Getting back to blogging

So, it's been a while since I blogged. Wait - who am I kidding? It's been a while since I even thought about blogging!  This spring was packed full!

See, I decided to officially learn Spanish. Over the years, I've dabbled with Rosetta Stone and Duolingo. I've bought flash cards and workbooks. I've got audio programs on CDs in the car. Nothing worked well for me though, until I started a college course. Since Spanish 101 adds a grade on my transcript, it gave me the motivation to work hard and get a good grade. Those transcript things are forever and anyone who looks at my records from now on will see my scores. Now THAT was motivation!  (I got an A in the class because I wouldn't settle for less for myself.)

But learning a language takes time and effort. In addition to 5 hours of seat time each week, there was all the studying and homework to do. Suddenly, I just couldn't keep up with the extras like blogs (or laundry!).

Now, summer vacation has started, and I've got a ton of things to share. I can't wait to show you! Stay tuned!

Harvest Party

OK, life has been crazy busy lately. I don't think I've had a free weekend in 2 months! Then the marking period ended and we had parent conferences.  Even though it's been a couple weeks, I wanted to share something we did in my 5th grade classroom this fall.

We do a Harvest Party every year at our school (no Halloween activities, Fall and Harvest only, usually in mid November).  This year, I decided to do a simple craft I had found on Pinterest.

Thanks to Homeschool Creations for this easy project!

I had my fifth graders cut the vine using 1/4 of a piece of construction paper.  We talked about how to make it long by cutting a spiral and compared width to length as students finished.

Then we played Autumn Bingo using customized cards from DLTK.  The students got to use candy as their bingo markers.  When we had enough winners to start a new round, everyone got to eat a piece (or two pieces real quick while the teacher isn't looking!).

Snacks were kept simple.  Pumpkin, Apple, or Corn flavored items only.  We had popcorn, pumpkin muffins, apple cider, and some pumpkin spice cookies.  It was such an easy party to manage!  Almost no clean up.  Kids had fun.  Parents were happy that they weren't completely full of sugar.  Hmmm... maybe I can do this again for our Winter Party?

It's probably too late for you to use these specific ideas for a Harvest Party this year, but DLTK has lots of themed bingo cards (including Winter and Christmas) and those orange pumpkins could just as easily be turned into colorful ornaments or paper lanterns.  

Does your class have a party before your Winter Break?  Got any great ideas for me?

TPT Sale and 2 NEW products

I am so THANKFUL for a few days off!  It allows me to get caught up on projects I've been trying to finish.  I actually used my two new products in my class this month, but needed a little extra time to get them ready for sharing with all of you.

Did you hear about the Teachers Pay Teachers Sale???  Monday AND Tuesday!  Please take a moment to check your wishlists and consider supporting a fellow teacher during this holiday season.

Explorers Brochures

Early American Settlement Flip Books

Two methods of assembling!

If you celebrated Thanksgiving this week, I hope you had a fabulous holiday!  As we move toward a season of other holidays, I wish you all peace, joy, and several days off!

Sunday Scoop

Linking up with the Teaching Trio for their Sunday Scoop this week!  What a cute graphic they've used!!!  

Thanks for stopping by! :)

Native American Regions Flip Book - DONE!

Do you study Native American Regions?  Maybe these will help!  I wanted an interactive notebook activity for the regions that focused on one region at a time, since that is how the information is presented in our textbook.  Here's the final version of what we used:

Native American Regions Flip Book

Interactive Notebook or Lapbook Waterfall style book

Mini book style:

 

You choose the regions.  2 different covers are included -- one with a map, one with a blank space for adding your own image.   Enjoy!

The Sunday Scoop (Linking up!)

Linking up with the Teaching Trio for their Sunday Scoop this week!  What a cute graphic they've used!!!  

Thanks for stopping by! :)

New Poke Card set is up on TPT

I created a new Poke Card set for nouns that includes 2 specific noun topics.  The first topic is concrete/abstract nouns. The second is singular, plural, and collective nouns.  Answers are included (make sure you mark them on the back before you hole punch) as well as extra blank cards at the end.



Check them out at my TPT store when you get a chance.

Any requests for Poke Card topics?  Feel free to post in the comments or email me at MyCleverEndeavors2@gmail.com.

Have a great week!