Clipart Addiction

Seriously.  I'm not afraid to admit this weird fondness I have for clipart.  My obsession began last summer when I purchased my first collection (owls, I think) and used it to create a tiny project for my classroom.  After that... well, my life just hasn't been the same. 

If you can identify with my story, please don't let the social stigma prevent you from seeking the help you need!  Here's a quick survey to test if you're at risk of developing this strange disorder.  If you react in any form to 4 of the 5 questions, we might need to form a support group.  

* Do you subscribe to multiple websites that create clipart?
* Do emails that  announce a new collection make your heart skip a beat?
* Do you search for new clipart collections morning. noon. and. night?
* Can you recognize the work of specific artists in other places other than their own websites?
* Do you sometimes select a clipart collection first and then think of an activity or game to go with it?

There's no shame in admitting you responded to all five.  
You definitely need help. 
Don't we all?! 

On a lighter note... I am lovin' how the use of clipart can jazz up the most mundane activity in my classroom.  It's the calendar and it's not my most favorite part of the day.  
(Am I the only one?)

I thought my problem could be resolved by creating a bright calendar... one that's cute.  And I immediately thought of clipart and scrapbook paper, my "go to" supplies.  

Here are three of the monthly charts I created:

and

How do you maintain interest in your most mundane part of the day?

Monday Morning Prep

In the last week I have scrubbed desks, organized books, made games, bought supplies, planned exciting activities, attended Open House, cleaned the carpet and sharpened a thousand pencils... at least!  All this and more just to prepare for the arrival of a new set of young friends on Monday morning.  Can you possibly relate?  Does your professional life completely spiral out of control like my own in the days before the start of a new school year?  Or is it just me?  I've even tripled my coffee intake for this impending madness and I've YET to numb myself to the chaos.   Any suggestions out there?

Although I'm totally exhausted I was able to complete my newest collection of activities for my TPT store.  

You can find it here.

Go check it out if you're in need of more short vowel o "stuff"!

Enjoy your Sunday!

Color Word Display

Seven years ago I moved into my current classroom and I brought with me the color word display from my former space and promptly slapped it on the wall.   It served many groups of children who happened to pass through my classroom on their way to second grade.   Despite being faded and fairly unattractive, it was what it was.

This year I had a moment of inspiration while out  shopping with a friend.   I found these "gingerbread" templates at our local school supply store and I used them to create these kids.  Each one is dressed in a specific color made from a combination of construction and scrapbook paper.  I added chalk for the rosy cheeks and googly eyes, too. 

Since you didn't get to see the old display you'll just have to take me at my word that this is considerably better!

 She's my favorite.  I think it's the shoes.

Lovely bangs, don't you think?

and finally...

This dude.  Seriously, I'm lovin' the socks and shoes.

Thanks for stopping by!
 

Newbie Alert!

Hello!  

Last summer I stumbled across a series of first grade blogs that literally changed my life.   Of course, I had just completed my 21st year of teaching and I could certainly navigate my way around a first grade classroom but this experience was like nothing I had ever experienced (cue the angelic choirs).   I was totally captivated by all that I saw!   Honestly, to have such a wealth of "stuff" available at the click of my mouse was simply beyond my comprehension!

Fast forward one year later... I am pleased to announce that I've learned a thing or two or more in recent months.  I have hopped from blog to blog, read thousands of posts and left a comment or two.  With my vast blog-hoppin' experience,  I believe I can now download and upload with the best of the best.   I certainly can create new activities and possibly share a thing or two from my own classroom.   So with the start of school exactly one week away it seems to be as good a time as any to create a blog and perhaps give back to the community of teachers who have been so kind to share with me.  

That's my story.  And I'm sticking to subject to changing it tomorrow.

Even if you landed here totally by accident, please leave a comment anyway.