A Little Extra

As teachers we are always on the hunt for that magical incentive. That little extra that doesn't cost ya' a lot of extra. The term "starving artist" can easily add "teacher" to the end of that and still ring true! But I have a vocabulary contest going on in my room, and I wanted to give the winners a treat, a token of how much I appreciate their hard work. So me and my apprentice set out to "up cycle" some special crayons.

Sorting...

Depositing...

Back breaking work!

Evening them out...

In the oven they go...

And voila!

Crayons bake at 250 degrees Fahrenheit and I got the silicon molds at Joann's Fabrics, check out the app for 50% off coupons! ;)

-TGIF!

Bored of Your Boards?!

Here is my favorite, it's cute to see the kiddos and teachers  all respond to it with the same fondness.

2015

2014

and remember  "You do your best work if you do a job that makes you happy." -Bob Ross

A Few of my Favorite Things

So I really love my room, it has this beautiful big window and tall walls of bulletin boards. But there are a few additions that make me smile the most everyday...

Having a Word Wall has been a project I have been wanting for my room for a long time, But not just a space filled with words on a strip, but something visual that tied students back to the lesson plan, So began my wall, where after each lesson I add a new word or repeat one with a picture from the lesson drawn along side it. I find the kids are retaining the vocabulary a lot faster with the image attached.

And my pride and joy, the Comic Corner. I really wanted to have a reading center in my room and what a better way to combine art and literacy!? Graphic novels have made a huge resurgence in the art field today. Spot the new Archie! The revamp of that series is awesome, and I love getting to share it with the kiddos. 

For anyone wanting to start a comic center of your own, ask your local comic book store about Free Comic Book Day, it's usually the first Saturday in May, and it s a great time to score a dozen plus free books for your center. And clear blinder sleeves taped back are a cheap way to keep the comics clean from everyday messes.  As of today I have more than forty books and only 3 have had to be mildly repaired from general wear.