First Grade and Fabulous

I try to Wordle daily (yes, I just made it a verb). It's also a great tool to practice phonics/spelling/vocabulary skills and can be used in the classroom or keeping your brain sharp (think how aging effects people). Recently a new game was added called Connections. This is a snapshot of today's current game. As I'm playing I realized how great this would be for learning/teaching vocabulary...another important skill.
Many words may be heteronyms. (Heteronyms are spelled the same, but pronounced differently). Last week I think a word was Polish. Was is paw-liSH (nails) or POlish (Poland origin)?
I just thought I'd share if you have shut-ins, aging parents, or believe the Big 5 of Reading should be explicitly taught as an educator.
Here's a link. You have one answer already if you want to give it a go: https://www.nytimes.com/games/connections

It's been several years since I've blogged/created. It's been even longer since I've been a first grade teacher. But what hasn't changed is my love of summer!
I get an opportunity to reread some of my favorite professional books. Books that I'm sure by now all of you have become familiar. I personally love the shift to SOR. In Ohio, they are pushing for the shift even more considering our new dyslexia law. So tell me, does your state have a dyslexia law? Also, what professional books are on your list?

Not pictured in my stack is my current read:
https://amzn.to/3NT3a7T

If anyone is looking for a good deal on play-doh, this Amazon ad has one. Great for fine motors!

https://amzn.to/3uE4mlK

Deal of the day for Prime Members: Play-Doh Modeling Compound 24-Pack Case of Colors, Non-Toxic, Multi-Color, 3-Ounce Cans, Ages 2 and up (Amazon Exclusive) Bring home a big box of imagination! These bounce Play-Doh cans come in 24 assorted colors For all of your creative needs. From birthday gifts and party favors, to kid party crafts and classroom activities, these cans are full of everyone's favorite non-toxic Play-Doh compound. This Play-Doh set ...

A recent discussion on my personal FB page has sparked my curiosity. I was talking about pay freezes in a teacher's salary and how difficult it may make it with today's cost of living. For example, I'm currently on a freeze at year 23. Hopefully our new contract in negotiations helps adjust the cost of living increase.

Could you please answer a few questions. I'd like to know how your district/state handles step increases and wages.

Example, my district in Ohio freezes at years 14-19. Step at 20, step at 25 and step at 30.
Our current beginning teacher salary is 40,193 (just Bachelors). There is also a Bachelors +150, Masters, Masters+15, and Masters+30.

It just makes me feel educators are not truly valued. I know we are in this for our students, and the difference we can make..not the money. But money pays my bills. 🙃

Great deal!!
https://amzn.to/3ymFvlN

Limited-time deal: novelinks Photo Case 4" x 6" Photo Box Storage - 16 Inner Photo Keeper Photo Organizer Cases Photos Storage Containers Box for Photos (Clear) novelinks Photo Case 4" x 6" Photo Box Storage - 16 Inner Photo Keeper Photo Organizer Cases Photos Storage Containers Box for Photos (Clear)

One thing is for sure...being online sure is a cheaper way to decorate your classroom🤷‍♀️

(Don't judge...my families all celebrate.)

We played this game at a Teacher In-Service and made it a relay race. If you haven't seen it, do check it out. I bet your kids would love it! It's an ad deal on Amazon today.

Blue Orange Dr. Eureka Speed Logic Game Blue Orange Dr. Eureka Speed Logic Game

Have you ever used Guess Who to work on asking questions, adjectives, descriptive writing, or even an introduction to reading for detail? There are lots of great ways to incoporate games into your instruction. This is an ad deal today!

Winning Moves Games Guess Who? Board Game, Multicolor (1191) Winning Moves Games Guess Who? Board Game, Multicolor (1191)

Need a fun math game, or an inside recess game? This game helps your mathematicians add up their score while having fun, and learning about chance.

(Amazon aff)

Farkle Farkle

Good price for a hardback book---I just adore this story!!
(aff)

Turkey Claus (Turkey Trouble) Turkey Claus (Turkey Trouble)

Hey friends! This year I am a remote teacher--and I know there are several other schools that are also going remote. I wanted to share with you how much I LOVE using Amazon Kindle for my read alouds. I use the computer app, and have signed up for Kindle Unlimited. It has been a lifesaver as I don't have to worry about a document camera to show my books, and the students can all see the screen. I just wanted to share---even at this point if I go back to the classroom, I think that I may keep this around, just in case. Here's a link to read about it. (linked to Amazon)
https://amzn.to/32TTaDy

I am so appreciative for those that have been supportive of my store, and this little unit has seemed to be a hit the past week!

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/A-Day-in-the-Life-of-a-Pilgrim-Child-167193

This is a pretty good Amazon ad price right now and allows students their own marker. :)

EXPO 1884309 Low-Odor Dry Erase Markers, Ultra Fine Tip, Assorted Colors, 8-Count EXPO 1884309 Low-Odor Dry Erase Markers, Ultra Fine Tip, Assorted Colors, 8-Count

Do your students like dice games? These are a lightning ad deal right now on Amazon!

50-Pack 14MM Translucent & Solid 6-Sided Game Dice 5 Sets of Vintage Colors Dice for Board Games and Teaching Math Dice Set Classroom Accessories dice Set RPG dice 50-Pack 14MM Translucent & Solid 6-Sided Game Dice 5 Sets of Vintage Colors Dice for Board Games and Teaching Math Dice Set Classroom Accessories dice Set RPG dice

I thought this was a pretty good (ad) deal. I don't know what policies or procedures are in place in your district, but if you're still able to do winter activities, this is a pretty good price on Amazon

Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Keurig Single-Serve K Cup Pods, 28 Count Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Keurig Single-Serve K Cup Pods, 28 Count

These are a good ad price today if you need all kids to have their own markers.

EXPO 1884309 Low-Odor Dry Erase Markers, Ultra Fine Tip, Assorted Colors, 8-Count EXPO 1884309 Low-Odor Dry Erase Markers, Ultra Fine Tip, Assorted Colors, 8-Count

Completely ready to put my tree up...all this election stuff has frazzled me and I need to find my inner peace again.

Anyone else?

Me...
Ready to take on October 2020. I mean we get a full moon, that's a blue moon, on actual Halloween....when we are to possibly reset clocks. What could go wrong???🤷‍♀️.also, only 13 Wednesdays left of this FABULOUS year, if you're counting!

We got this!!❤

media2.giphy.com

Current feels...except replace life with teaching in 2020

How about a mid-week boost of hope...

❤

🤷‍♀️🤣

Question:

Those of you who are going back to work what are your guidelines? I have been curious how other schools and districts are managing.

Ohio (or my district): Masks K12 students and staff, 6 ft distancing (but in some cases seems like 3 ft), not sure if we have plexiglass on tables, book selection is by wearing gloves, no recess equipment, no gym class, everything is in class from breakfast, lunch, and specials with a walk around block for exercise, and classroom temp checks.

Quick poll...

Are you in person or remote? What state?

My favorite little comic hits harder this year!
Praying for everyone.

Just curious...
How many of your schools let out during flu this past winter? Not the Covid shutdown, but for seasonal flu?
In all my years in school whether as a kid or my 21 years as an educator, I don't recall being out for an illness. This year, we closed due to a flu outbreak. I'm just curious if the flu was bad in your district this year too. 2020 has definitely been a difficult year.