Bringing in the New Year!

There are two fabulous Linky Parties going on right now to share your New Year's resolutions.  Who doesn't like a good Linky Party?!?

Live, Love, Laugh Everyday in Kindergarten and A Teacher's Treasure

Truth:  I have never been big on making New Year’s resolutions.  I do have a reason behind it, and it’s all personal.  I feel that I make goals on a daily basis, so why do I need to wait until the year turns to make a big one?  Yes, it may sound a little silly and maybe it is just an excuse,but this year I’m writing them down for all to see. :-)

Personal:
1.  Don’t take anything for granted! 
2.  Drink more water.   
3.  Of course, get more exercise.

Teaching: 
1.  Carry a timer!  When I say you have so many seconds, I follow through!   
2.  Get the talking under control.  I was out of the classroom for a total of 20 school days this past quarter.  I have to start the New Year like it's a new school year.   
3.  Expose my students to a larger variety of genre.

Blogging: 
1.  Set specific goals.  
2.  Stay focused.   
3.  Do more networking.


 Do you make New Year's resolutions?  What's yours?

Talking About the New Year

When students return to school after the New Year, they have so much to talk about.  These activities give them a way to share, while providing opportunities for team building and class building. You will find directions for a two cooperative learning activities; Pick a Card and Find a Buddy Who.  Also, students compare and contrast their own New Year's traditions with traditions of the Chinese New Year individually or with partners.

You can download this freebie HERE at my TpT Store!

The Best Christmas Present!

This Christmas I received the best gift of all!  For those who are familiar with my blog, less than two months ago I had a Linky Party for Cancer Awareness.  If you want to read my story, you can find it HERE.  Many things were uncertain at the time, but I had an upbeat attitude for having just been told I have cancer for the second time. 

After deliberation with my doctor, we decided that I was a prime candidate for something called a neck dissection.  My doctor would remove a few lymph nodes in my neck then biopsy them.  What turned out to be a few ended up being twenty-four, with a scar along my neck nine inches long.  Two short days later, or two grueling days in my case, we received the results.  ALL 24 LYMPH NODES CAME BACK NEGATIVE!!!!!!  

My husband and I are on our way to St. Louis for additional opinions.  We want to make sure that we are seeking all appropriate avenues.  So, things aren’t over.  I still have healing to do both physical and emotional, monthly doctor appointments, and the constant fear that it may come back.  But, my road is less bleak as crazy as it may sound.  Things are looking up!

Many thanks to all of those who supported me and prayed for me!  I AM A SURVIVOR as my friend Debbie Clement writes about in her inspiring post, Blue Christmas.  I received the best Christmas present I could ever ask for!  

And the winner is...

There were a total of 33 entries.  Using True Random Number generator, we have a winner!  The winner is number 18!!  Entries were numbered one to 33 with blog comments first and Facebook entries added to the end.  Julie M, you have won an autographed copy of Laura Candler’s Power Reading Workshop!  Julie's favorite read aloud is Skippy Jon Jones.

Thank you to all who entered!  I love reading about all of your favorite read alouds.  Some of them I am not familiar with and will have to check out!  

I have more give-aways in the making, so I hope you stay connected!  

If you would like to purchase Laura Candler’s Power Reading Workshop, visit her website HERE.

Feel free to continue to leave comments on your favorite books!!

Laura Candler’s Power Reading Workshop (Give-away!)

I recently had to make a Facebook switch.  It’s been a little confusing to my followers and a little nerve-racking for me, but I’m determined to make this work!  My old Facebook page had a misspelling, yes a misspelling.  Unfortunately, once a Facebook page has been named there is no changing it.  So, to make all things right I started a new page in hopes that my loyal fans will follow with me.  

As a gift to my followers, I’m having a give-away!  An autographed copy of Laura Candler’s PowerReading Workshop!

I have followed Laura Candler for about eight years now.  I have used many of her resources and have come to admire her work with cooperative learning.  Over the past few months, I have got to know Laura personally and consider her a great mentor.  Her expertise in teaching and her willingness to help teachers is profound!  Laura has graciously given me the opportunity to give away a copy of her book.

Whether you use the reading workshop approach, are thinking about it, or haven’t even given it a thought, Laura Candler’s Power Reading Workshop is a must have resource.  Laura begins by explaining the Power Reading Workshop, and tells you what you need to get started.  She outlines the first 10 days step-by-step for you and gives you all the tools you need to implement the workshop.  

You will find recommended read aloud book ideas, mini lessons, and ready to print graphic organizers.  Everything that you need to get started is at the touch of your fingertips. Laura’s approach is sure to get your students excited about reading!  

  

You can win a free autographed copy of Laura Candler’s Power Reading Workshop by doing TWO things.

1.  Leave a comment with your favorite read aloud.

     AND

2.  Become a Facebook fan on the NEW Cooperative Learning 365 fan page.

      A random number generator will be used to select the winning comment the day after Cooperative Learning 365 reaches 615 fans.  So, share the news!  The quicker we reach that number, the quicker the winner is announced!

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Contest is closed.

I Have...Who Has.. Just for Fun

Just in time for Christmas and just for fun I created an I Have...Who Has.. Christmas set.  I haven't done this one in my classroom yet, but I'm thinking that it will be great fun to do on party day!

Click the image to download this freebie at my TpT store!

Freebies Galore ~ Holiday Style

Rachel Lynette from Minds-In-Bloom has compiled a FREE Winter Holiday Ebook.  This holiday gift contains a holiday tip or activity and at least one holiday product link from 50 TpT sellers!  Contributers range from well-known TpT sellers to some new and emerging contributers.

Click the image to download your free copy!