Dot Day 2014

I am so excited about DOT DAY, which is coming up next week on September 15.  We will be celebrating all week, with a special activity planned for each grade level K - 3.  Several years ago, I watched THIS VIDEO and it was the first time I'd ever heard of Dot Day.  I dreamed of the day when iPads would be available for me to use with my students so I could do neat, fun things at school like I kept hearing about. And now I feel that I have come full circle.  Our school has 20 iPads and I can't wait to do the activity in the video with my students next week.  What are you doing for Dot Day?  Did you know about it? Leave a comment and let me know, I would love to hear how others are celebrating this fun day.  I will post pictures and video of our activities next week, so be sure to check back! 

Five For Friday

                                                                               

Linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching for the Five for Friday link party, even though it is technically Saturday at 12:02 am.  I took a long afternoon nap today so I am wide awake at this early morning hour.  Here goes: 

    

 Trying to get through the puppy phase of chewing, which, btw is the only phase she has, is very challenging.  She's too cute and too sweet to fuss at too much though.  Gotta love my Winnie pooh!

 Learning to set up in our embroidery machine software for appliqué, very challenging but soooo much fun.  A new hobby for my hubby and I which we hope to turn into a business eventually. And the finished product -

          I think it turned out pretty darn great!

 Headed down to the practice field and saw such a sweet sight:  a tribute to one of Auburn's greatest players - his number was 43.  #neverforgotten #wareagleforever

A great recipe shared by a great friend.  It was her husband's grandmother's recipe. And it is delish!  Now if I can just find the time to cook it.  Heading back to work Monday, so I'm def thinking that I need to cook it this weekend or I won't feel like it anytime soon.  

August Currently

I love to participate in Farley's monthly link party each month, and it's been too long since I've had time to join in on the fun.  So here goes:

Somehow I've never seen Happy Gilmore, and boy it was interesting.  I love Adam Sandler movies, but this one was really stupid.  Here in AL we are having very cool temps.  It is 76 degrees right now and it has even been down in the upper 50's this week.  So unusual for end of July!!  I am always thinking I need to get in shape, so I've started walking again and I really hope to stick with it. We are huge Auburn football fans - War Eagle! - so we have got to get the SEC network.  I really dread setting up new service so I just wish they would say one way or the other so I could decide what to do and get it all over with.  My house needs to be cleaned - what else is new??  I can't believe my summer is over. I report Monday morning to work for a new year.  Bye Bye summer 2014 - it was nice while it lasted.  And let the countdown begin to fall break!  

Live Webcast With Kevin Henkes

I was very excited to get an email that School Library Journal is going to do a live webcast with children's book author Kevin Henkes. I just love his books and I always started out the year when I taught K and 1st with Lily's Purple Plastic Purse and Chrysanthemum. Those are two of my favorites! I really enjoyed the live webcast last year that SLJ did with author Lois Lowery who wrote Number the Stars. It was so neat to hear her talk about her books and answer questions from the live audience of school children.  Here is the LINK  to register if you are interested. I'm going to work on an author study using digital resources with a few of my lower elementary classes - I think probably 2nd and 3rd.  We will conclude with the live webcast. Do any of you have any great ideas for an author study? I'd love it if you would share in the comments below. Thanks! 

Dot Day 2013

Well, the first day back with kids is finally here. It has been an interesting day for me so far - a LOT of computer issues that had to be fixed. But thank goodness our wonderful tech team has been out and gotten everything taken care of.  I am so excited about all of the plans I have for this year. I always look forward to International Dot Day, and this year they are planning for the biggest one ever. Here is a link if you aren't familiar with Dot Day.  It is a lot of fun, and the kids always have a great time creating dot artwork. See my posts HERE and HERE from last year.  Are you planning to participate this year? Leave a comment to share any great ideas you have for Dot Day! 

June Currently

I love to participate in Farley's monthly linky party!  Here is my June Currently, if you haven't already head on over to Oh Boy! Fourth Grade! and join the party. 

It was 95 degrees here today in AL, so needless to say my AC is getting a good workout. It is so great to be out for summer vacation, and I am enjoying every minute of it so far. I made a beautiful cake for my daughter's 22nd birthday, almost finished crocheting 3 baby blankets for sweet new babies in the family,  and my husband and I have been working away at our new house.  We are renovating it, and getting ready to move in at the end of the month and I have so much to do!  I have definitely not been exercising like I need to, I just keep telling myself as soon as I move......I will have time!?  I love my iPad, summer tea from Chick-Fil-A, and watching GMA in the mornings during the summer. 

"Spirograph" @MathPlayground

Is there anybody else out there that remembers spirograph? It was a favorite of mine when I was little. I found a game today at the MATH PLAYGROUND that is similar, called ART WITH SPIROMATH. It is so much fun, and my 2nd and 3rd graders had a great time with it today. There are some really fun games at the Math Playground - I have had this up for 2nd - 6th grades this week and they have loved the games here. It really kept them engaged!  Do you have any great sites that your kids just love? Leave a comment and let me know.