Monday Made It...third time is a charm!

Everybody dance now!

Why?

Because...for the 

THIRD time 

I'm linkin' up with my sweet friend Tara

from 4th Grade Frolics for Monday Made It.

This week I was on the struggle bus on what to make because

I'm in California visitin' my parents.

Aren't they so cute?

I'm sure you can understand...I haven't really

been thinkin' too much about school stuff

other than missin' my Rockstars.

I did get into our private class Instagram account

and started browsin' pictures from all of the things

we accomplished throughout the school year.

Creatin' a private account is a great way to keep

parents involved with what is goin' on in our room.

Anyways...I'll pulled up pics from when

we spent a mornin' full of 

multiplication and a well-known

wizard and I knew I needed to share

with you the results.

I'm bringin' back somethin' that I actually made and wrote about last summer.

"I KNOW

my students are goin' to FLIP over.

No really...they are goin' to squeal when

I give this to them and aren't even goin' to complain

about doin' math.

I am in love, love, love with my 

Wizards, Witches, and Wands

a Multi-Digit Multiplication Task Cards game.

I didn't have any students with me this summer to show

this in action, so I begged bossed

my amazin' mommy and her sweet friend Pris

into playin' the game.

They whined about not bein' able to use

a calculator (sound familiar), 

but they finally agreed to do it 

the old school way."

(I am puttin' Wizards, Witches, and Wands in my TpT store for

50% off for Monday.  Please be kind and leave some

love if you download this product.) 

I was able to test this out in my classroom and I 

was CORRECT...the kids FLIPPED!

Look at all those smiles....those were GENUINE smiles...NOT prompted.
There was tons of excitement and chatter as the kids moved around
to solve the multiplication problem on each character task card.
What a great multiplication motivator!
I will definitely be pullin' this back out after everyone
has mastered their facts and earned their
Fact Family Behavior Beads that I wrote about HERE last week.

Two summers ago I made a lot of recycled wine cork crafts for 

one of my Monday Made Its.

You can read about them HERE from my post

"Monday Made It...A lot of grapes had to be tested for this".

My Daddy Rose grows grapes...grapes for wine.

Lots of grapes have to be tested to make sure they

are okay for the rest of us to consume...well not me...right now.

I took the corks that have been saved for me the past

two years and put them to good use to make some 

decorations for my parents lil' wine storage room.

Source

I just hot glued the corks on to a cardboard letter "R".

I think it turned out perfectly and matches the storage room.

Below are some previous wine cork crafts.

Make an earring holder out of recycled wine corks

I'm lookin' forward to hoppin' over to 4th Grade Frolics to see

 what everyone else has made and 

to get some much needed inspiration!

Happy Monday, friends!

Want to be friends? Check "yes" or "no"...

Hey friends...it's Monday.

Time for "Monday Made It" with Tara from 4th Grade Frolics.

I've been stalkin' nonchalantly scrollin' through

Instagram and every other Social Media outlet

known to mankind

to find out what I was missin' in Vegas.

I almost hopped in the car and drove

8 hours to stalk meet you in person.

My first made it is somethin' that I shared 

in a post last week. 

Read HERE.

Did you read it?

Do NOT 

go any further with this post unless

you clicked up there where it says HERE.

Not jokin'...

Now you need to load the app!

I already have a set of the paper blocks at home, but 

I wanted to make these for you guys to see.

I am seriously in love 

with this...like whoa!

I really hope you read about the blocks here or 

that picture above will make absolutely no sense.

If you're new here, you might not know that I teach

Talented and Gifted.

Can you hear me screamin'....

I LOVE NERDS?!

For real...talk nerdy to me.

I one thousand percent celebrate nerdiness.

The nerdier, the better.

In my classroom,

I make a super big deal out of nerdy 

bein' the new cool.

It's a fact...nerds ROCK

and I'm proud to be a 

"Nerd Herd Leader".

In honor of all of my nerds near and far...

I've made a cute little sign that I printed

and popped in a 5 X 7 frame.

Shh...don't tell Mommy Rose that I'm diggin'

the frame (that I bought for her one Christmas)

and already have it hidden in my suitcase to 

take back to Florida.

I've already got a spot picked out for this on my desk.

Are you a Nerd Herd leader too?

Go scoop this up for FREE by clickin' here.

I also finished somethin' for my TpT store.  

If you use behavior beads in the classroom, this is for you!

Under the Sea Behavior Beads-Special Edition.

I have them up as a FREEBIE until midnight Monday.

Be sure to scoop them up and please leave some love.

 Last, but certainly not least...Miss Nelson

(Run! Miss Nelson's Got the Camera!)

 and I made a vacation linky.

We both love to travel, but always

end up goin' to the same places...borin' creatures of habit.

We need some fresh ideas and spots to go.

We'd love to have you join in with us.

This doesn't have to be teacher related 

unless you want to link up

about your Vegas vacation.

It can even be a throwback post.

It's totally up to you.

This will be open for a month!

Read about this here.

I can't wait to read all the Monday Made Its and catch

up on all the rockin' Periscope videos.

I watched at least 40 broadcasts while writin' this post!

My username is: @butterflialisun

if you want to be friends.

Check "yes" or "no".

Kiddin'!

Happy Monday, friends!

Zentangle & Boogers...Tried it Tuesday

We are gettin' closer and closer to the end.

I am down to less than one month...

includin' weekends.
I can do this...I can do this.
YOU can do this too!
It's time to link up with my sweet friend Holly from
Fourth Grade Flipper for Tried it Tuesday.

Tried it Tuesday #1: Zentangle 

One of our Guidance counselors introduced Zentangle to 

my kids last week and they LOVED it!

I was thankful she had time to do this with them 

because I had originally wanted to do this and forgot.

What is Zentangle?

The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way

 to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.

Almost anyone can use it to create beautiful images.

 It increases focus and creativity, provides artistic satisfaction

 along with an increased sense of personal well being. 

The Zentangle Method is enjoyed all over this world across a

 wide range of skills, interests and ages.

We believe that life is an art form and that our Zentangle Method

 is an elegant metaphor for deliberate artistry in life.

Education

At all age levels, whether in public, private or home school environments, 

creating Zentangle art has been associated with improved:

Handwriting
Eye/hand coordination
Creativity and personal expression
Problem solving
Cross-cultural understanding, using various cultural symbols such as 

Indian henna patterns, Celtic knotting, Zuni pottery, 

Maori tattoos or Islamic tiling.
Relaxation and focus
Confidence

  *Taken from the Zentangle website.

She gave them a sheet to practice some different designs.

She made this tutorial sheet up to fit the needs of my 5th graders

after doin' lots of research & Pinterest browsin'

on her own.

They then got to Zentangle inside a palm tree.

It was awfully QUIET...which is NOT normal in my room.

They were given the first letter to Zentangle in and then had to 

write the other letters of their name.

 Here is a Zentangled palm tree.

Then the 5th Graders taught their 3rd Grade buddies how to Zentangle.

It was great to hear and see them showin'

their buddies what they learned.

This was a win-win for both parties. 

Tried it Tuesday #2: Tryin' to take a class picture

These are my babies.  I've had them for two years.

I'm goin' to miss these Boogers like crazy!

I'll probably snot-sob cry when they leave me.

Shh...don't tell them that I'm a total wimp.

We TRIED to take a nice picture 

(check out the bunny ears on me)

LOL! 

This is a lil' more accurate for my Rockstars and I.

I got my revenge for the bunny ears...

all is well!

Seriously...how could you not get attached to all these

wacky personalities?

I love them.

That is all.

Happy Tuesday, friends!

Breakin' the rules...Sparkin' Student Motivation

It's Saturday which means I'm linkin' up with my sweet buddy Joanne 

from Head Over Heels for Teaching for

Spark Student Motivation Saturdays.

Joanne,

If you are readin' this...

I want you to know I wore high heels this week.

They hurt.  I complained.

Two hours was my limit.

I was in full on giraffe-mode.

My flips flops didn't like me in heels.

I don't know how you do it.

You are my high-heeled hero.

If you are a rule-breaker like me...raise your hand.

Anyone?

Breakin' rules at school is motivatin'.

You might be thinkin' to yourself..."Um...what?

She's a teacher.  Why would she encourage breakin' rules?"

Just trust me...it works.

Tell a kid they are goin' to get to break school rules,

they will do what you want.

Tell a kid they will get to chew gum in school,

they will do what you want.

Tell a kid they will get to throw a ball indoors,

they will do what you want.

Tell a kid they will get to stand on a table or chair in school,

they will do what you want.

In my class...when I catch someone doin' somethin' "good"

and when they least expect it, 

I will yell bark really loudly, 

"Get on your chair for..."

They move faster than lightnin' to get up on that chair

with a large, goofy grin on their face.

Why?

Well, because they are breakin' school rules of course.

And that my friends, is COOL!

Yes, they "might" fall off the chair, but we don't think about

that BECAUSE...they "might" fall out 

when they are sittin' in the chair too.

What types of things might be cause for a child to climb

up in their chair?

*Gettin' a 100% on a test.

*Makin' it into the Millionaire's Club.

*Bringin' back a signed report card slip.

*Goin' above and beyond on one of our online programs...

without me askin'.

*Meetin' an A.R. goal.

*Doin' somethin' kind for others...randomly.

*Dustin' my desk.

*Organizin' my closet.

*Surprisin' the teacher with a treat.

*Just for bein' awesome.

There really is no end to the possibilities. 

You just never know when chair climbin' will occur.

Standin' on tables is reserved solely for when the crazy teacher

needs to make a super duper important announcement

and...birthdays.

That's right...turn a year older and you get to stand on the

table while your classmates and buddies

sing to you.

Don't even think about lettin' this slide by anyone

on their birthday...they will bug you about it

until you drop everything you are doin'

to sing and dance for them.

True story.

Be forewarned, if you start this tradition with your own

class, you will be known as the rule-breaker

and will be expected to always continue this tradition

even if you have offspring of Administration 

in your classroom.

It's pretty much a rule that you must break the school rules.

Or else.

Motivate them!

You can choose one at a time.

 Or all of them.

Just don't ever...I mean..EVER...

not let them enjoy bein' on the table for their birthday.

I'm serious.

Happy Saturday my friends!

January 2014 goals...

I am linkin' up with one of my absolute most favorite bloggers, 

A(my nickname for her), from The Babbling Box.  

A is real, she is honest, she types from her heart and
 isn't afraid to let out what is on her mind.  

I love that about her and I enjoy readin' her blog immensely.  

She is startin' a new linky that suggests you write down your goals
for the month.
I can totally do this.  

One month is much more attainable than one year...for me personally.  

1. Do not let my laundry mountain get too high.  

I end up waitin' until the mountain gets really high before doin' laundry and 

then it absolutely overwhelms me.  

My goal is to do a little, a few times a week, instead of all at once.

I will unpack my suitcase when I return and put away my clothes.

2.  Stop drinkin' Diet Coke.

I can't help it.  I really can't.  It's an awful habit.

I have been three days Diet Coke free. 

I'm hopin' I can keep it up.

3. Read a book once a week in January.

Before I started bloggin', I read two to three books a week.

I am after all the leader of the Nerd Herd.  I love to read.

It is my escape.  It's my happy place.

Readin' blogs is still readin' though...so I haven't actually given up cold turkey.

That's a plus.

4. Get my Bloglovin' feed down at least once a week.

I'm pretty good about keepin' up with blogs.  

Then again...I'm new to this and I don't have children.

I imagine this has a lot to do with it. 

I admire each and every one of you that goes to school each day, 

raises a family, does all of the extra work that teachin' requires, 

and still manage the time to be an online celebrity.  

You amaze me and you really are a celebrity to me.

I want to keep up with at least once a week gettin' my feed down to zero.

5. Stop bein' so bossy. 

Again, I can't help it.  I blame it on bein' an only child,

 but I know plenty of other only children that are not bossy like me. 

I like to make excuses.  I know I need to stop.

I'm goin' to at least try.

6.  Gettin' back to the kitchen. 

I know I tease that I am allergic to the kitchen. 

 I'm not.  

I do know how to cook,

I just hate don't like to cook.  

The grocery store stresses me out. 

There are too many choices.  I go in there and instantly become brain dead.

I have no sense of adventure and always walk out with the same things.

Since Miss Nelson and I are goin' to be juicin'...I must go to the grocery store.

We can't juice forever though, so we have vowed to start cookin' together,
 one day a week,

to get ourselves prepared. 

 Both of us are spoiled by really amazin' men that would rope the moon for us if we asked. 

 They are responsible for feedin' us.  

This is about to stop and we are goin' to surprise them.

(I hope neither of them are readin' this because they would probably be laughin' their heads off)

7.  Quit lettin' every little thing about education bother me.

I am passionate about what I do.

I love teachin'.

There are some things that really get under my skin though and I let it overtake me.

I need to breathe and let things go.

I waste too much time and energy too often on this.

Movin' on...

8. Join Amazon Prime.

I just need to do it already. I don't know what I'm waitin' for.

9. Watch Downton Abbey.

The only way to stream it now is on Prime, so I'm goin' to accomplish two things at once.

10. Win big at the slot machines.

I'm goin' to Biloxi this month for a yearly birthday trip with some friends.

Last year I hit the first five minutes I was there and lost it back.

This year...I'm goin' to hit and get up and walk away.

You just wait.

11. Smile more.

Sometimes I forget to smile. 

It's not that I'm unhappy, I just get lost in my train of thoughts.

I really am a happy person. 

I can do this!

I posted this today on Instagram.
(If the pic doesn't show up here, my instagram name is: alisonlearose)

Miss Nelson is havin' an Instalinky.

Come join that party too.

#lessmore14

Winter-iffic Wednesday...snow much fun...

Winter-iffic Wednesday...I like that!  

Quick post to share somethin' we did in class today.

Snow much FUN!

Last year I found these Snow Much Fun Task Cards for F-R-E-E.

I laminated them last December, but didn't get to them until today.

The kids had a choice of one of the twelve cards in one of their centers.

Example #1

Two of my sweet girls worked on the Jingle Bells Remix together 

and then took it a step further and had 

one of their classmates video them singin'.

This is a MUST see.  It will make you smile.

Did anyone notice the disguised turkeys in the hallway that our
2nd grade friends created?
The reindeer one was perfect for a backdrop!

Example #2: 

Have you checked out the Winter Planning Giveaway Scavenger Hunt 

hosted by I'm Lovin' Lit?

Go now...EVERYONE wins!

I'm stop C-4.  

Welcome to all my new followers and readers.  

I'm glad you're here!

Happy Winter-iffic Wednesday!