Budding Blog Linky - I'm a new blogger!!!

Today I'm linking up with I Heart Recess for her Budding Blog linky.  I'm a new blogger so please check out my blog and consider following me!

1. Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging because I was inspired by a lot of teacher-bloggers 2 summers ago when I was beginning to use Debbie Diller's Math Work Stations.  Deedee Wills at Miss Kindergarten was my biggest inspiration since she hosted this Blog Party all about Ms. Diller's book.  If you haven't seen it, you must check it out!

2. What is your favorite subject to teach and why?

I LOVE teaching Math!  It is a huge passion of mine.  This summer I am going to spend some time at professional development to revise/create some math assessments geared toward the VA SOLs.

3. Describe your teaching style.

technology driven

passionate about my students

hands on learning

student lead classroom

4. Give three interesting facts about you.

- I was born in Heidleburg, Germany.

- I want to live at the beach some day.

- I could eat mexican food for breakfast, lunch and dinner!  I LOVE it!!!!

5. Do you have a TpT store? If yes, post the link :)

I have a TpT store!  Click my button to visit and consider folllowing me!  I have a lot of Math Work Station Games and just posted a free money assessment.  Go check it out.

Tried-It Tuesday Linky

I am linking up today with Fourth Grade Flipper for her Tried-It Tuesday Linky. 

  Today, I would like to just share the fact that I am a new blogger!!  I have been selling some products I made on TpT since October after following the many teacher-bloggers out there.  I got my main inspiration from Deedee Wills.  I have loved the idea of blogging and am just trying to find the time to be able to fit it into my schedule.  Please consider following my blog (to the right on my blog) and my TpT store (click the button below).     

I'd love to hear from you in my comments about your journey to becoming a teacher-blogger.    Where and when do you do your blogging?  Do you have to give up time with your family/friends?  Do you blog at school at home?

Money Assessment Freebie

With only 4.5 weeks left of school, I am making sure that all of my kids have mastered their math SOLs (VA state standards). We have had a money math work station all year so I feel very confident about their knowledge of coin names, values, and ability to add and make different coin combinations. I made this quick assessment to be sure.  It assesses all of the essential knowledge for VA SOL 1.7.   Click either picture below to download this product from my TpT store. If you do download, please leave a comment (either here or in my store) and let me know what you think.

Mother's Day or Father's Day gift idea

This is my favorite thing to make for either moms or dads on their special day.  Usually for moms, I will buy the large white tiles (bigger than what is in the pictures) to make trivets.  But this year, I already had these and decided to just use the smaller ones.  The smaller ones make great coasters for mom or dad. You could save this craft for Father's Day in June. 

Here you can see the kids use sharpies to decorate a picture. 

Tip: use a baby wipe to erase if they make a mistake, but be sure to dry it completely before they write again. 

Here is a final product!  They always turn out GREAT!

On the back, I write their name, grade level and date (May 2013). 

On the back again, I then add these felt stickers to keep the coaster/trivet elevated slightly from the surface so not to scratch. 

When all my students are finished, I lay them out on bulletin board paper and spray a clear glossy spray paint  for the final coat. This helps the marker not to smear. I didn't get a picture of the spray paint bottle but will do that and update this post on Monday. 

Testing Bulletin Board and Addition Pack on TpT

Hi!  I wanted to show you guys my bulletin board that had to be done this month.  The teachers take turns hanging bulletin boards in the hallways of our school.  During the month of May/June is our state-wide testing so our administration encourages us to make a test friendly board that encourages good test taking skills.  Here is our board:

I also wanted to share my newest product with you.  Many people have gotten my gingerbread 3 addend math station so I decided to make a Adding Pack that would give you options for any month of the year.  Here is a look:

Click the picture to find this Math Work Station Pack in my TpT Store. IT'S ON SALE TOO!!!

I am also leaving my products on sale through Thursday in case you forgot about the sale! :)

Happy sale shopping!!!

It's a SALE!!!!

I know you have already heard from everybody about the sale on TpT. 

I will have all of my products for sale on Tuesday, Wednseday and Thursday (for any of those who forget the "big" sale).  There are some great products for Math Work Stations!!  Click my button below to see my store.

Zoo Field Trip - First Graders

Our five first grade classes went to the zoo today! I have to admit, this was the best day ever! I was just as much a kid as my students. They were so well behaved and loved every minute of the day. I took 99 pictures!! Here are some of my favorite.

Sloth hanging upside down. This was so fascinating to me!!

Peacock - the 2 boys in my group loved watching the peacocks. Their feathers were beautiful!