Old Pipes+Water=Flood

I've been having a water leak problem under the sink in my classroom so today the county maintenance men came out to fix it.  They had told me they'd be pulling the cabinets off the wall and replacing all of the old pipes that were causing the leak so I planned for my students to spend the day in another classroom in the building.  It was also Fun Day so we'd be outside most of the day anyways.  Well, I had to run back to my classroom to grab the Fun Day schedule before the day got started and there it was... water.  I don't mean a little puddle.  I'm talking about some serious water.  ALL.  OVER.  MY.  CLASSROOM.  Flowing water.  Are you picturing this in your mind?  My shelves and carpet were already soaked, storage drawers sitting in water, and it was creeping across my floor just inches away from reading books and library books.  I walked in just in time to start saving my stuff and thank goodness for two of my amazing teamies being nearby and rushing to my rescue.  Now, everything in my room is up on tables.  It's quite a sight.  The whole situation was just too much for me to handle so then I added to the flood with my tears!  I'm sure those maintenance men thought I was crazy-- I was just standing in water and crying.  I'm sure you can all understand these emotions since we all put so much time, money, and energy into making a classrooms what they are-- a home away from home.  Oh, and did I mention that it went through the wall into my neighbor's classroom.  Yup, it sure did.  Soaked her carpet and some books.  Poor thing.  She didn't even see it coming!

I think today might top the charts as one of my worst days of school ever.  Now, I'm looking forward to a new week and being able to use the sink in my classroom without a leak.... or flood.  Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Have you ever had something like this happen in your classroom?

--Mrs. Pollard

37 Days and a Freebie

Yes, that's right... 37 days to go!  Today was my first day back from Spring Break.  5:20am has never felt so early.  Phew, it was hard this morning.  I know y'all feel the same way!  I'm pretty excited about trucking through the next 37 days with my kiddos so I know it'll get easier.  I've got some exciting things planned to help get each of my firsties ready for second grade and keep their attention until the last day {fingers crossed}.  I realize I haven't been so good lately about posting on here, but keep an eye out for new pictures in the upcoming weeks.

Now, to the promised freebie.  My state hasn't fully implemented Common Core so we're still teaching our state standards for math.  One objective is for students to be able to identify an event as being 'certain' or 'impossible'.  Let me just tell you... this is a tricky concept for seven year olds!  I've created this little sort in case you're needing to teach this concept in your classroom as well.  Check out this {freebie} in my TPT store!

I would love if you left feedback on the product after you download!

It makes my heart happy to hear from y'all!  :)

I've also uploaded a few other items to my TPT store recently.  Check them out!

1. More & Less Math Station

2. Jack & the Beanstalk Unit

3. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo {I am so excited about this unit & celebration!}

--Mrs. Pollard

Tax Break Sale!

I'm having a SALE!  I just couldn't resist and had to join in the fun!  I just posted a 'Jack and the Beanstalk Unit' and 'More and Less Math Station' this weekend!  Check out my TPT store for 15% off my products for today only! 

--Mrs. Pollard

And the winners are.....

Winner #1- Mrs. Richling (Bunny Bonanza & April Showers)

Winner #2- Meredith Gilbert (Bunny Bonanza)

Winner #3- Cathy Irwin (April Showers)

Congratulations, ladies!  Check your email for your new Spring units!!  Thank you to everyone else for your support.  Be sure to check out my TPT store if you are interested in my Spring units!  I also just uploaded a Cinco de Mayo unit this past weekend.  I'm so excited to use it with my kids... they love anything related to Mexico.

Did everyone have a good first day of Spring?  We had quite the discussion about pollen in my classroom yesterday.  I'm originally from Michigan so I have never before experienced the pollen that invades North Carolina this time of year... it is UNREAL!

--Mrs. Pollard



Spring Giveaway! ~~~~CLOSED~~~~

I don't know about you, but this early springtime weather is quite enjoyable!  To help celebrate the official first day of Spring on Tuesday I'm having a giveway with 3 winners!

It's easy as 1-2.... here's how to enter:
1. Follow my blog and leave a comment saying you do {with your email address}.
2. Follow my TPT store and leave a comment saying you do {with your email address}.

The giveaway will end on Tuesday night at 8:00 PM {eastern}.  I will use a random number generator to choose the winners.

The first winner will receive both of my Spring units- Bunny Bonanza and April Showers Bring May Flowers!

The second winner will receive my Bunny Bonanza unit and the third winner will receive my April Showers Bring May Flowers unit.

Don't miss your chance to get some new Spring items for your classroom!  Enter the giveaway here by following my blog and TPT store.  :)

--Mrs. Pollard

I've been busy....

We're about to hit the beginning of the end at my school... the final nine weeks of school until my firsties become second graders!  I just love seeing them grow through the year.  During this most recent round of testing {audible sigh}, there were some struggles that stuck out to me for different kids.  So, I've spent my day making some things to help get me through the end of the school year and focus on the skills they need more practice with.  I've uploaded all of these items to my TPT and Teachers Notebook stores.  Check it out!

I also uploaded a little {freebie} to share with you all!

--Mrs. Pollard

How I Store My Stations

With so many amazing literacy and math stations available to teachers today I think it's very important to store them safely and in an organized way so I can always find them when I need them!  I've spent so much money on paper, ink, and laminate alone that I want to protect my investment.  {I know you're all with me on that!}

Here's how I prepare and store my stations....
First, I begin by printing all of the pages needed.  I glue the cover page on the front of a 9x12 envelope.  If the directions are seperate, I glue them onto the back of the envelope.  I laminate the envelope {with the flap open} and all of the station pieces.  I cut out the envelope and carefully slice open the opening.  Then, I cut out all of the station pieces.  I put these pieces inside of a Ziploc bag.  I put the Ziploc bag inside of the laminated envelope along with the copies of the recording sheets.  I use a small circular Velcro piece to keep the envelope closed.*

Right now I have all of these beautiful envelopes stored in a cupboard in my classroom.  The problem is that the shelves are narrow so I can't quickly locate a station I need.  I just purchased a medium sized storage tub and plan to store the envelopes inside it standing up with tall dividers for different catergories and subjects.

This is the best way I've found to keep my stations safe and sound.  How do you store your stations?

*Please note, the 9x12 envelopes come with or without the little metal brads {the ones with brads are cheaper}.  I have put both types through the big laminator.  I hear you're not supposed to put the brads through the laminator... I've never had a problem, but this is my disclaimer!  :)

--Mrs. Pollard