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

We're making some sales! Another New Product!!

Hello All,

I am in relaxation mode!  Our Spring Break started yesterday. I already made one new product and posted it in my store.  It's another scoot game for math.  It's an Adding Tens Scoot.  We are starting in on adding tens when we return from Spring Break. My kids really loved the scoot game with Time so I thought what a better way to assess them on adding tens than a Scoot Game.  Place Value is such an important concept.  We already do so many regular assessments, let's not even get into that topic right now, so having a fun way to assess is a much needed break for my firsties!

Here's a previw of the Adding Tens Scoot game!

Students will use tens models on the cards to find sums of multiples of 10 up to 100. This activity can be used as an assessment after teaching a lesson on adding 10s. This is an excellent activity to help students move from adding 1s to adding 10s by connecting the two. Knowing how to add ones can help them to add ten. The Scoot activity allows students to have movement in a fun and educational way. Product includes 24 full size cards that can be printed 2 or 4 to a page. Recording Sheet and Answer Key as well as additional uses for this activity.

I think you'll really like this Scoot Game.

Please if you buy a product or download a freebie will you please leave comments and rate the products.  It really is important to sellers on TPT! :)  Also, if you would love to pin my products on Pinterest that would be wonderful as well!

If you have time  I also have a facebook page now.  Check it out and give me a like if you would. I'm planning a special freebie when I reach 50 likes on my Facebook page. Click the monkey to go to the Facebook page!

Thanks,

Ms. Francisco

A little something for Firsties! Indefinite Pronouns!

Hello All,

I had to get some Center Activities for indefnite pronouns. There really isn't much out there.  So, I made some simple task cards to use next week in my stations.  There are only 12 task cards and there are 2 types; pick the pronoun from the sentence and then choose the correct (cloze) indefinite pronoun for the sentence.  It should keep them busy about 15 minutes. My stations have 3 activities so this should be just about right.  I may update this after this week is over.  I always look to enhance my products so if you follow my store you will be notified of any updates to products!

Anyway, here you go. Go check it out. I think it will be worth your while and it's only $2!!!

Click the image above to go to my store!

Hope you'll check it out!  Please use the Pinterest button on my blog to pin this to pinterest! Your help is appreciated! :)

Thanks,

Ms. Francisco

Snow Days have made me Productive and you get a FREEBIE!!

Hello All,

Snow days have inspired me to be productive I tried Scoot with my kids on Wednesday for the first time. We only did one table as we need to practice moving to more than one table and I want them to practice short times with no talking and they did amazing. So, to treat them I made a new Scoot game for Telling Time to the Hour and the Half Hour for what we cover in First Grade.  They will really enjoy this and I think your students will as well.  Wednesday I put out clocks on their table and they wrote the time down.  This multiple choice format will get them ready for testing as they have to choose the right time out of 4 choices.

2nd grade teachers you could use this as a pre-assessment before your time unit. Last year when I taught 2nd they had a hard time with time so a preassessment would help a lot to know what you need to work them on where they are at!!


I will get some pictures and update this but for now I am linking the image below to my TPT store where you can download the Freebie from my store.  Please if you have the time will you leave me comments on my TPT store and/or pin this to Pinterest! Let's get the word out about my TPT store and blog. I have many more ideas and hope to get the word out!

Let me know how this works out in your classroom!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Thanks,

Ms. Francisco

Black and White Polka Dots are my Favorite!

Hello,

Black and white polka dots are my favorite. Maybe you like them too!!  I made a black and white polka dot Word Wall set for my own classroom.  My whole room is black and white polka dots so I love these and they look amazing in my room!

I have a picture of them in my classroom.  This was at the beginning of the year before there were any words underneath them!

I used magnetic tape and put them up on the white board. I have a Smartboard which I love to use on the other wall across from this so I don't really need this white board to write on.

I hope you like these! They really are perfect! I have a couple more versions made so I am going to get them uploaded as well. I made a yellow and white polk dot set for a colleague I will put up.  I am going to put a "blank" set in the store as well so you can ask for a customized set.  Hope you like them! ;)

Thanks,

Ms. Francisco

I've got another new product in my TPT Store!!

Hello All,

I put a new product in my TPT Store.  Phonics are so important in K-2 classrooms.  Here's a fun sort activity that your students will enjoy.

Header cards to sort the pictures.  Then students record their words. You can remove the words if you want them to write them without help.  You can target specific blends and diagraphs by using only those that you want to target at the time.  There are several extension ideas included in the activity to make it more rigorous and challenging for your advanced students.  This activity can be used for your struggling students to your advanced students. All you have to do is print, laminate and copy.  Student directions, teacher's notes and recording sheet are all included.  I think you'll really get a lot of use out of this product. I plan to keep updating it as I find more clipart that applies I will add more to it.  It's a product that will keep on giving!

After I get a few more products uploaded I plan to give away a freebie.  Are you looking for anything specific?  Leave me a comment. I would love to know that I am making products that teachers want and need.  It is my goal to keep prices low and make products that you can actually use.

I would love for you to leave comments on my blog and/or on the TPT store so others can see how helpful the product is.

Have a great day!

Ms. Francisco