END OF THE YEAR VIDEO IDEAS + FOLLOW UP ACTIVITIES

I have spent most of my evenings and post physical therapy days planted in front of my electronic box.  An endless stream of iced tea, coffee, sick beats, and tissues got me through the creation of my end of the year video.  It is my best one yet . . . the music is perfect, the transitions are flawless, and the images would warm even the coldest of hearts.  #mymasterpiece

How many of y'all make one of these?  Yes, it can take hours (if you are a psycho like me) . . . but I think it is SO worth the time.  I always have it running in the background at Open House.  I also give a copy to parents as a "thanks for sharing your kiddo with me" gift.  

With this said, do you still have a few weeks left of school?  Well . . . I swear that you still have time to slap one of these together.  Or, maybe you are in the middle of one and need a little extra motivation (I hit a slump earlier this week and had to walk away for a bit)!!??!!  Here are a couple of production ideas, a copy of my permission slip, and some follow up ditties to jump start or keep ya rollin' with an Oscar worthy production! 

If you are a teacher like me, you always have your camera in your pocket ready to catch all of your classic classroom moments.  The kids even know to remind me to get it out when something cool is going on . . . yes, I have trained them well ;)  Well, if you have been doing this all year, there's half your battle.  Once you have the inventory, you are ready to piece something together.  

Before I start making my movie, I send out a permission slip to make sure I am in the clear.  I have posted my version down below for you to take a look-see it. Feel free to swipe any verbiage that works for you!!!

Didn't The Moffatt Girls, Cara Carroll, and Kevin + Amanda make me look good??!
I couldn't pull of such a sweet look without your creative support :)

I have a MAC and have fallen in love with iMovie.  It's so easy to use.  I figured it out in no time and it's pretty idiot proof (okay . . . so I managed to booger a few things up this year, but they were easy fixes).  Simply create a new project, select a set theme (I like photo album) and drag your photos into the build screen.  You can adjust the time devoted to each clip and add movement to your photos.  I am all about timing this perfectly to the music.  

Speaking of music.  I have used lots of different songs throughout the years.  I have my go to ditties, but I also like to switch things up a bit as I always tend to have siblings.  My motto is to hit 'em with upbeat feel-good "tunage" right up front . . . slow it down . . . pick it back up . . . and then, kill it at the end with a song that tugs on those heartstrings.  Ironically, it ain't just the parents who tear up.  I ALWAYS cry.  I watch the thing a zillion times to try and placate myself, but it never seems to work in the moment.  

Here's my stellar line up this year . . . click the links to preview the tunes!

1. You've Got A Friend in Me - Randy Newman (my go to)
2. You Are My Sunshine - Ray Charles (best version ever)
3. In My Life - The Beatles (classic)
4. Rainbow Connection - Weezer + Hayley Williams (mind-blowing)
5. Bright Side of the Road - Van Morrison (always a smile getter)
6. Never Grow Up - Alyssa Golden (killer . . . better than Taylor's IMO)

In previous movies, I have used Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head (Burt Bacharach), Monsters Inc. Intro (Randy Newman), Over the Rainbow (IZ), Three Little Birds (Bob Marley), We Belong Together (Randy Newman), You Are My Sunshine (Victor Johnson), Fun. Fun. Fun. (Pharrell), and Perfect Gift (Natalie Hemby).  

Our Open House is a week from today so I am sittin' pretty.  Now all I have to do is make myself one DVD copy.  I don't gift the parent copies until that last week . . . it's too crazy to get this done right now!!!  And you can milk an activity out of it too (more on that soon).

I always host a student screening the afternoon of Open House.  It's perfect for that time when you've finished every thing you're gonna finish, but it's still too early to clean the room and set up the desks.  We pop corn and have a private "screening" right after lunch.  Two years ago my kinders started screaming everyone's name when they flashed on the screen.  I laughed my bum off.  Last year I had to leave the room twice during that initial showing to get it together. I wonder what this year will bring . . . .   

After the kids leave and I'm all dolled up for the night, I attach a silly little sign to the bottom of my TV as a final touch.  It's up for grabs down below.  Don't mind me.  I think I am funny and it's all about "sellin' that sizzle" . . . yes, I was in PR/marketing before becoming a teacher.  However, the video truly speaks for itself.  For those of you who create one, are you with me??  A movie about those babes that you poured your heart and soul into for the past 180 days will move mountains.  **Confession time . . . I am getting all misty-eyed as I'm writing this post.  #imintroublethisyear

CLICK HERE to grab this sign
Thank you Goodness + Fun and Ashley Hughes!

Before I go and be a wife tonight and whip something up for dinner, I have one more thing for you.  Remember how I said that you could leverage this video into another classroom activity??  Well, who better to create the DVD cover than your babes??!!  And what better time to do it than the last week of school??  They always seem to love this and the buy-in is immediate.  Simply cut cruddy copy paper to the size of the DVD holder that you are using.  We brainstorm and vote on a title (First Grade is Fabulous, First Grade Memories, First Grade Friends, etc.).  Then I let them go . . . they really take their time on this.  Slate a good 30 minutes for this.  Don't know why, but my babes always take such pride in this one.  

Alright, my friends.  I am out.  Merry {almost} Friday . . . we can do this!  I'll see you this weekend with a little somethin' - somethin'.  Until then, BIG HUGS! Oh, and if you have any tips to share about movies you've made, I'd love to hear them!!! 

MOMMIES + END OF THE YEAR CRAFT FREEBIE

First and foremost today, I want to give a shout out to all you mommies out there.  You just gotta know that you are more than special to all of your little babes :)  My sweet mom is one in a million.  She's strong, smart, giving, passionate, and loving.  She's the whole package I tell ya.  One of these days my luck will change and the hubs and I will be blessed with a little sweetie of our own.  I can only hope that I can be even half the mother mine is to me. And, I am going to call it right now, just to let the record show . . . this woman is going to absolutely KILL the roll of grandma :)

Some things never change . . . I love you to the moon and back, mom!

Speaking of sweet mommies, I had some bloggers ask me to explain the Mother's Day Drop-In event that I hosted on Friday.  So, here's my attempt to do just that.  With the week being as crazy as it was, I opted to simplify every thing this year.  My goal was to offer up an outlet for moms to spend some time with their babes in the classroom setting.  We didn't have a performance and we didn't host a big party . . . it was simply a "come when you can" event.  I also have a few students with really big "mommy issues" this year.  It absolutely crushes one of my babes when the mom subject even comes up.  This also played into these low-key plans.

How did this roll, you ask?  Well, I sent a note home the week before outlining Friday's schedule (it was a crazy one with all the rodeo events).  It outlined the day and let moms know what we were offering up (I included a copy of it below).  I had a rough estimate of how many moms were coming and I used that to set up a Mommy Refreshment Station.  I wish I had a photo of it . . . the day just got away from me and I spaced snappin' one.  It had flowers, cookies, lemonade, mini waters, and a fun little sign.  Students served their moms . . . it was cute.  

I am going to switch gears on you a bit now . . . it's time for End of the Year talk.  On that note, I have a little freebie for you today.  I made this ditty last year and it is hiding in my TPT Shop.  Once Open House hits and the crazy themed artwork, writes, and other projects are sent home (I get sick of looking at this stuff rather quickly and I make it go away that very next week), my walls always seem to look so lonely.  SO, I came up with Memory Makers.  This fun little craft looks great up on the wall and the kids seem to really enjoy it.  

CLICK HERE to get the craftivity!

I will be running with this in a few weeks . . . just gotta make it through our big Africa theme first.  BLARG!  Open House it May 23rd for us and we still have so much more to cover.  Oh, I almost forgot (I got all worked up when I uttered those words . . . Open House).  I have a corresponding write and a ready- made bulletin board sign to go with this project.  Snag these templates down below.

CLICK HERE to get the writing portion of this ditty.

Alright, I am out of here.  Going to plan for next week, call my mommy, and get my bum to the grocery store . . . I refuse to have PB& J for dinner again! If you have any additional questions about the Mommy Drop-In, please do not hesitate to ask.  Thanks for visiting and Merry Sunday to you :) 

  

FIVE FOR FRIDAY - THE SAGA CONTINUES . . . AND A FUN FREEBIE

Boy howdy folks, we made it!  My sweet little kiddies were in their glory this week with the First Grade Music Performance, Rodeo Week, National Peace Officer's Memorial Week, and Mother's Day.  Needless to say, this teacher is totally pooped.  However, it was a wonderful 5 day run I tell ya!  With this said, let's get to it . . . Five for Friday Style!  

RANDOM MOMENT #1
Our little town has a rodeo this weekend . . . it's a BIG deal and most of the kids attend.  If you are a smart teacher, you rope in this excitement and run with it in class.  It worked like a charm!  But, I digress.  Check out my babes during the fun Rodeo Field Day!  Yup . . . that's the Cow Pie Walk!

RANDOM MOMENT #2

Our school also had it's Annual Music Performance this week.  All of first grade packed the gym on Wednesday evening.  My class was SO well behaved despite all the nerves and I cried my eyes out when they hit the final song . . . You Are My Sunshine.  The music teacher had the parents sing the second verse to the kids . . . I LOST IT.  One of my babes even mouthed, "Are you okay??"  Yes siree, I cried that hard.  But, I managed to get it together before my makeup started dripping down my face.  #waterproofmascara

RANDOM MOMENT #3

I took a break from rodeo madness after the performance to take advantage of the HUGE TPT Sale.  I scored some delightful products.  I have posted a few of my favorites below . . . but, believe me . . . I bought so much more than what that photo shows ;)  

Susan Moran's All About Book
Katie King's Busy Teacher (May)
Hope King's Biome Book
Sarah Cooley's Soft C & G Pack

RANDOM MOMENT #4

As if this week wasn't crazy enough, the first grade teachers upped the ante and hosted Mother's Day events on Friday.  I went with a low key Mommy Drop-In and it was such fun. The kids were delighted.  I think by having it as a "come when you can event" more of our moms and grammies were able to pop in for a little visit.  

Love that a few mommies brought their younger sweeties!!!

RANDOM MOMENT #5

Oh, and in case you didn't know, last week was National Peace Officer Memorial Week!!  I always do something for Fire Safety week and show appreciation toward these brave men and women by having my babes write letters. However, the poor police have been overlooked in my class.  Well, it just so happens that one of my darling students has the coolest cop for a dad!!!  It seemed only right that we start appreciating these amazing men and women too.  So, our beloved Mr. P came in for a little visit.  The kids were in awe and the visit was classic!  Q & A Time + First Grade = Hilarious.  In addition to the usual kid questions . . . "Do you have a gun?" and "What do the prisoners eat in jail?" . . . one question/response took the cake.  One of my babes asked Mr. P. when he works.  When told that he typically works during the night shift, my little kiddo replied, "Oh, so you're like a nocturnal animal."  #yougetanA+kid

BIG thanks to you Mr. P!  We loved every minute of it!!

Following our police officer visit, we wrote letters and I delivered them to our local station.  If you were interested in running with this activity in the next few weeks (it's a perfect feel-good end of the year activity), I have my freebie template up for grabs down below!!  

CLICK HERE to score this letter template!  
Thanks JW Illustrations and Teaching in a Hello Literacy for the graphics!

Alright my friends, I am off.  Going to go enjoy my Saturday for a bit before I sit back down to finish up my end of the year video (I'll have more on this soon). I'll see you tomorrow with a fun little craft freebie!  Hugs y'all and thanks for visiting.

"SOAPBOX SPILL" + SALE + END OF THE YEAR

In my humble opinion, teaching is one of the hardest things you will EVER do. Trust me . . . I've tried other jobs over the years . . . education is harder ;) However, teaching truly is is the best career in the world :)  I don't know about you, but my bucket is filled each and every day thanks to my 20+ little munchkins.  I thank my lucky stars that I stumbled into teaching and I hope that you do to (well, most days . . . hehehehehe).

Look!!  Dark hair and no wrinkles . . . dang girl . . . you's hot!
Seriously, though.  This photo was snapped during one of those amazing teacher "moments."

My heart is still so full :)  

I am sure that you've heard it by now, but the mecca known as TPT is having a MONSTER sale tomorrow and Wednesday in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week.  Simply type in TAD13 at checkout to get yo-self oodles of items at up to 28% off!  My TPT Shop is definitely participating . . . I even have an early bird sale going on right now.  BOOM . . . how you like them apples, teach??!

Thanks to Ashley Hughes for another amazing button!

Here are just a few items of that I will be utilizing with my little darlings during this last 27 day haul.  Oh . . . and I have a free end of the year ditty or two in my shop as well . . . I think they are on page 3 or 4!!

     

     

     

Alright . . . that's enough Ms. Dolling!  I am off to prep for tomorrow (I have been procrastinating WAY TOO MUCH this evening).  Have a wonderful time hunting around TPT.  My cart is all ready to go for tomorrow . . . rainforest, habitats, and common core were the name of my game this round!  Hugs y'all and I'll see you this weekend for Freebie Friday!  

Oh . . . and just in case you administration forgets to tell any of you tomorrow, I want to shout it from the rooftops . . . right here, right now.  YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!

SUMMER COUNTDOWN SURVIVAL KIT + END OF THE YEAR FREEBIE

Well, I don't know about all you alls, but we are officially in the 20s when it comes to the BIG summer countdown (29 to be exact, but doesn't 20s just sound so much better)!!??!!  As much as I am super stoked for this, I felt that big ole spike in blood pressure that always seems to hit when we launch ourselves into the month of May.  

Accepting this personal medical fact, I am trying to get my ducks in a row this year.  With TWO last minute field trips, endless trimester assessments, report cards, rodeo rotations, Open House, parent drop ins, Family Night, the spring music performance, common core planning meetings, and the dreaded exit checklist looming, things are heating up very quickly (I know you all are feeling it too).  So, I decided to create a little pack to help me fill that post Open House period that nearly kills me each and every year.
  

LEARN MORE HERE

This collection is stuffed with more than 140 pages of "teacher calming" goodness.  All the activities have been designed to fill any planning "hole" that you may have.  Best of all, they are low-prep, engaging, and fun for kids!  Many also align to the common core standards (your sweet students will still be reviewing concepts and skills and won't even realize it).  

I tried a few of these activities with my babes just to make sure I was on track. We ran with Home Run Review and the Princess + The Dragon last week.  My kiddos were delighted and I had them eating out of the palm of my hand!  I was able to slip in oodles of math review (despite it being 90 degrees and beautiful right outside our window).  I'd call that a HUGE win for the teacher!!

So, that's what I have for you today.  A crazy (monster big) Survival Pack. However, I just couldn't in good conscious post a mega pack costing y'all a ton of cash this late in the game (heaven knows we have spent enough money by this year).  Therefore, I listed this baby listed for only $10 . . . with 17 different activities . . . this is a smokin' deal.  The best part is that with TPT's BIG Teacher Appreciation Sale coming (Tuesday and Wednesday), it will be reduced even further.  Boom!  How you like them bananas??

Before you go today, I do want to offer up a little freebie!  I blogged about this last year, but I wasn't "out there" much then and had only a handful of followers, so here it is in a neat little package for you . . . 

CLICK HERE to get your hands on Awesome Awards!

Awesome Awards are so much fun for the kids . . . it makes for such a heart-warming activity.  We really do it up too.  The keep-it-a-secret huts go up and we finish the designs off with a little GLITTER.  

My kids present these to one another at the End of the Year Family Party, but this could be done in class as well.  Click under the pic to snag a copy of the directions + award template.  

Alright, my friends I am off to be a wife for a bit :)  The hubs has been so accepting of my "computer time" this weekend.  Have a very Merry Sunday and I'll chat with you soon.  

CURRENTLY . . . MAY . . . UH, REALLY??!!

Okay, what did y'all do with April?  Seriously, folks!  Where did that last one go? It seems like it was Easter just yesterday, and then . . . BAM . . . here comes May. Not that I am complaining mind you, cuz I promise that I ain't!  However, the way time seems to be slippin' by these days surely is a wonderful reminder to seize the day!  

With a new month upon us, that only means one thing.  It's time for Farley's beloved Currently.  So, here's my latest Linky installment . . .

Thanks to one and only Cara Carroll for her cute font!

As you know by now (if ya follow me), I love to explain.  So, here's a little mindless insight into those answers above.  

LISTENING - I am an alt-nation girl to the core.  Although I love country (especially old school Waylon), give me alternative rock any day of the week and I'll be as happy as a clam.  I finally wore out my fixation on Shiny Toy Guns, so I treated myself to 2 new albums this week.  I found Gotye's original ditty and I snatched up Phoenix's new collection.  Both have captured my heart in less than 24 hours!  If you are an alt fan, be sure to check these two out!

LOVING - I have always loved my class, but they have grown into the . . . dare I say it . . . PERFECT crew this past month.  I am floored with their growth, passion to learn, unfaltering compassion for one another, and their willingness to ALWAYS try their hardest.  These last 30 are going to be golden!

THINKING - I pride myself on having a great memory, but these past few weeks have shown that it may not be as good as I think (shhh . . . don't utter a word of this to the hubs).  Mmmmmm . . . it's list time! 

WANTING - raise your hand if you need something to look forward to!!??  I am going to Vegas in July as well as Portland for a week, but that's too far away.  I am longing for something "beachy" in the near future.  

NEEDING - you would think the dry cleaner is holding my clothing hostage, but I keep forgetting to snag it on the way home.  See . . . I do need a list . . . stat!

SUMMER BUCKET LIST - that little line above says it all.  

Alright, I am off to work on my Survival Pack.  I am planning to have it up by Sunday.  Hopefully, I can buckle down and catch that creative wave.  I'll be back soon with some free goods no matter what.  Hugs y'all and thanks for visiting.  

GOOD MORNING WORK {READING} + MOMMIES + FREE STUFF

The pressure was on and I was sweatin' like a mad woman yesterday afternoon, but I managed to get 'er done!   BOOM!  May I present to you . . . May Good Morning Work {Reading}.  

I went out on a limb with this pack . . . switched things a bit and upped the ante on our babes.  It's that time of year where we teachers get our sweeties ready for that all-mighty jump to second. Here's a little look-see at the common core standards this collection targets . . .

• Vowel Teams (ai, ay, ee, ea, oa, ow, oo, oy, oi)
• Punctuation
• Commas in a Series
• Root Words
• Parts of Speech
• Shades of Meaning (Verbs)
• Proper Nouns
• Pronouns
• Antonyms
• Endings/Past Tense (-ed)
• Fact + Opinion
• ABC Order
• Contractions
• Compound Words
• Syllables
• Detailed Sentence Writing
• Sentence Editing 

In addition to morning work pages, these can be used for homework or during any skills review block.  As always, I am offering my "try 'em before you buy 'em" deal.  There are three "tester" pages up for grabs down below.  Snatch those babies up and try them with your kiddlets.  If you like what you see unfold in your class, come on back and treat yourself to the whole pack - they're only 3 bucks :) 

CLICK HERE for these "tester" pages!

My May Good Morning Work {Math} Pack has been out for a few days and I have put together a bundle for both to save you some serious moolah.  If you pick it up this year, you will save even more ciz-ash!!!

     

Wait . . . don't leave quite yet.  I wanted to have a "new" something for Mother's Day, but I just didn't get there this weekend.  Boo!  However, I did put together a little mommy freebie last year that's still available. 

Early May is always nuts for us . . . especially right around Mother's Day.  It's right before Open House, trimester three assessments kick off, and our BIG Rodeo Day falls that Friday before Mom's Day.  It's a killer.  So, last year I came up with a no-brainer quickie to slip in the mix.  It's a low-prep photo card that requires one whole class lesson or center rotation.  The only work on your part is a little cutting and copying.  We also paint pre-made garden stakes (thank you Michael's), but I digress . . .  

One of these days I vow to rock Mommy Day, but I am afraid that this just ain't the year for me :(  However, if y'all do have the time, I have seen some AMAZING new crafts from some top notch bloggers show up this year.  Oh, and Ron Brown has the SWEETEST Mother's Day tune.  If you are hosting a Mommy Day event, there is still time to learn this darlin' little ditty.  

Alright, I don't think I will be able worm out of yard work two days in a row, so I am going to go join the hubby outside.  Thanks for visiting today and have a wonderful Sunday wherever you may be!  I'll be back soon to tell you all about my Summer Vacay Pack and {fingers crossed} my latest creation.