Ring in the New Year!

Christmas is over and New Year's Day is right around the corner.

If you're doing a little planning for school, here is an idea you might enjoy doing with your students on the day you return to school.

Have a class discussion about the definition of a New Year's Resolution.  Ask your students to think about what kind of resolutions they would like to make for the New Year. If you need some resolution ideas here is a link to the top ten New Year's Resolutions for kids.  Please click on the picture below.

Now your students are ready to do some writing.  Have your students choose one New Year's Resolution they resolve (promise) to do or not do. 

Have them write it on a practice paper.  Edit it. Then have them rewrite it on their Ring in the New Year! bell.  These are great to hang up on a bulletin board for January.  

During the month of January have your students review what they wrote and check to see if they are following their resolutions.

Please click on the pictures below for your FREE copies.

Enjoy this lovely poem by William Arthur Ward

"Another fresh new year is here . . . 

Another year to live!

To banish worry, doubt, and fear, 

To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me

To live each day with zest . . .

To daily grow and try to be

My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity

Once more to right some wrongs,

To pray for peace, to plant a tree,

And sing more joyful songs!"

Have a wonderful week!

Kathy

Pizza on Earth - Turkey Claus

If you loved the book Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano then you will love the sequel
Turkey Claus by Wendi Silvano.

Turkey survived Thanksgiving but finds trouble again by becoming Christmas dinner!

Turkey overheard Farmer Jake and his wife discussing Christmas dinner and how nice it would be to have a turkey dinner.

Oh, no! Turkey decides he needs help. So he sets out to find Santa and ask for help.  But Santa is too busy.

Turkey uses his clever disguises to get to Santa. He dresses up as a Christmas tree, reindeer, candy cane, and even Mrs. Claus.

Finally Turkey gets to see Santa. Santa gives Turkey the perfect disguise and some good advice.

Turkey dresses up like Santa and delivers pizza, Gobblers Pizza. The Farmer and his wife agree, pizza is the best.

The story ends with "Pizza on Earth."

FREE - Extending the Reading the Experience

After reading this story to your class compare this story to the first book, Turkey Trouble.

How are the stories alike?

How are the stories different. Use a Venn diagram.

Then make copies of the writing paper below and have your students draw their own Gobblers Pizza. Next, have your students write and describe the toppings they would choose to put on their pizza.

After your students have finished their writing and colored their paper, allow your students to share their work with the class.

Please click on the picture below to print a copy. It will link you to teachers pay teachers where you can download a free copy from Picture Book Reviews With Writing Connections.
There are two types of writing lines provided.

Mmmm, yum.  It's time to go get a pizza!

Kathy

Silence for Sandy Hook Elementary

Our hearts are heavy and broken for all of those affected by this tragedy.
Teacher bloggers around the world are joining in a day of silence and prayer.

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted

and saves the crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18

Free Holiday E-Book

Just in case you might have missed it I wanted to reminded you of the Free Holiday E-books from Teachers Pay Teachers.  Each book features thirty different sellers and contains free products from all subject areas.  It's a wonderful resource filled with holiday teaching tips, treats, crafts, and even a recipe.

Mrs. Miner's Monkey Business at Teachers Pay Teachers is where you will find the two primary books, one for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten and the other one for first and second grades.  She did a fabulous job organizing the two books.  A big THANK YOU to her.

It's FREE to join and open an account at Teachers Pay Teachers.
Please click below and download some wonderful FREE ideas! Enjoy!

PreK & K Edition

Grades 1 & 2 Edition

Merry Christmas!

Kathy

Holiday Lights!

I love the holiday lights!  Lights on trees, in stores, and especially on houses!  Take a moment and enjoy some Christmas cheer with these You Tube videos.  The kids love them and so do I.
Please click below and get ready to smile.

This one has a bit more traditional music.

Take Care,
Kathy