Bug Division

Spring is time for bug hunting!

My class completed these bug division math mats.

First we did a nature walk outside to observe spring time bugs.

Then back in class we went to work.

I ran different kinds of bugs on construction paper for students to choose:

butterflies, grasshoppers, ladybugs, ants 

Last they created division equations for their bug jars.

Click to download

Behavior Volcano

Many years ago at a classroom management training I brought away this self regulation idea for students who have difficulty with managing their behaviors. You involve the student in identifying what behaviors they display when they are calm, BUGGED, and their personal signals of stress. Then you work together to plan "Short Cut" choices to avoid a "meltdown". This sample is one I used a few years ago. I simply attached the visual to the student's desk as a constant reminder for self monitoring.

Friendship Growing Bucket Fillers

How does your friendship grow?

With Bucket Fillers of course!

My very first post on this blog and my all time top viewed post was on Bucket Fillers.

From that post on, I've created monthly themed bucket filler slips to help cultivate a caring classroom.

You can grab all previous seasonal bucket filler notes {HERE}. 

My newest one for spring is ready to share:

Click picture to download

Thanks for helping my blog friendships grow!

I've enjoyed every "growing" minute of my blog.

This freebie is part of Manic Monday.

Earth Day and The Power Over Trash

Hi all. I'm excited to share with you my all time favorite Earth Day story. It's called The Wartville Wizard by Don Madden.

It's a book with a powerful message about taking care of our world.

The main character, an old man, lives in a town called Wartville.

He picks up litter day after day until one day he tires of picking up after everybody else's mess.

He gains the power over trash and it literally becomes "stick ons" to the slob that left it on the ground.

I've done this cute writing craft following the read aloud and my class LOVES it.

Students explain what would happen if they had the power over trash and then create a person with

"Stick On" trash. So cute!

"I would make the trash people dropped go into their faucets and TV so when they wash their hands trash will pour on their hands. Also when they watch TV all the trash will block the screen"

" I would make the people have bad luck for a long time. After they have bad luck they will know not to litter."

"I would make people eat the trash they littered. So I would either make the food go directly into their mouths or mix it into their food."

You can get this activity for your class {HERE}

My first two followers that leave a comment with their email will get this

writing activity free.

I'm also excited to see that a Wartville Wizard movie is in the works.

What a great extension to the book this will be!

What are you plans for Earth Day? You can link up with Go Fourth with Mrs. Owens.

My Furry Friend

I'm linking up with Soaring Through Second Grade to introduce my fabulous furry friend.

Harley is my love bug!

I adopted him from another family when he was 4 years old.

That was 3 years ago and I can't imagine being without him.

He loves to chase lizards in my planters.

He's a good sport about dressing up in costume:

Santa Paws

He loves riding in my car

What has he taught me?

{Source}

Equivalent Fraction Kites

Yikes, equivalent fractions can be a tricky concept to introduce to 3rd graders.

So, I did math art!

Flying High with Equivalent Fraction Kites

The first two people to comment with an email will get this as a freebie!

Return of the Litter Bugs

My class is Goin' Buggy again.

I posted about my Litter Bug Project last year and the annual tradition continues.

Introducing the "Stars" of my  The Litterbug Lounge for 2012

You can get this project {HERE}

It's perfect for Earth Day!

Flower Fields Art

Sending spring your way...

These fields of flowers sure do brighten up my classroom!

Spring Basket Multiplication Mats

My class practiced multiplication with this spring themed multiplication mat 

Eggstra Special Bucket Fillers

Spring is in the air.

Grab some "Eggstra" special Bucket Fillers to celebrate friendships.

Click to download

Learning Resources Giveaway Winner

Many thanks to Learning Resources for provided the winning product for this giveaway:

And without further ado...the winner is Meghan from Third Grade in the First State

Congratulations Meghan. I'll be emailing you for your address.

April Foolin'

Enjoy this Biola college professor and his very creative shadow prank.

Happy April Fool's

Onto great news, and I'm not fooling.My school just got word that we are a California Distinguished School.Only 367 schools in California will earn it. 17 of those 367 are from within our county.I've been at this school since it opened it's doors 10 years ago and couldn't be more proud of this accomplishment!

Today's the last day to enter to win a Learning Resources Luna Document camera.Go {HERE} to enter.I'll post the winner on Monday.