Happy Halloween, Pardon the Bats

Hope your day is full of treats!

Pumpkins in the Classroom

My students enjoyed Pumpkin Math this week, comparing sizes of donated pumpkins, measuring them with rulers, yard sticks and measuring tape, and estimating the number of seeds in each. Parent volunteers guided each student through the activity, supervised the "gut removal," and of course, carved faces into the pumpkins that had the thinnest and least-blade-resistant rinds. The Stars then helped me move the jack-o-lanterns over to our calendar area, arranging them so we could tuck orange twinkle lights inside for a display that will hopefully not rot before Friday afternoon!



Parent volunteers, math, and twinkle lights...all good things!

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During "brain break" (rest time), fairies popped into my head... yes...fairies. So now I'm wanting to write a book. Probably *for* children, but more for teachers. Yes, teachers. Anyone know a publisher who might take a chance on a wanna-be-author kindergarten teacher?

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The Stars have begun working on some November classroom decor for patterning- check back this weekend for a sneak peek!

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Vanessa at A Fanciful Twist is all TREATS and no TRICKS with her downloadable FREE Halloween card and envelope template!

Think I can convince a parent volunteer to make potato chip cookies (shared by Saucy) for a special snack?

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FIVE posts away from my 400th! Stay tuned!

Simply Say "Thank You"

I'm setting aside time to catch up on TED Talks- here's one, short and simple by Laura Trice:



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SIX posts away from my 400th blog post anniversary! Check back to enter my giveaway!

Kindergarten "I Voted!" Buttons

After my printer decided that my original kindergarten "I Voted" button (above) was too color-rich, I decided to make the buttons using a bit of what I had at home:

* patriotic scrapbook paper

* flag stickers

* large circle paper punch

* paper cutter, scissors, pinking shears, and glue

* tabletop laminator

...and some goodies that necessitated a quick trip to Walmart:

* laminating pouches

* adhesive-backed pins





You already know how I love to laminate (it's a teacher thing):





The adhesive pin backs prevented me from burning the tips of my fingers...since I usually use a hot glue gun:





Now they just need to be cut out, and the kindergartners need to vote on Election Tuesday (they're voting for their favorite story, favorite song, and favorite school lunch):



Just in case you're interested in trying these, I made 70+ pins (there are four kindergarten classrooms at my school) in less than an hour.

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Only SEVEN posts away from my 400th post blogiversary! Post a comment on my 400th post for a chance to win one of my Christmas paper banners!

~*Sensing a Theme*~

I have to correct myself: he's no longer a toddler. He's a *gulp*....pre-schooler.

And he has certainly developed his own taste in books, toys, and apparently, costume preferences. Though he traded his sister for her bear (she got the bunny which makes a cuter Build-a-Bear/Bunny volleyball player), the Spiderman costume remained in his possession. The bear was dressed in the blink of an eye.

And then we ran to Walmart to pick up some adhesive pin backs (for the kindergarten election buttons...see tomorrow's post!) and some laminating pouches. Mr. Pre-schooler gasped as we walked down the costume aisle, not because of the sheer number of dress up options, but because he saw a Spiderman costume that was his size:



(In case you need some help telling the two apart, the pre-schooler is the one dressed as Spiderman, not SpiderBEAR:)


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EIGHT more posts until I reach my 400th blogiversary! Remember to check back and comment on my 400th post for a chance to win a Christmas paper banner!

Reconciling the Lists and Kindergarten Voting

I've got my chore list ready... laundry, grocery shopping, housecleaning, laundry, ironing, costume hunting, laundry, and possibly some baking thrown in for good measure, after, of course, another load of *laundry.*

I've also got my "I-wanna-do" list ready... finish a few banners to put on Ebay, sort through my pile of magazines (tearing out the pages I want to keep for my Inspiration Binders), start my holiday shopping list, paint my fingernails and toenails a Halloweeny shade called "Black Diamond," and of course, win the lottery... so I never have to do laundry again.

Something tells me not ~everything~ on my wanna-do list is going to get done.

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Though I have already voted, my kindergarten students will be discussing elections and voting this week, before Election Tuesday. My aide made a ballot box out of a copier paper box with lid (she cut a slit in the top and covered the box with patriotic blue paper) and we'll be using the puppet center's curtained wall for the voting booth. I'll be creating our ballot this week to include our favorite story (Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See, Blueberries for Sal, Green Eggs and Ham), song (Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Shake My Sillies Out, I Like to Move It Move It), and school lunch (popcorn chicken, PB and J, or pizza). I'll also make "I Voted" buttons for my students to wear:



Election predictions from *this* kindergarten pundit?

Favorite Story: Green Eggs and Ham

Favorite Song: I Like to Move It Move It

Favorite School Lunch: Pizza


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Matthew has a downloadable mock election ballot if you'd like to use one with your students!

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I'm now only nine away from my

400th blog post!

Don't forget the paper banner giveaway I'm having to celebrate!

SpiderBunny

Thanks to Kimberly at Petroville, the toddler enjoyed his visit to Build-a-Bear (though he built-a-bunny instead):



He chose a Spiderman costume for his bunny...



...made sure the mask fit properly...



...took a looksie in the mirror...



...and was ready to take SpiderBunny home!

Thank you again Kimberly!

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A personal political plea (and really, I'm asking nicely): Dearest friends, colleagues, neighbors, and strangers (I'm not including family because they know better): I HAVE ALREADY VOTED. No more political emails/forwards *please*. Thanks!

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My October Classroom Decor Suggestions

Looking over my "search stats" info from Lijit once a week, I've come to realize that there are quite a few of you out there who ~reallyreallyreally~ want to know how to decorate a kindergarten classroom for the holidays. I enjoy a mix of curriculum-covering essentials, kid-art, and props for language and literacy. This month, the mix includes bare feet, internal organs (external body parts too), and construction paper characters with predictable story text:



"BOO!" says the googly-eyed footprint ghost! After painting students' feet with washable white paint, I let them dry. Our awesome classroom aide cut them out and added the wiggle eyes and streamers- too cute! We had enough to create a math display too (we have been learning about sets of numbers):





For science, a parent volunteer, my aide and I traced each student's body, cut out the shape, and hung them to the walls (yep, kindergartners "climb the walls" in my room!). Students then learned about external body parts and internal organs. They learned that our brain has three parts (the cerebrum, the cerebellum and the brain stem), our heart is a muscle that pumps blood (and no, it's *not* shaped like a valentine, but resembles a fist), our lungs take in oxygen as we inhale and release carbon dioxide as we exhale, our stomachs digest our food and contain a substance called stomach acid (several students asked if it was the acid they smelled whenever they threw up...good question!), and our intestines help us get rid of wastes that our bodies don't need.









Finally, my students used Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? as inspiration for a Halloween predictable book that our Fifth Grade Buddies helped us illustrate last week. Our version is titled "Green Witch, Green Witch, What Do You See?" and includes a green witch, a black cat, a white ghost, a blue bat, an orange pumpkin, a purple monster, a brown werewolf, and a gray spider. Students took the books home, but wrote out the story on lined paper so we could display it on our wall:







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Since this is my return-to-the-classroom-year, I'll make sure to set up blog posts in advance for *next* school year so that readers can view ideas BEFORE the month begins...sound good?

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Hope you have had a terrific week- I'm chatting with parents and families for parent teacher conferences today!

Hooked on Blog Giveaways and Cartolina Cards

Thanks to Fiona Richards of Cartolina Cards, these arrived in the mail just in time to beat today's rainy weather:













Fiona hosted a wonderful card/stationery giveaway not too long ago. Seeing these cards up close and in person, I have to tell you, I am *hooked*! Visit her blog, Cafe Cartolina pronto to see what beautiful things have caught her eye-

A Table for Fallen Comrades

When my husband and I first starting dating, I had a lot to learn about his job, military jargon and traditions, and what I would find out over time was this nation's larger "military family." The first time I attended a Military Police Ball, I was completely unprepared for the emotions stirred up by the obvious esprit de corps and respect and regard for service and rank. I had merely worried over whether or not my gown was appropriate, and if I would be welcomed into the fold or treated as a civilian outsider.

We had our photos taken, went through the receiving line, and found our table, though we did not sit until invited to do so by the call to dinner. At the beginning of the event, introductory comments were shared, glasses were charged (filled with wine), and toasts were made, including this one:

Perhaps as you entered the hall this evening, you noticed a small table, set for one, in a place of honor. The military caste is filled with symbolism; this table is our way of symbolizing the fact that members of our proud profession are missing from our midst, unable to be with us this evening. It symbolizes those killed or missing in action. We call these soldiers our comrades.

This table, set for one, is small. It symbolizes the face of one of our own and the singular life given in defense of our nation.

The tablecloth is white, symbolizing the purity of our comrade's intentions to respond to our country's call to arms.

The single rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the family and loved ones of our comrade-in-arms who keep the faith, awaiting the return of those who are prisoners of war or missing in action.

The yellow ribbon tied so prominently on the vase, is reminiscent of the yellow ribbon worn upon the lapels and breasts of thousands who bear witness with their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing soldiers.

A slice of lemon is on the bread plate, symbolizing our comrade's bitter fate.

There is salt upon the bread plate, symbolic of the tears shed by the comrade's family.

The wine glass is inverted. Our comrade cannot toast with us tonight.

The chair is empty, for our comrade will not be joining us.

Remember our fallen comrades, for surely, they have not forsaken you.

Ladies and gentlemen, if you have not done so, please charge your glasses with water: wine is not a luxury our comrades can enjoy.

Ladies and gentlemen, I propose a toast, to our fallen comrades, prisoners of war, and those missing in action."

At which point glasses were quietly raised toward the table, guests remained silent, and Taps was played.

I have never made it through an MP Ball without crying. I expect I never will.

Sneaky Peekies into Other Bloggers' Homes

A Fanciful Twist hosted a Halloween Extravaganza, and let me tell you, what a wonderful event it was!

*Sigh*, no, I didn't participate (though I have shared my home and classroom decor for October in previous posts), but I certainly did enjoy lurking and visiting the blogs of those who did:

~ A Trinket Treasury shared some glittery and ribboned spider rings (you know how I love jewelry!)...

~ Alexa Lett made plastic beaded jack-o-lanterns...

~ Artsy Mama's gorgeous and ghoulish goodies made me wish I'd used a bit more orange and black throughout my own house (there's always next year!)...

~ The Cryptkeeper and shrunken heads make an appearance at Green Jello's Halloween Party...

~ And Hip Hop Jingle Boo amazed me with one of the most extensive Halloween home decorating transformations ever...

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Thanks so much to Tip Nut for featuring me in a recent post, Crafters Medley: 31 Neat-O Projects to Make (October)! I can't wait to try some of your awesome pasta recipes!

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I love this photo by Rendiru (and remember, if the broom fits, fly it!):

Customer Service, and Update

Remember the school-picture-retake fiasco?

A company representative called! He apologized for the situation, and let us know when a photographer would be back in our neck of the woods so Dear Daughter could have her photo taken again. She made it to the next photo location (a nearby church) on Friday, and had a *much* better experience this time around. We're looking forward to seeing what will hopefuly be a greatly improved freshman picture in about two weeks.

The company rep. said that the retake policy (if you didn't blink or have wonky hair, you aren't given the opportunity to have your photo retaken) was in place because schools with large student populations often had many, many, *many* students trying to use Re-Take Day as an opportunity to get out of class, creating huge lines of students who are basically playing hooky.

My response and suggestion? "That's why students shouldn't be allowed to leave class for photos unless they have a written request by their parents."

Seems simple to me. I know, I know, teachers would still have to field the notes, yadda yadda yadda (you know I sympathize, I'm a teacher after all) but it would be for one morning or afternoon.

Perhaps the policy will change. Maybe not- but we were relieved that we were called and given the opportunity for Dear Daughter to continue with her tradition of sending school photos to friends and family with our Christmas cards.

Glass Slippers and a Dodge Ram Carriage

Apologies for being away Friday and Saturday~

Gown ironing, hair curling, make-up applying, and high-heel teetering was taking place Friday afternoon after school since Dear Husband and I had the MP Ball to attend:



We enjoyed a wonderful meal, sat at a table with funny and friendly soldiers and spouses and even did a little dancing before the clock struck twelve, though we didn't make it out of the ballroom quickly enough before my aching feet demanded to be freed from shoes that *felt* like glass slippers. Ouch.

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Though my carriage was a Dodge Ram driven by DH, here are some inspiring pumpkins from BlogLand:

~ Oscar the (Pumpkin) Grouch? See it at Craft and Clutter!

~ Smitten Kitchen makes Pumpkin Swirl Brownies...

~ CakeSpy posts a letter to the editor from the Mellowcreme Pumpkin (TOO funny!)

~ A Storybook Life shares painted pumpkins...

~ Bella Pink Cafe visited a pumpkin patch...

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Carriage found here...

October Classroom Decor

It's time for new patterns:



(bone, moon, jack-o-lantern, bone, moon, jack-o-lantern)

New border trim (Mary Englebreit):



Spiderwebs...





...a pumpkin quilt, cute characters...







... a new calendar



...and orange twinkle lights!



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While parents, blog readers and possibly some colleagues see a "cute" room each time I change the decor and learning centers, I see the monthly modifications as inspiration for my students. Kindergartners enjoy holidays and special events, but also need to cover curriculum requirements and develop social, fine and gross motor skills. Providing options, variety, and interesting materials is an essential way to catch the interest of even the most reluctant or anxious child.

~Cutting with scissors daily on plain ol' zig zag lined paper can become boring and repetitious for students who need the extra practice. Add deckle scissors to the cutting activity (and the opportunity to make some awesome art displays with their work) and watch even the most scissor-awkward child eagerly hone his/her cutting skills!

~Each year I have several students who are reluctant to write or draw because they "can't do it" like their tablemate. At the writing center, I provide colored pencils, washable markers, rulers, stencils and flip books with simple pictures and words spelled out. Shapes added to the stencil tub this month: pumpkins, bats, cats, ghosts, leaves, and moon. All students enjoy tracing the stencils and copying the environmental print as they make pictures, cards, and books for their friends and family. Never fear, my aide and I help students sound out words for their writing too!

Patterns, environmental print (I have October word lists posted as well but my students' names and photos are intermixed with them so I'm *not* posting them), dramatic play props (we've turned housekeeping into the "Creature Cafe"), autumn/October themed colors and materials not only make for a fun classroom, they also inspire my students' expression and encourage my Stars to try new things.

November will see some classroom changes too- check back after Halloween to find maize, cornucopias, Indians, Pilgrims, and of course, handprint turkeys!