Author: Jennifer

Top Series Books for Boys.

Recently my second grade son finished reading the Flat Stanley book series and was looking to start a new one. While naming off a few of my favorites such as Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder, The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner, Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park, Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene, Babymouse by Jennifer L. Holm, Geronimo Stilton by Geronimo Stilton, or Judy Moody by Megan McDonald. I could of went on and on, but he was already looking at me like I had a third eye. I quickly realized I didn’t have a clue what books would appeal to boys.

After multiple trips the the library I have a list of top series books for elementary boys:

Ask Santa for a Clarisonic’s Facial Cleansing Brush!

I honestly have no idea how I have lived the last 32 years without the Clarisonic Facial Cleansing Brush. After my last pregnancy, my complexion drastically changed. My skin became extremely dry and sensitive. I’ve been desperately looking for a product to help reduce the dry patches I experience around my nose and chin, especially during the winter months. I’m so excited to say I finally found my resolution! I saw immediate results after the first use of Clarisonic’s Mia 2 Facial Sonic Cleansing Brush.

 

The Mia 2 Facial Sonic Cleansing Brush has two speeds. Speed 1 is for sensitive skin days and speed 2 is for daily cleansing. The micro-massage motion works to remove makeup, dirt, sweat, and oil to deep clean pores. The easy to follow instructions make using it the first time a breeze. I use it once nightly, but it’s so gentle it can become a part of your morning and night time regimens.    

After just the first week of use, my skin feels so soft, smooth and so much healthier. My dry patches have completely disappeared. My son is even 100% convinced that my freckles have been scrubbed off since my foundation gives such better coverage now.

 

There are some awesome gift sets on sale right now! I can’t wait to show off my new holiday glow at all the my Christmas activities this year!

I did receive this product complimentary but all opinions are my own.

French Bread Pizza Night

After being in the kitchen all day preparing for our Thanksgiving meal tomorrow, I finally sit down on the couch to relax when I hear, ¨Mommy, I’m hungry!¨

Taking a quick inventory of the pantry and staring down the pots and pans overflowing out of the sink, I decided it was a french bread pizza kind of night.

It’s a crowd-pleaser and so easy to make. All you need is a loaf of french bread, tomato sauce (I had spaghetti sauce in the pantry and it worked well), mozzarella cheese, and toppings of choice. We’re a pepperoni family. I like to toast the french bread first as if I’m making garlic toast. So the butter, garlic powder, and parsley flakes are optional.

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Melt the butter, garlic powder, and parsley flakes together. Cut the loaf in half and place the halves up on a baking sheet. Coat the bread with the garlic mixture and bake for 5 minutes.

Pull the bread out of the oven and spread the tomato sauce on the toasted sides. Top with mozzarella and toppings of choice. Bake until cheese is melted and golden brown, usually around 10-15 minutes.

Enjoy a quick and easy meal that the kids will love. I even let my kiddos make their own. They seem to eat better and enjoy it more when they get the create their own masterpiece.

INGREDIENTS

    • 1 (12–14″) soft loaf French or Italian bread, split in half lengthwise
    • 1/2 cup store-bought tomato sauce
    • 1 cup grated mozzarella (about 4 ounces)
    • 3 ounces sliced pepperoni or other toppings of choice
    • 3 tablespoons of butter (optional)
    • 1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes (optional)
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

 

PREPARATION

    • Preheat to 425°F. Melt butter and mix in the garlic and parsley flakes. Place bread, cut side up, on a baking sheet, coat the cut halves with garlic mixture. Bake 5 minutes.
    • Spread tomato sauce on cut sides of bread. Top with mozzarella, pepperoni, or any choice toppings.
    • Bake until cheese is melted and golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.

 

 

Sick Day=Disney Marathon

My holiday break started with a super sick little person. We decided that since we were cooped up in the house all day, it was prime time for a Disney Marathon.

Our top five Disney movies to watch while sick:

 

  1. Frozen

She has every line memorized, so the little medicated naps didn’t phase her in the least.

Fearless optimist Anna sets off on an epic journey, teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven, to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.

 

 

  1. Aladdin– Aladdin is currently in the vault.

Our favorite street rat! The genie is a source of endless giggles. 

 

When street rat Aladdin frees a genie from a lamp, he finds his wishes granted. However, he soon finds that the evil has other plans for the lamp — and for Princess Jasmine. But can Aladdin save Princess Jasmine and his love for her after she sees that he isn’t quite what he appears to be?

  1. Robin Hood

My childhood favorite! Nostalgia creeps in every time I hear the rooster’s voice. I can hear my dad whistling Roger Miller’s ¨Whistle Stop¨ through the house.

Experience the fun, thrills and celebrated music of this legendary adventure with perfect picture and sound. Join Robin Hood, his trusted companion Little John and his hilarious band of Merry Men as they outfox greedy Prince John to save the good people of Nottingham. Dashing from one daring deed to the next, Robin won’t rest until he wins the hand of Maid Marian and restores King Richard to the throne. With the voice talents of Brian Bedford, Phil Harris, Peter Ustinov, Pat Buttram, George Lindsay, Monica Evans, Andy Devine, Terry Thomas, and the music of balladeer Roger Miller.

 

 

  1. Tangled

We named our Rottweiler Maximus. After the 100th time of watching this movie, I still get sucked in. I seriously enjoy it every time it is on the television. 

The fairy-tale of Rapunzel is brought to life in Disney’s vibrant animated classic. When a bandit hides in a tower, the last thing he expects to find is a girl with an unusual superpower – seventy feet of magical golden hair!

 

 

  1. Moana

Oh the concerts! The four year old has every song memorized and is ready to break out in song and dance at any moment (even with a temperature over 102). 

During her journey, Moana (Auli`i Cravalho) meets the once mighty demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson), and together they cross the ocean on a fun-filled, action-packed voyage,encountering enormous sea creatures, breathtaking underworlds and impossible odds. Along the way, Moana discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity.

Teacher Gift Guide

Want to get something you know a teacher will love? While I truly appreciate any and every gift, I’m swimming in coffee mugs. After some lounge conversations I’ve come up with a list of favorites.

  • Ornaments. My favorite box to pull out of the top of the closet is the ornaments. I love reading the names and reminiscing about past classes as I decorate the tree each year. Homemade is wonderful and could easily turn into a family project. However, I typically use up all my craftiness at school, so my kids get to pick out an ornament of their choice on a random shopping trip that will be signed, dated, and delivered.  
  • Gift cards. Amazon, Target, TeachersPayTeachers.com, Starbucks, Office Depot, etc will put a smile on any teacher’s face!
  • Post-its and pens. Seriously, I don’t know a single teacher that isn’t obsessed with office supplies.

  • Snacks. Some days just require chocolate.
  • Anything personalized. I honestly have no idea what the obsession is, but we love to have our name or initials on everything. Next time you’re at the school check out the bags, tumbler’s, mouse pads, wall decor, pens, etc…
  • A book. Grab a copy of your child’s favorite book and write a sweet note to the teacher in it. We’re always looking to expand our libraries.

 

Oreos and anything purple. Well, maybe that’s just me. Whatever you chose will be loved and greatly appreciated. Merry Christmas!

Social Studies Quotes

The state of Texas says third graders need to know over 30 important people throughout history.  It can feel overwhelming, especially when I think about that silly(insert ugly word here!) standardized Reading test that’s right around the corner. I have a tendency to want to start the Social Studies unit on Monday. You know just like I’m going to start working out on Monday.

This year I vowed to do a better job. One of the ways I’ve included more daily exposure is through quotes. I decided to post a new quote on my door every week. It’s a hit and gets students asking the important question, ¨Who is that?¨

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. -Benjamin Franklin

Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.-Benjamin Franklin

Well done is better than well said. – Benjamin Franklin

Early to bed, and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. – Benjamin Franklin

Curiosity is natural to the soul of man and interesting objects have a powerful influence on our affections.-Daniel Boone

Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light. – Helen Keller

The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt. – Helen Keller

You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas. – Davy Crockett (Okay! Okay! I know what you’re thinking,¨That’s not appropriate for school.¨  You’re right! But as a Texan I had to include it.)

Be always sure you are right, then go ahead. – Davy Crockett

Let your tongue speak what your heart thinks. – Davy Crockett

America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves. – Abraham Lincoln

Whatever you are, be a good one. – Abraham Lincoln

Before anything else, preparation is the key to success. – Alexander Graham Bell

When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us. – Alexander Graham Bell

If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.-Henry Ford

Failure is simply an opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently. – Henry Ford

Quality means doing it right when no one is looking. – Henry Ford

The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more.-Jonas Salk

Hope lies in dreams, in imagination, and in the courage of those who dare to make dreams into reality. – Jonas Salk

There is no cosmetic for beauty  like happiness. – Maria Mitchell

Indomitable perseverance in a business, properly understood, always ensures ultimate success. – Cyrus McCormick

Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning. – Bill Gates

Life is not fair; get used to it. – Bill Gates

Chance favors the prepared mind.-Louis Pasteur

Home is the nicest word there is. – Laura Ingalls Wilder

I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all. – Laura Ingalls Wilder

Be thankful for problems. If they were less difficult, someone with less ability might have your job. – Jim Lovell

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the World. – Harriet Tubman

Right is right, even if no one else does it. – Juliette Gordon Low

I tell students that the opportunities I had were a result of having a good educational background. Education is what allows you to stand out. – Ellen Ochoa

Everybody’s business is nobody’s business, and nobody’s business is my business. – Clara Barton (My classroom favorite!)

Don’t follow the path. Go where there is no path and begin the trail. When you start a new trail equipped with courage, strength and conviction, the only thing that can stop you is you!-Ruby Bridges

Everyone wants to be appreciated, so if you appreciate someone, don’t keep it a secret. – Mary Kay Ash

Nothing is an obstacle unless you say it is. – Wallace Amos

Give them quality. That’s the best kind of advertising in the world. -Milton Hershey

High expectations are the key to everything. – Sam Walton

A picture book is a small door to the enormous world of the visual arts, and they’re often the first art a young person sees. – Tomie dePaola

Be present in your work because kids live in the moment, so as soon as you’re not in the present, you’re not being authentic.- Kadir Nelson

 

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

Pierre-Charles L’Enfant, 3.1B, Benjamin Franklin 3.1C, Daniel Boone 3.1C, Helen Keller 3.11B, Davy Crockett 3.1C, Abraham Lincoln 3.1C, Alexander Graham Bell, Henry Ford 3.8E, Jonas Salk 3.16A, Maria Mitchell 3.16A, Cyrus McCormick 3.16A, Bill Gates 3.16A,  Louis Pasteur 3.16A, Carmen Lomas Garza 3.15B, Laura Ingalls Wilder 3.15B, Bill Martin Jr 3.15B, Hector P. Garcia 3.14A, James A. Lovell 3.14A,  Harriet Tubman 3.14A, Juliette Gordon Low 3.14A, Todd Beamer 3.14A, Ellen Ochoa 3.14A, John “Danny” Olivas 3.14A, Clara Barton 3.11B, Ruby Bridges 3.11B, Mary Kay Ash 3.8E, Wallace Amos 3.8E, Milton Hershey 3.8E, Sam Walton 3.8E, Christopher Columbus 3.1C, Juan de Onate 3.1C, Benjamin Banneker 3.1B, Kadir Nelson 3.15A, Tomie de Paola 3.15A,  Phillis Wheatley 3.15A

Third Grade Surgeons

Nonfiction text features have always been a snooze fest in my 3rd grade class. I mean how do you make a table of contents, glossary, or an index interesting? This year I ran across an interesting activity, so I figured why not? I’m fairly certain I sounded like Charlie Brown’s teacher to them anyway.

So, we had Text Feature Surgery today. I printed nonfiction books from Learning A-Z and saved all the sample magazines I could get my hands on.

 

My little surgeons had to transplant five text features to their patient in order to save him or her, and use band-aids to label the different features.

With some dollar store shower caps, dust masks, and gloves they looked the part. I added a name badge for the finishing touch. They were so engaged! It was fun to sit back and watch them in action!

I honestly can’t wait to plan this activity again next school year!

Never Underestimate the Power of Play-Doh!

Recently my children have decided that if they’re in each other’s presence for longer than five minutes, the room automatically turns into a WWE cage match.

While attempting to cook supper, clean the kitchen, and reorganize the pantry I could sense the tempers starting to rise in the room. I noticed some playdough stuck on the top shelf of the pantry collecting dust. I assumed my seven year old who’s too cool for school wouldn’t be interested in the slightest, but I thought maybe it would keep my four year old daughter preoccupied until I could finish my chores.

To my surprise and total disbelief they both became absorbed in their playdough creations.  Not only were they not trying hurt each other, they were actually working together! Owen even asked, ¨May I please borrow the cookie cutter?¨  After I picked my jaw off the floor I was able to get dinner done, the kitchen clean, and get the pantry back in working order.

 

Playdough saved the day!

I scooped up extra during the back to school sales, but it‘s super easy and fun to make with the kids.

Colored Playdough

Materials

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 1 tablespoon cream of tartar
  • Food coloring
  • Saucepan
  • 1 cup flour

Directions

  1. Combine water, oil, salt, cream of tartar, and food coloring in a saucepan and heat until warm.
  2. Remove from heat and add flour.
  3. Stir, then knead until smooth.
  4. Store this dough in an airtight container or a Ziploc freezer bag.

Bedtime Bliss!

What are your nonnegotiable bedtime routines? My 7 year old son has become quite independent with his nightly routine. While it made me a bit sad at first, my 4 year old daughter has definitely taken up the slack by demanding my attention every step of the way. I wish I was kidding when I say I have to hold her hand for the bathroom break.

 

My goal is lights off by 8:00, so we usually start the process around 7:15. Brush teeth, bath, pick out tomorrow ‘s outfit, and a bedtime story.  As an exhausted parent, I see how easy it is to skip the book and get that light off as quickly as possible. But, the statistics are so powerful. As a teacher, I see the results firsthand. 

 

So while I would have loved to just pass out the mandatory stuffed animal good night kisses and retreat to my own bed, we read a book.

 

Tonight’s choice was Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book by Julia Donaldson.

 

Some of our top picks are the How Do Dinosaurs series by Jane Yolen, the Pigeon Series by Mo Willems, the Gruffalo books by Julia Donaldson, and Goodnight, Little Monster by Helen Ketteman.

What are your littles favorite bedtime stories?

Literacy Websites

¨Children who aren’t reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times as likely to drop out of high school,¨ Donald J. Hernandez, Double Jeopardy: How Third-Grade Reading Skills and Poverty Influence High School Graduation. The Annie E. Casey Foundation; Center

As a third grade teacher that statistic is worrisome to say the least. It can be challenging to motivate and engage students with drastically different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and personalities. I have spent the past couple months exploring some literacy websites to add to my classroom.

www.sciencea-z.com is my personal favorite. The multilevel readers are wonderful and the students love the videos.

www.frontrow.com is free and the multilevel articles range in topics. I like to assign social studies topics and find articles on individual reading levels.

www.readtheory.com is free and has assessments to help you identify reading levels and monitor growth.

www.newsela.com The news articles are relevant to what is going on and catches their attention.  I am still in the 30 day trial, but if any more MineCraft articles pop up, it would be well worth the money.

www.gonoodle.com is awesome for a quick brain break or concept review.  The videos get the children up and active. I love the vocabulary games.

Most of these websites can be accessed at home. Hopefully at least one of these tools will catch their attention and help them grow as readers.