The Together Teacher Book Study

Hello,

So, what do you think? Are you a together teacher? I know I am in some ways but not all.  So, I'm reading through this book given to us for Teacher Appreciation Week from our Principal. It's called The Together Teacher by Maia Heyck-Merlin.

Click the book and be taken to Amazon where you can get it for $14.00!!

The subtitle is: Plan Ahead, Get Organized, and Save Time! Now who doesn't want to do all of that, right?  So, as I read through the book I thought I would share with you my thoughts and any "goodies" I make to use the ideas in the book. If you have or get the book and want to join me that would be fantastic!

First I wanted to share this website that I think is free to everyone where you can take a course on the calendar part of the book. It was really helpful to me and you might want to go through it.

This is the site about the book with lots of resources  http://www.thetogethergroup.com/ 

Then this is the link to the Course.

So, I'll leave you with that to get you started with the idea and see if you want to join me on this journey.

Take care,

Ms. Franciso

Wrapping up from the Awesome Blog Hop!!

Hey Everyone,

Thank you so much for all the visits to my blog for the Splish Splash Blog Bash! It was awesome!  I did a little hopping myself and grabbed some goodies!  Rachael from The Classroom Gamenook did an awesome job organizing this one! It went well.  The good news is there might be another one. So you will definitely want to subscribe to google plus or my blog through blog lovin' or Like my Facebook page if you haven't already so you stay informed.

I am pleased to announce that Marie H. is the winner of my rafflecopter giveaway.  She chose the Panda Pals Contraction Task Cards as her prize:

There are 45 Task Cards in this Bundle.  There as so many ways to use this product. It's great as a center just as it is.  It can be in a basket for early finishers.  You can do a "write the room" or scoot activity with it. You can use a generic board game and make it into a game.  Students will use the contractions in context of a sentence which makes learning more valid.

If you like these you might think about getting the bundle. It's a great savings. It's a $13.00 value for only $7.00.  You can't beat that!  The bundle has many features that are just in the bundle so it's like getting double for your great savings.  It includes the task cards above and 3 more contraction activities.

Click the Bundle Picture to go to my TPT store.

I hope Marie enjoys the task cards and I hope the rest of you will think about getting this great bundle.  Perfect for 1st and 2nd graders.  They range from simple matching, words in context and finally a writing paragraphs activity.  They are already differentiated for you.

I hope my teacher friends who are reading this are having a great summer.  What are you doing? Feel free to drop me a note and let me know what you're doing.

Take care,

Ms. Francisco

Splish Splash it's a Blog Bash!

It's here Splish-Splash Blog Bash!  This is an exciting time for you. Each blog has a freebie and a giveaway contest for another freebie.  Start hopping here at my blog!

Here is my freebie!  Click on the picture above. It will take you to my store where you can get the freebie.  This will only be free during the blog hop,  After that it will become a paid product so be sure to pick it up now!

These are great for 1st and 2nd grade maybe some advanced KK students as well.  I made the outdoors scavenger hunt for my grade level. We took a field trip during the state testing of the older students in the building. We walked to a nearby park, ate lunch, and then they did the scavenger hunt. The last item on ours was to measure their treat an ice pop.  Then they got to eat their treat. It was a very inexpensive field trip and the students loved it!! Great way to combine some fun and learning. You won't want to miss out on this activity packet. Click on the freebie header above to go to my TPT store and pick it up!

Here is my give-away for a product of your choice in my store. Click here to enter the rafflecopter giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My summer officially started on Friday, May 22, 2015.  First, I have to catch up on some much needed rest.  Then I'll be catching up on laundry, house cleaning, etc.  I have a couple Professional Developments to attend this summer.  I am going to read a couple books.  I plan to swim in our pool as often as possible.  Hope to get out of town a couple times and spend time with my son. He just graduated from High School and before he goes on to the next phase of his life journey I hope we can connect and keep our relationship strong. He is my world.

Of course, I will be adding some more products to my store as well.  So, make sure you keep checking back for new products.

Now to go to your next stop click

on the Hop On picture above!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great summer!

Ms. Francisco

1 Day make sure to come back Monday!

I know you will not want to miss this Blog Hop!!  There are about 50 participants and each blog will give away a freebie and have a prize giveaway to try to win!  You can't beat that!

So, make sure you come back tomorrow! :)

Thanks,

Ms. Francisco

Money Worksheets Great for Review or Assessment

Hello,

I've added another product to my TPT Store today. Still trying to get to my 50 products in by the big Teacher's Appreciation Sale in the beginning of May. I don't know that I'll make it but I want to get as many as I can.

So, I have put together 5 worksheets on money for you.  Money is actually not a standard in First Grade Common Core. However, it is on the SAT 10 test they have to take at the end of the year (in a few weeks really) and so we have taught it. It's a great life skill besides a learning skill so I think it's important that they start learning it early.

These worksheets include 2 Write the Right Amount where they are given a group of coins that they have to count and write the amount.  Then there is a matching sheet where they draw a line to the correct amount for the group of coins.  I have included a Show Another Way where they are given a coin or two and they are to draw the coins to show 2 other ways to make that amount. Lastly, there is a problem solving sheet with four word problems.

Answer Keys are included for all worksheets. This will be great for homework, extra practice, review or assessment after a money unit.  Many ways to use these.  I hope they make your life a little easier.

Click the picture to go to the store and check it out!

I'm still working on a freebie for the 100 likes on my Facebook page!!  If you haven't liked it go here and like it!  Going Frananas Facebook Page!

Hope you will check this out and please follow my store and if you purchase something rate it for credits for free stuff.  It adds up quickly!

Have a great Sunday!

Ms. Francisco

Shaping Up for a Nice Game! Geometry Review Game Style

Hello All,

I've added a great new product to the TPT store. This game includes 24 questions in multiple choice format. Can be used with the included game board or alone. They cover naming shapes, corners (vertices), flips, slides, and turns and flat surfaces. It covers most topics covered in 1st grade Geometry. Great way to wrap up your Geometry Unit. Kids will love playing the game together.

Shapes and real life objects used.

Spinner, gameboard, answer key and recording sheet for accountability or use as a write the room or scoot activity. Multiple ways to use this fun and engaging product.

Click the picture to go to the Store to Check it out!

Hope you enjoy using this game with your students. I can't wait to use it next week with mine!

Have a great weekend!

Ms. Francisco

Monster Themed Write the Room Long Vowel Set

Hello All,

I think you'll really like this set of Monster themed Write the Room Activity.  Post them around the room and let your kids hunt for the pictures and write the word.  They will get great practice at writing these long vowel words. Most patterns are included and so they will get a wide variety of word patterns to get practiced.

Here's a preview for you!

I love to provide activities to my kids that allow movement while they are learning.  Firsties require movement to keep them engaged. What a better way than to Write the Room?

I hope you'll check this out.  I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Thanks,

Ms. Francisco

Shhhhh!!! It's Top Secret!

Hello All,

I have some exciting, yet, Top Secret Information that I can only leak a little bit to you to day!

Details are still TOP SECRET but, there is something SUPER exciting brewing in the teacher blog world.  About 50 bloggers and a whole lot of freebies and fun!  I just can't contain myself I am so excited, but you'll have to wait until May!!  Stay tuned to this same blog url for more information soon!  Now, I've got some top secret work to go get ready for so excuse me while I go.

Oh, you might want to check out this Spring Linky Party over at The Classroom Game Nook.  Click the picture to get there! 

I hope to have something up on there soon!! I'll post when it's ready! But don't wait go now! There's all kinds of Freebies and Paid Spring fun activities!

Have a great Spring Day!

Ms. Francisco

New Reading Comprehension Skill -- Searching for the Cause and Effect Activities

Hello All,

I put in a new product in the store last night.  We are getting ready to cover Cause and Effect again. So, I was trying to make some activities that would extend and expand what we've already covered with Cause and Effect.  So, here is what I came up with!

There are 3 Anchor charts. This one and of course one for Effect and then one for Signal Words.

Then there is the standard match the cause with effect task cards. There are 2 sets. One is shown below and the other is the same except they say either Cause or Effect on them.  If some of your learners are struggling or need more support this differentiates the activity for you.

A "worksheet" for extra practice or an end of unit assessment.

Next, to extend the learning with the task cards and help students understand that a cause and an effect of one event can cause more than one things to happen. So, they pick a cause or effect from the matching cards and then write another effect for it.

Then for these effect cards students will name 2 causes for each effect.  

Then there are 3 different writing activities included within all of these activities.

I think this is a pretty comprehensive unit with many choices in activities.  I think they are somewhat different than other packets available. It's in the store already and it's only $3.50. There are many different levels of difficulty for all levels of learners.  I hope you'll go to my STORE.

Thanks,

Ms. Francisco

Easter Products on SALE!!! 15 % off!

Hello All,

Even though there are only 2 of them right now I decided to have an Easter Sale!

Click the picture to go to my TPT Store!

Featured Easter Products on sale are pictured below!

These are both great products you'll be able to use over and over!

I hope to actually get another Easter Product or two created before the sale is over. I'll try to make it more Springy and usable after next Friday as well.  We'll see how the week goes but nonetheless these 2 products will be on sale Monday - Thursday!!

Have a great week! Hope you check out the store!

Thanks,

Ms. Francisco

Character Traits is New in the Store by itself and then bundled with Understanding Characters so you save $1 to buy both!

Hello All,

I finished a second part to my unit on Characters.  First we started with Understanding Characters. A lesson plan and activities that can be used with any story. This lesson focuses on understanding characters based on what they say, do, and feel in a story.

Click to go to store this is sellss for $2.

Now, I have added Character Traits. In this part of the lesson we explore inside characteristics and outside characteristics and providing evidence from the story to support both claims.  It includes an anchor chart, graphic organizers and writing activities.  Students start by describing the character they know best, themselves.  Then they can take this knowledge and apply it to understanding the traits of any character.  What will be next? Possibly a Character Comparison??? HMMM Follow my TPT Store for updates so you can make sure not to miss that new product or any product.

Click the image to go to my store.  This sellss for $3.

Just to make sure you get the most bang for your buck I have bundled these two products together and you save a whole $1 when you buy both!  That's right both of these activities together are only $4.

Click the link to go to the store.  This bundle sells for $4.  You save $1 by buying both together.

So, what are you waiting for....click those previews and go get these must have units on Characters! 

Thanks for reading my blog. I would love for you to leave me some love in the comments and follow me on google + so you don't miss out on anything!

Have a great week. Is it a 4 day week for you? It is for me and I am so glad!

Take care,

Ms. Francisco

Easter is Coming! You'll want this Compound Word Matching Activity!

Hello All,

Are you having as crazy weather as we are in the Mid-South? We had almost 80 degrees one day this week and then it was snowing today! WT??? I think we have more than 4 seasons now! :)

Well, just to make life a little easier you have this print, laminate and go compound word matching activity. It's complete with My Compound Word Activity Booklet. Students will write sentences to show they understand the word by writing it in the context of a sentence.  Blank page is provided so students can continue to add to the booklet when they learn more compound words.

Go check this out. You won't regret it!  and Happy Easter!!!

Have a great week!

Thanks,

Ms. Francisco

Hello All,

We met our 50 Likes milestone on Facebook and there is a freebie for you!  So, click this to go to my Facebook page to see about the freebie.  If you haven't liked my page, like it while you're there. We are now working toward 100 LIKES on Facebook for another FREEBIE!!!

So, what are you waiting for CLICK the picture to go to the Facebook page to find the FREEBIE!

Like my FB page and Follow my TPT store so you don't miss out on all these goodies!

Have a great week!

Thanks,

Ms. Francisco

Shades of Meaning Vocabulary activities and 3 more likes to a freebie!!

Hello All,

I just finished a huge vocabulary activity set for Shades of Meaning. It's Easter Themed so it's just in

time for you to add some Holiday cheer to your student's activities. It's full of bright, cheerful and springy colors thanks to the great clipart.

It's got 2 sets of matching cards one with just words and the other with sentences. It comes with an anchor chart and a graphic organizer.  There are 3 different writing activities to go with this set of activities. You can get a lot of use out of this set.  One activity is for them to create their own using the graphic organizer.  It is already differentiated for you. Students will be challenged and find this engaging as they reach for mastery on this important vocabulary and writing skill.

Just click one of the images above to go to my store and check this and my other products out!

Some other exciting news is I am only 3 away from getting 50 likes on my Facebook page.  So, if you haven't liked it  yet get over there and do it.  When I reach 50 likes you'll get a freebie.  I think it's going to be the other Easter activity I've been working on the last 2 days!

You'll find out when I get 50 likes! So, like it....share it.....get me 50 likes! :)

Have a great day!

Thanks,

Ms. Francisco

Strategies for teaching Firsties about Money

Hello All,

Since I am going to be teaching money soon I thought I would do some research on strategies and concepts they need to learn. I taught 2nd grade Math and Science last year and they struggled with money, even the advanced class.  So, I know that these Firsties need a good foundation.  Again, this is not in our curriculum but we feel it is important so we are working it into our schedule.

One great site for some activities is MathWire.  I am going to talk about a couple of the concepts here but just so you know they are not my original thought these are from Mathwire.

First, they talk about adding antennas to the coins. Basically for multiples of 5 the students drawn a tally mark stemming from the coin. It's the same concept as touch math basically. A nickel gets one antenna, a dime 2 and a quarter 5.  Then they skip count by 5 to get the value and to add on to the value of another coin. I think I will try this with my struggling learners after I introduce money.

Another idea they had which I never really thought of for money was using a hundreds chart.  Students need to be adept at using the hundreds chart and understand the patterns of it to use it.  First, they suggest using it to count coins.  For example, give a student 3 dimes and 1 nickel. The students would place the dimes on 10, 20, 30 and the nickel on 35. The last coin tells students how much money they have altogether.   This method is effective for having students figure out which coins to use to pay for an item.   If you teach 2nd grade check out the link for how to use it for making change. I don't think we'll be doing that very much in first grade but I have the link if we do need to go there!

What's great about this site is on the link I provided they give you a literacy connection and also some games. There is a free I have who has game.  There are several other activities as well. It's well worth your while to check it out.  MathWire

Money is soooooo important because it is not just about academic skills that you don't know how you'll use but because it's a life skill that is extremely important.  If you can't count money you can get cheated at the basic level buying a treat at the store.  You have to be able to count money.  Many start at jobs like McDonald's etc., even if it tells you what change to give it doesn't tell you what coins make up that 83 cents. It's an important skill. It needs to be taught at every level.


I found this link off of Heidi's Swamp Frogs blog that has games and activities for each CCSS.  Mony is one here so search for it and you'll find some great activities.

 http://www.allentownsd.org/Page/3359

I hope this is helpful to you. I wanted to post some information that is not just product related. When I return to school after Spring Break then I will be doing these activities with my kids. I will know how to add to them if needed and I plan to take pictures of them using them. I'll get feedback for sure about what they like and don't like!

Happy Teaching and Learning,

Ms. Francisco

Is Money in your Curriculum for First Graders?

Hello All,

Money is not on our curriculum map but we are teaching it because it's on the SAT 10 test that students will be taking in a few weeks. I can't believe how close it is getting.

I am preparing some products about money for my class and I will be posting them in my store soon. When we did time I got a game Clocks in a row by Jennifer Elliott. It's actually a freebie in her store and my kids just loved it.  Here's the link to her store.  So, I made a money game like this.  There is a game board with money amounts and then there are cards with the coins on them. The kids will draw a card and tell the amount on it.  If they get it right they cover the square with their color of chip.  I have included an answer sheet by Card number so the other partner can check and see if they are right. This should help them practice authentically and not practice wrong amounts.

So, keep an eye out for this game in my store!

It's not there yet I have a few more touches to it!  I also am working on a matching card set and some worksheets with some matching and also some word problems..  I will probably put them in separate and then bundle them so you can get them at a discount.

Click the preview above to go to my TPT store.

What do you do with your students to help them learn the coin amounts and how to count the coins?  I would love to hear what you do in your classroom.

Thanks,

Ms. Francisco

Going Franans on Facebook -- 25 more likes to a Freebie

Hello All,

Hope you're enjoying your day.  I started a facebook page to make a great audience. I have set a goal for 50 likes in order to get more traffic.  When I get 50 likes I will give away a freebie on my Facebook page.

So, if yo haven't liked my facebook page yet and you'd like a freebie then go to my facebook page and like my page!

Click the cute little monkey to go to my Facebook page.  The clipart is from Wholly Clipart and is found on Etsy.

Hope you'll like my page!  Follow me over to the right on google + and never miss out on a post again!  You never know what you'll find on here!

Thanks,

Ms. Francisco

Adding Tens to Two Digit Numbers -- Scoot in TPT Store

Hello All,

I got another activity ready for my class when we get back from Spring Break.  I have it in my store for you!  We're working on that important concept of adding 2 digit numbers to 2 digit numbers.  The third activity in the series now is Adding Tens to Two Digit Numbers.  Students understanding place value is so important. This will help you scaffold them up to understanding place value.  They need to understand when you add tens only the tens digit will change.

Clicking the picture will take you to my TPT Store.

I sure would appreciate you pinning this to Pinterest for me.  There's a pin button up there at the top of my blog to pin from here or you can pin from the TPT store page. I appreciate the publicity. Remember if you do purchase a product you can earn free TPT products by providing feedback on those products.  For every 20 credits = $1. I had never done this. This weekend I commented on all my purchases and I got so much free stuff. It adds up quickly!

Also, when I get 50 likes on my Facebook page I will give out a freebie.  So, go like my facebook page!   Going Frananas on Facebook!!    

I'm at 19 likes so get to liking if you want a freebie!!!

Thanks for all your support!  Help me get the word out!

Thanks,

Ms. Francisco

Adding Tens with Hundreds Chart Task Cards

Hello All,

Well, Spring Break is making me quite productive.  I have been looking ahead to plan for my class and as I was getting materials ready I thought others might be able to use them as well. It is my goal to offer activities that help teachers and are fun but authentic learning experiences.

We are working on adding multiples of 10 to 2 digit numbers.  We're gearing up for that independent two digit by two digit addition and eventually regrouping. I remember in 2nd grade last year this was challenging for them.  So, I am trying to make products I feel will help scaffold my firsties through these steps for a good foundation.

Here's what I came up with:

Click to go to the store!!

This is not a large set but it's enough for 15-20 minutes practice.  Not only are there practice problems but the skill is applied in 6 word problems. I don't know about you but over 9 years I have yet to have a class no matter what level they are at that has not struggled with word problems. They can never get enough practice.  Well, I think you'll like the price this set is only $2.

Please leave comments here, feedback on TPT, pin it to pinterest, like it on facebook.  The more you support these products the more others will know about them and hopefully teaching will be a little easier for all of us!

Happy Adding,

Ms. Francisco

Bundle your SAVINGS!!! $$$$$

Hello All,

I got the bundle done.  You will get 3 exclusives you can't get anywhere else plus all four activities for lower than the price of the 4 individually. It's like a sale! :)  It's like half-off as a bundle with freebies thrown in just for buying the bundle!

You get all of these activities

Then you get these exclusives!

I think you'll really like this bundle of activities.  Plenty of ways to assess and practice the use of contractions. Many different levels of practice from low to high! You can't go wrong with this bundle!

Click this picture to go to my store and check it out!

Remember your free credits if you review a product your purchase! It's a win/win for both of us!

If you get this I'd love to know what you think!

The weather is tremendous in Memphis. I am going to get off here and find a way to enjoy it some!  Have a great day!

Thanks,

Ms. Francisco

Busy, Busy, Busy.....New Contraction Products

Hello All,

I've been busy preparing some materials for my class. When we return from Spring Break we will be learning about contractions again.  I've made several products to use with contractions.  There are 4 separate products uploaded right now. I am working on a couple goodies to include in a bundle you can't get by themselves.  One is Anchor Charts that will be in the bundle only and then I am working on something else and then I will get it bundled and you will save.  If you don't think you want all of them they are for sale now as individual products.

Here's the product previews:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Going-Frananas

They include recording sheets and answer keys where appropriate!

I think you'll really like these products.  If you want all of them though you should definitely wait on the bundle.  Click any of the images to go to my TPT Store to check them out.  

Just a side note because I just learned this myself. Did you know you earn credits with each purchase just by rating products you buy?  For every $1 you spend you get 1 credit.  100 credits is worth $5 of free products! I am going back and rating everything I have purchased that I never rated. I had all these credits just sitting there. I am going to use them ASAP before they change their minds and they take them away! Not that they are going to but you just never know. I can't decide if I want products for my room or clipart/fonts to use to make more "stuff" for the store! HMMMM hard choices!

So, please do leave comments on the products you purchased. Not just for the seller but also for the credits you will receive!

Have a great day! It's Spring Break and the weather is supposed to be excellent today! I can't wait!

Thanks,

Ms. Francisco