs and I think I am addicted to them. It must be soo much fun to be in your classroom.

Miss Smartie Pants said...

Hi Heather!

I love your bright and wonderful blog, i could only be so lucky to be a part of your classroom!

I love these freebies, if you don't mind sharing, what program do you use to make your resources? they are so bright and cute!

Thank you for stopping by my blog, i cannot wait to follow you through this new year!

Kylie :)

Unknown said...

Cheer up! Your blog has been nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award; not President! Go to my blog to learn the details and receive your reward.

The Science Penguin

Kerri Buckner said...

That makes me so sad that people are mean to someone as sweet as you. I thought I had started following you a while ago but either blogger was acting up, but now I'm a follower. I think it's crazy how competitive and jealous other teachers can be. We should remember we're here for the kids. I spent the first few years of teaching at my school now dealing with a mean girl. It seems like some people never get over high school.
http://mskerriandherkrazykindergarten.blogspot.com/

Pam said...

So sorry to hear about the negativity Heather. This is one of my favorite blogs. Thank you for inspiring me : )

Meenal said...

Heather, don't let the turkeys get you down! You have inspired me to dedicate the summer of 2012 to creating my own blog...wish me luck! mparikhtwo@gmail.com

cgibson said...

Oh, lovely TPRI! I teach Kinder and those 2 skills are so hard! I do have one trick that seems to work with most kiddos. Point to your shoulder while you make the first sound, elbow for the second sound and wrist for the last sound. Then slide your hand from shoulder to wrist as you say the whole word. To delete the initial sound, tell them you'll leave that first sound on your shoulder and just say your elbow and wrist. Do the same for deleting the last sound by leaving it on your wrist. Make sense?

laura@inspiredteacher.net said...

Heather, loved visiting your blog tonite and loved this post about some of your favorites from recently. So sorry you have had some negative comments-- no fun at all. It's hard to get a thick skin in the blog world, I think!

My name is Laura and I run the new collective blog called InspiredTeacher.net. We are working to give encouragement and inspiration to teachers. We have teachers and authors form all over the globe! I stumbled on your teaching blog today and loved all your practical ideas and honesty!

I just wanted to connect with you via webworld and let you know about a new thing we are doing our way called Teaching Tip Tuesday where people can link up a past post they've written giving a practical teaching tip! This post would work great! We are giving away some sweet stuff over there for it, and would love to have you involved if you have a sec!

Thanks, Heather-- and I look forward to connecting with you again! The link is: http://www.inspiredteacher.net/2012/01/teaching-tips-tuesdays/

Our plan is to run it every Tuesday, if you'd like to jump in! Have a great day!

Laura Parker

Hello Mrs Sykes said...

Thanks for visiting my little blog! :) Your comment made me smile today, and I needed that smile. I *love* the Wish Well plate, and plan to start that very soon with my class. It's important for my little people to know we miss them when they are out.

As for bucket-dippers, I've found that I'm really too busy to bother. If you're not helping, then get outta the way... ;)

http://hellomrssykes.blogspot.com