Last Day of 12 Days Of A Teachers Christmas

Hello Everyone! Can you believe that Christmas is already around the corner? I can't believe that I only have 5 more days of school before the holiday break. Where is the time going? I hope everyone is almost done with their Christmas shopping. I tried to get all that shopping done in November but you know I ALWAYS forget or find something else that is super cute to get.

So... Today is the last day of the 12 Days of a Teachers Christmas. I hope you had a lot of fun blog hopping and finding lots of fun ideas to do in your classroom. The unit that I will be giving away to one lucky winner will be my "There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A....... Bundle of Smart-board activities. You will have to have the "Notebook" software to open it. (If you do not have a Smart-Board in your classroom you may pick one thing out of my Teachers Pay Teachers Store that will work in your classroom.

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

The winner of this Bundle and all of the other day prizes will be announced over at "Teachin' Little Texans" tomorrow! Click on the Owl to take you there...

The Freebie that I will be giving away today will be my "Beginning Sounds C or P Sort" I hope you enjoy! Click the Picture to get your Freebie.

Have a wonderful Christmas!!!

Wednesday's Featured Teacher and Freebie... Meet Kim Remmers

Meet Kim Remmers over at

Diving into Differentiation

Check out her Blog:http://differentiationdiving.blogspot.com/
Check out her TpT Store:http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Kim-R

What do you teach? And where? 

I teach upper elementary.  This coming year it will be fourth grade.  I am the High Ability Learners liaison and this year will be an Instructional Facilitator for our building.

What is one of your favorite memories in the classroom?

My favorite memories always come when a student gets the aha bulb look or realize that I won't accept the easy answer.  The easy answer is on a sliding scale depending on the ability of each student.  In particular, one of the memories that jump out at me happened at the start of this past year.  One of my students who I had the year prior walked up and wanted to read his writing to me.  He started reading then just stopped.  Looked at me and said, "I know."  as if he I had stopped him and he was answering me.  He picked up his paper and said, "I didn't do my best.  I will go back and work on some of my word choice."  I just smiled and told him that if he felt it needed work he should do that.  The previous year my mantra to him was always, "Is this your best?"  I always took his word for it.  Obviously, it had soaked in and he was starting to self-monitor. YEA!!!

What was your hardest experience while teaching? How did you overcome it.

My hardest experience was when one of my kindergartners was diagnosed with a very rare childhood cancer.  She was not given much time to live but beat the odds and made it over a year.  She would come to school when it was possible and I went to tutor her at home when she was not in Omaha Children's Hospital.  I cannot say I overcame it.  I learned to look brave and act normal when she was at school or home.  She needed me to be normal with her.  I use that lesson with all of my students.  They need me to be "normal" no matter what is going on so they can feel okay in our room for 7 1/2 hours.

What advice would you give a new teacher or someone switching grade levels?

Oh...this is a great question!  FLEXIBLITY is my advice. I am actually the third wheel in our building.  I was asked to start teaching a kindergarten class twenty four hours before parents were to walk in the building.  The district decided we needed a third section.  I was not sure I wanted to go back to full time teaching since I still had my youngest in elementary school.  This however was the third knock (all different building that needed a third kindergarten teacher) that summer and I decided God wanted me there.  So, I said yes.  That was the start of 6 years of being flexible.  I taught kindergarten for two years, then fourth, and last year fifth.  Next year I will be back to fourth.  We need to be able to float with the day, the hour, the second.  It maybe learning how to teach in the hallway when you have to evacuate a classroom due to one who has lost control.  Being ready to teach, if a specialist cannot teach your class that day.  Not to even mention the flexibility to stop the merry-go-round when the concept is not sinking into the students' brains. FLEXIBLE is key to survival and ultimate JOY in teaching.

Kim would like to offer all followers a 

Freebie!! 

Five Senses Organizer

Wednesday's Featured Teacher and Freebie... Meet Paul Chandler

Meet Paul Chandler over at

MisterVA Back to School

Check out his Blog:http://misterva.typepad.com
Check out his TpT Store:http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Mister-Va-Back-To-School

What do you teach? And where? 

I teach Grade 7 Language Arts at Hardee Junior High School in Wauchula, FL.

What is one of your favorite memories in the classroom?

The last day of school this year when two students handed me cards indicating how much they had learned and thanking me.  Since I did not have those students in my classroom that day, they made an extra effort to deliver them to me.

What was your hardest experience while teaching? How did you overcome it.

It was my first year after switching careers.  I was a long term substitute the year before. I guess it is a process to overcome difficult experiences and reaching a kid who does not want to learn is the toughest.  Using my planning period to meet with some of these students to give them some one-on-one help seemed to make a difference, but I am still trying to see how I can be more effective during those class times.

What advice would you give a new teacher or someone switching grade levels?

Ask advice whenever you can.  I did this constantly...especially prior to the start of the year.  Asking about incoming students can give you some good insight.  Especially, in figuring out classroom dynamics.

Paul would like to offer all followers a 

Freebie!! 

First Day Survey Form

Wednesday's Featured Teacher and Freebie.... Meet Dynelle

Meet Dynelle over at

First Grade Fun with Mrs. Dunn

Check out her Blog:http://firstgradefunmrsdunn.blogspot.com/
Check out her TpT Store:http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Dynelle-Dunn

What do you teach? And where? 

I teach grade one, all subjects, in Calgary Alberta CANADA!! :)

What is one of your favorite memories in the classroom?

My favorite memories are the small moments when a child's little light bulb goes on, or finally shares after taking everyone's' toys for half the year, or starts talking when a peep has never been heard before.

What was your hardest experience while teaching? How did you overcome it.

I had a challenging class last year, and I looked to blogging, other teachers and a changed perspective to work through it.

What advice would you give a new teacher or someone switching grade levels?

Collaborate with as many people as much as you can, focus on small areas for improvement instead of trying to make everything amazing at once,

Dynelle would like to offer all followers a 

Freebie!! 

My Family Tree

Wednesday's Featured Teacher and Freebie..... Meet Tabitha Savage

Meet Tabitha Savage over at

Number Sense- Don't Leave Elementary Without It!

Check out her TpT Store:www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/tabitha-savage

What do you teach? And where? 

I am an elementary math coach in TN. I work with teachers in grades K-4, assisting them in teaching Common Core State Standards. I absolutely LOVE talking about elementary math all day!

What is one of your favorite memories in the classroom?

One of my favorite memories while in the classroom actually occurred during summer school. For the past 5 years, I've taught summer school at the "Social Skills Academy," a summer camp for children with Autism. This isn't an academic summer school- we focus on building relationships with peers and learning social behavior to assist them during the school year. Its an amazing summer program- everyone walks away a winner!

What was your hardest experience while teaching? How did you overcome it.

My hardest experience in teaching is probably not unlike what other teachers experience as well- the sometimes overwhelming responsibilities  outside of teaching duties. Paperwork, committees, and duties can easily put you in system overload, not to mention take your focus away from your students! I try to remain in balance and remember that I can't be on every committee and stay fully committed to my students. Moderation of outside classroom duties is important! Ask for help when you need it- don't allow your classroom to suffer.

What advice would you give a new teacher or someone switching grade levels?

Write down exactly what you intend to accomplish. During my first few days of teaching, this meant writing down my day in 5 minute blocks- and that's okay! This helped me to think through my plans and keep my first graders productive. I used my notes at the end of the day to reflect- what went well, and what will I change tomorrow? Daily reflection is key in making each lesson better than the previous.

Tabitha would like to offer all followers a 

Freebie!! 

Number Posters 0-5 Freebie!

Wednesday's Featured Teacher and Freebie... Meet Melissa Michael

Meet Melissa Michael over at

Teacher Treasure Hunter

Check out her blog:www.teachertreasurehunter.blogspot.com

Check out her TpT Store:http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Teacher-Treasure-Hunter

What do you teach? And where? 

1st Grade, All subjects :), Washington

What is one of your favorite memories in the classroom?

That's a tough one because there are so many great memories!  A few cute ones this last year were a dramatic little girl who would say these hilarious things like "You did it again!  Another fun thing for us to do!"  Or the time she didn't have a snack and stretched her hands up up to the sky and said "I see the light."  Hilarious!  I had a boy this year who was a model student and took everything so seriously.  I asked questions about a Skylanders figure that he brought for show and tell and shortly after that he wrote a long story in writer's workshop telling me all about the history of Skylanders.  I asked him if he wrote it so I would know more about them and he solemnly said yes.  I had a lot to learn!    Each year is full of memories like these!  I'm so lucky to have a little part in their lives! :)

What was your hardest experience while teaching? How did you overcome it.

One year, I had a class that was difficult and had several challenging students.  One of these students had a parent who liked to text me frequently and get updates on how the day went.  I want to be available to my parents and appreciate that they wanted to be updated.  However, I found out that it was quickly draining my time and becoming unproductive.  I had to learn to say "let's set up a time to talk about it and review how things are going."  There's a balance between communication and monopolization!

What advice would you give a new teacher or someone switching grade levels?

I would tell a new teacher to over-plan, be enthusiastic, be consistent and be thick-skinned.  There will be moments of praise from students and/or parents - store them up!  You'll need them for the rest of the times.  You have to be confident and happy in the work that you are doing and not need validation from others.

Melissa would like to offer all followers a 

Freebie!! 

2 Ocean Themed Language Arts Centers

Wednesday's Featured Teacher and Freebie... Meet Heather Salsman

Meet Heather Salsman over at

Teaching Through Turbulence

Check out her blog:http://www.teachingthroughturbulence.com/

Check out her TpT Store:http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Teaching-Through-Turbulence

What do you teach? And where? 

I teach Kindergarten Through 6th Grade Special Education for Emotional Disabilities and other kids with behaviors in Indiana - all elementary subjects and Social Skills.  I have some self-contained students, some pull-out for certain subjects, and others that I work with in general education for behavior.

What is one of your favorite memories in the classroom?

One of my most favorite memories has been watching my students grow in Social Skills over the past couple years with them.  When I started, I was not sure what I had gotten myself in to as they were physically fighting a lot.  Now, they consider each other family.  I was able to walk away at the end of this year and let them all figure out how to work though situations and plan things by themselves without any fighting!

What was your hardest experience while teaching? How did you overcome it.

My hardest experience has been being presented with new behaviors on a constant basis and having to overcome the physical and emotional stress that comes with it.  I have been very flexible and learned a lot throughout my teaching about dealing with different behaviors.  Blogging about ways to deal with different behaviors to help others with it and having a great support system of friends, family, and my blogging family has helped me overcome it all.

What advice would you give a new teacher or someone switching grade levels?

Look for ideas and then make them your own. There are so many teaching ideas out there that you can get from colleagues, teaching blogs, books, and more.  Find what you like and then make it work for you by adding in your own ideas and one spice to it.  Then, Be Flexible as you go along and make changes to meet your kids' needs.

Heather would like to offer all followers a 

Freebie!! 

Racing To Learn Game Board

Wednesday's Featured Teacher and Freebie... Meet Danielle

Meet Danielle over at

Krazee 4 Kindergarten

Check out her blog:http://www.krazee4kindergarten.blogspot.com/

Check out her TpT Store:http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Danielle-Kg-Teacher

What do you teach? And where? 

I teach Kindergarten- All subjects in Florida

What is one of your favorite memories in the classroom?

Wow...where do I start. :) I would say my favorite memory occurred during my first year of teaching. I was offered a job teaching Kindergarten. At the time, I did not have an education degree, I have an undergraduate degree in Organizational Management and I was finishing up my Master's in Education Technology. I did not have any experience at the time with teaching besides substitute teaching the school year before. I remember telling my mom (who is a 2nd grade teacher) "there is no way I will be able to teach my students to read". Well, then November rolled around and magically after teaching letters and sounds and other reading strategies for the first 2 1/2 months of school my kids were actually reading. This was a WOW moment in my teaching career. I knew right then that I was in the right career- Five years later I am still loving my job as a Kindergarten teacher.

What was your hardest experience while teaching? How did you overcome it.

My hardest experience while teaching was my first year of teaching. I started teaching 2 1/2 weeks into the school year. The county I work in as a 10 day count rule. Where they wait out the first 10 days of school before hiring new teachers. I was the 6th teacher to join the KG team that school year. Because I did not have the experience of attending an education program or even doing an internship, there was a lot I didn't know. I was very fortunate to have my mom who teaches 2nd grade at the same school support me as well as many other supportive faculty and staff members at my school. They really helped me make it through my first year of teaching.

What advice would you give a new teacher or someone switching grade levels?

I would say support of fellow teachers is a must! I am grateful to work with wonderful people at my school. Pinterest and TPT have been a lifesaver for me! Always keep on top of the new technologies and strategies out there. When times get stressful, just know there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Danielle would like to offer all followers a 

Freebie!! 

Scientific Method Posters

Wednesday's Featured Teacher and Freebie...Meet Emily and Beth

Meet Emily Steffen and Beth Mitchell over at

Who Is Ready to Teach

Check out their blog:http://whoisreadytoteach.blogspot.com/

Check out their TpT Store:http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Beth-Mitchell-And-Emily-Steffen

What do you teach? And where? 

Emily teaches third grade

Beth teaches second and third grade high ability

White Lick Elementary - Brownsburg, IN

What is one of your favorite memories in the classroom?

In the past, both Beth and I have done Service Learning Projects. These opportunities have allowed students' eyes to be opened to the world outside the four walls in the school setting. One year my students made fleece blankets and put together care packages for a Battered Women's Shelter. It was amazing to see how excited the students were to be able to give to the less fortunate and see how important it is to give and not always receive!

What was your hardest experience while teaching? How did you overcome it.

I think the hardest part of teaching is balancing life and your teaching career. We all put so much heart and soul into teaching and sometimes it is very hard to walk away when the outcome you had hoped for is not always what happens. I always try to remember that these students we teach are kids and that they feel the same pressures that we do and that I need to develop lifelong learners.

What advice would you give a new teacher or someone switching grade levels?

Being someone who has taught three grade levels in six years, the best advice I would give is to be open to what has been taught in the past but also that you can add your own special touches to the grade level. The first couple of years is just figuring out the curriculum and then you can start to design units and lessons the way that you feel is best for your students learning.

Emily and Beth would like to offer all followers a 

Freebie!! 

Catch a Wave with the Four Types of Sentences

Wednesday's Featured Teacher and Freebie...Meet Melissa

Meet Melissa over at 

More Time 2 Teach

Check out her blog:http://moretime2teach.blogspot.com/

Check out her TpT Store:http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/More-Time-2-Teach

What do you teach? And where? 

3rd Grade, All subjects, FL

What is one of your favorite memories in the classroom?

Reading aloud to my students and seeing their little faces light up and react to what I am reading.

What was your hardest experience while teaching? How did you overcome it.

One of the hardest experiences I had was when I first started teaching and realized how political the education system really is.

I took a deep breath and vowed to do the best that I could for my students!

What advice would you give a new teacher or someone switching grade levels?

First of all,.. stop, breathe, and go!!!! 

Then try to find yourself an experienced teacher in the grade level you will be teaching to mentor you or learn from.

Melissa would like to offer all followers a 

Freebie!! 

No Homework, No Problem

Wednesday's Featured Teacher and Freebie....Meet Sara Oberhieide

Meet Sara Oberheide over at 

Innovative To The Core

Check out her blog:http://innovativetothecore.blogspot.com/

Check out her TpT Store: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Sara-Oberheide

What do you teach? And where? 

I teach 5th graders in Baldwin City, Ks.

What is one of your favorite memories in the classroom?

My favorite memory was a few years back when one of my previous students came back to visit. We had a great visit and she said that I was her favorite teacher because she always felt loved and secure in my class. Very touching moment for me and one of the reasons we all continue in this field of work.

What was your hardest experience while teaching? How did you overcome it.

The hardest experience is working through all of the red tape to help students who desperately need help. I find it difficult waiting a month or two for students to qualify for an IEP or receive title help. I just want to find ways or an extra person to help the student immediately. I have a great relationship with our special education staff so typically we can find ways to get extra support to those kids that need help.

What advice would you give a new teacher or someone switching grade levels?

I would tell any new teacher to never stop learning. You will NEVER have all the answers for all kids, so listen to your peers around you for help and advice. I love to learn innovative ideas to support students in my classroom!

Sara would like to offer all followers a 

Freebie!! 

Cooperative Learning Cards

Wednesday's Featured Teacher and Freebie...Meet Peggy Simpson

Meet Peggy Simpson over at

Special Education on TpT

Check out her TpT Store:http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Special-Education-Peggy-Simpson

What do you teach? And where? 

I'm moving into Special Education for incarcerated youth - offenders who are in the 4th grade and up (special ed) but will not be leaving the system and when they turn 18-22, they will transfer to a regular prison. Many of the students have pre-primer level skills so I use K stuff with them. I work in California.

What is one of your favorite memories in the classroom?

One of my students, wouldn't ride the bus to school (little yellow special ed bus) and would only talk in "Pokemon"-not any other language. He/She would scratch, yell, hit, run away and sometimes pee on anyone who tried to get close. I researched "Pokemon," bought some things and started dropping a "trail" (not unlike the Reese's Pieces for E.T.) to my classroom. Within two months, this child was speaking English and their Primary Language and learning! Within a year, they were able to go back to a comprehensive campus. Many years later, I was at the Very Special Arts Festival when I heard, "Ms. Simpson!, Ms. Simpson! And, a young adult came running across the festival and hugged me - I didn't recognize them (they were all "grown-up") until they crouched down in the "familiar" Pokemon stance. We laughed, talked and the student is going on to college. This is "why" we teach!

What was your hardest experience while teaching? How did you overcome it.

Yikes! I teach Special Education (on a enclosed campus) - so, I have many experiences. I don't think it was ever any "one" experience. . .but every time I have to change to a different site, the first three month (with all new students) can be . . . .interesting??? So many teachers are afraid of the kids I teach - with good reason, my job is not for everyone. What often happens is that they (teachers, admin, parents) have either ignored the students - or, similar, just let them do "whatever" they want to do. This is understandable, since bringing about a positive change takes a tremendous amount of time, creativity and dare I say it???? LOVE. It may sound "trite" but everyone grows with "love" and "acceptance." Every student out there wants to please, sadly many have just forgotten how wonderful being appreciated and celebrated can be. Be the one who helps them remember their "greatness" and you will be amazed with the positive changes you can bring about.

What advice would you give a new teacher or someone switching grade levels?

Do your homework. Learn everything you can about that grade level. What inspires these students? Who do they idolize? What is the "hot" book/music/movie/cartoon/car right now? Make it FUN!!! Our students come to us today with a high entertainment expectation. How will you compete? You want to be remembered for being the teacher that "changed" someone's life - NOT the teacher who put everyone to sleep.

Know that you are not likely to be interested in the things your students love - case in point, I really NEVER cared about Pokemon (or Yu-Gi-Ow) but I made myself familiar with these cartoons to create a bridge - and it was so worth it!.

Peggy would like to offer all followers a 

Freebie!! 

Free Positive Behavior Support Plan

Wednesday's Featured Teacher and Freebie.....Meet Richi Reynolds

Meet Richi Reynolds over at

Ribbons, Recipes and Rhymes

Check out her blog: http://richireynolds.blogspot.com/

Check out her TpT Store: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Richi-Reynolds

What do you teach? And where? 

Retired, but I have taught prek-3 with the majority of my time spent in k.

Alabama

What is one of your favorite memories in the classroom?

Little kids just love their teachers. I always loved all the sweet things the little ones would tell me on a daily basis. The "I love you, Mrs. Reynolds", totally kept me going! And we did plays every year...big productions. They were always so amazing. I get former students, all grown up, coming back to tell me that their play is still their favorite kindergarten memory.

What was your hardest experience while teaching? How did you overcome it.

I was a team teacher. I did my student teaching in a team teaching situation and it was always my goal to be able to team teach with someone. When I finally found someone whose philosophy and style of teaching was similar enough to mine, that is exactly what I did and we did it well for 12 years. It was the most amazing experience. We could do so much more together. But we got a new principal who did not allow team teaching. It was so hard, because it was the year my youngest came to kindergarten. So all those wonderful things we had been doing went out the window just when it was extra important to me. I struggled for a long time, but finally I just had to let it go. He finally retired and the principal who replaced him was wonderful and supportive and we teamed up again, but my baby still missed out.

What advice would you give a new teacher or someone switching grade levels?

Go to the best teacher you can find in the grade you are switching to and get his/her advice.

Richi would like to offer all followers a 

Freebie!! 

Chicka the Clown: A Drawing Book for Little Artists

Wednesday's Featured Teacher and Freebie....Meet Lynn Aydlett

Meet Lynn Aydlett over at

Camping Teacher

Check out her blog: http://iamcampingteacher.blogspot.com/2013_04_01_archive.html

Check out her TpT Store: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Campingteacher

What do you teach? And where? 

I am a teacher in North Carolina. Last year I taught kindergarten. This coming school year I am hoping to be in 2nd grade

What is one of your favorite memories in the classroom?

I love it when my little ones say funny things! I love it when lessons go well! I love it when a child starts to read! I love it when children tell tall tales to me and their peers and they seem to really believe it! One student told the story of how his sister fell off a 1000 foot waterfall and survived! He even drew a picture! I also love it when parents and students came back to tell me that I was their favorite teacher!

What was your hardest experience while teaching? How did you overcome it.

One year I had a student who was obviously mentally ill. Her illness was undiagnosed and her mother was a wreck trying to figure out what to do. She had older and younger sisters who were mimicking her behavior. Her behavior in the classroom was intolerable. She was destructive and disruptive. I could not get through a lesson without a meltdown. She was affecting the other students behavior and learning. It was the most difficult year I ever had and I pulled through it thanks to very supportive administrators. They never blamed me. They would take her out of the room regularly to give me and my students a break. They would help with ideas on controlling her and would help mom with resources. Turned out this little girl had been molested at a day care center. We believe that was the cause of her mental instabilities.

What advice would you give a new teacher or someone switching grade levels?

Utilize those teachers who are retiring or who are cleaning out their stuff. You can get books, posters, and other items for your classroom from these teachers. Also, save things! I use butter and cool whip containers for everything!

Lynn would like to offer all followers a 

Freebie!! 

Cheese-Its Match and Write