Scratch off one project from the list...

So if you remember from my second blog post, I went on about how I wanted to create a tree in my classroom...
Well, several paper grocery bags, a roll of painters tape, a little over a month later, its finally done!
Here are the pictures!

The kids seem to really love it.  They were amazed as the trunk went up, then the branches.  

They have been really great about not touching it, too!  One of these days I need to add some sticky tack to make sure it stays up there.  One of these days...

On to the next project!

Election Day?

Why the question mark, you ask?  Well, because I have fallen a little behind on my blogging!  Election day was a month ago!

Here is what I did with the kiddos.  We learned what an election was, what the requirements for president are, and a little about the two main candidates.  I refrained from holding an election about the actual candidates, so we held a secret vote to decide what we were going to have for snack that day instead.

After we talked about voting, I had the kids do a writing activity.  Usually, this would be like pulling teeth.  They DO NOT like writing after school... but they seemed okay with this activity.

If I became president... I would go fishing.

If I became president... I would give a speech to everyone.

If I became president... I would travel the whole world except Cuba. (His big sister apparently taught him about Cuba?)

Most of the kids did a decent job.  I tried to make all nine kids complete the activity.  It took a couple days because of homework, but everyone got it done to some extent!  I am trying REALLY hard to keep the program educational.  I value the benefits of learning through play, but I also like making sure the kids are keeping up on their academic skills :)

Roll A Santa - Freebie!

I found this gem on Pinterest this weekend and my kiddos love it! I thought I would share :)
The Roll a Santa - Freebie is an easy number recognition game.  Children simply take turns rolling a die.  They match the number with the chart to see which part of Santa they get to collect.  The first player to complete Santa wins.  My four year old was able to play alongside my 1st and 2nd graders so I consider this game pretty successful!

To construct the game, I printed two copies  in color on card stock (I only have nine kids at any one time, so I figured two players was fine). I then cut the pieces out, laminated, and cut them out again.  I store all the small pieces in a plastic baggie, and then everything goes in a file folder labeled with the name of the game and the directions.  All of my games are placed in a basket along with any pieces they may need to play the game.  

If you like this freebie, make sure to click the link and visit the author's blog.  I'm sure she has many more awesome creations!