Birthday Bash with a Giveaway!

As I mentioned a few days ago, October is my bloggy birthday month...

and in my family, birthdays are CELEBRATED!

A bloggy birthday is no different, I say. 

I have a really special treat for you (that I wish I could win myself!). 

Details below.

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In {this} post, I shared some children's literature that I just love to use in my mathematics classes. I think that literature is a really powerful way to engage kiddos and share new ideas! 

One of the books that I shared, Measuring Penny, is written by Loreen Leedy. Loreen is the author of so many really great books covering a whole host of topics--addition, subtraction, measurement, energy, symmetry, money, nutrition, the solar system, etc. 

I have these in my collection and use them often:

  

  

You can find out more about Loreen Leedy by checking out her {website} or her {blog}!

I love Loreen's books because they are written in such a way that students are invited in to the mathematics (and/or science, language arts...) that is happening, rather than just being a listener!

So, when thinking about how to celebrate a you all and a year of bloggerness, I wanted to give away a copy of Measuring Penny to a teacher friend...

but it gets better. 

I thought to myself, "how cool would it be if Loreen Leedy could sign the book?"

I got brave and contacted Loreen, and guess what?!

She is just the sweetest and has offered to sign your copy of the book and personalize it for your class!!!

The winner will get a free copy of Measuring Penny, 

signed "To Mrs./Ms./Mr. _____'s class..." by Loreen Leedy!

EEEEEEEPS! I'm so excited!!!

Can I please win?!

Read more about the book on {Amazon} or {Scholastic}. 

All you have to do is enter below by providing your name, an email address, and the title of your favorite children's book. 

That's all! Easy peasy.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Entry will be open until Sunday at midnight.

The winner will be announced early next week!

THANK YOU all for helping me celebrate my first bloggy birthday! 

For me?!

I was completely flattered the other day when I opened my inbox and discovered an email from Lisa--

she blogs over at Always and Adventure in Kindergarten. 

She gave this little blog of mine an award! What?!?!

Now, I have to tell you that I was nominated back in December when I was brand new to the blogging world. I started this blog as a way to document ideas and tips that I didn't want to forget, and to connect with teachers all across the country. 

So much collaboration happens in the teacher world and I LOVE IT!

The fact that any of you read what I write is still so incredible and humbling to me.

I love love love hearing from all of you in the comments and I am so blessed to learn from you all!!

So, THANK YOU Lisa and THANK YOU dear readers.

The award is for blogs with less than 200 followers and I get to pass on the love!

Before I get carried away, though, here is the procedure for accepting the nomination:

1. Link back to the blog that nominated me

2. Nominate 5-11 blogs with fewer than 200 followers

3. Answer the questions posted for you by your nominator

4. Share 11 random facts about yourself

5. Create 11 questions for your nominees

6. Contact your nominees and let them know you nominated them

Step 1: Done.

Step 2: My nominations! 
These fellow bloggers are toooo cute and ever-so willing to share ideas. 
I am excited to see more from them and have really enjoyed reading their blogs!
I think you'll like them, too.
:)

Stephanie is a fellow Texan and we actually live pretty close to each other! 
She is just hilarious and loves owls, too!

Jenna is a blogger that I really admire. I like her style and all of the ideas that she shares!! 
She also posts tons of pictures, which I definitely appreciate!

P.S. I only chose two because i nominated others previously. These are my favorites!!!

Step 3: My answers to Lisa's questions (good questions, Lisa!).

1.  If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

I would live in a tiny little cottage on the coast in Maine. And I would attend the Lobster Fest every year.

2.  What's the funniest thing that has ever happened while you were teaching?

Poop feel out of a firstie's pants during a spelling test--y'all. Hilarious!! (and gross, I guess...)

3.  Do you collect anything?

Hmm, I'm not sure that I do. I really like owls so I automatically get all things owl from my kids, but I don't "collect" them. Maybe I should start collecting something...

4.  What's your favorite household chore and why?

Swiffering--it's so much fun! Maybe because I make it like a dance party. That helps a ton :)

5.  What's your least favorite household chore and why?

Unloading the dishwasher, but I'm not exactly sure why...haha.

6.  What's your favorite thing to do when you get a night out?

Explore! I love new adventures--new restaurants, new places in the area, etc.

7.  Where did you go to college and did you originally major in something other than education?

Baylor University (sic 'em!!!), and no way! In high school I thought I might like to be a doctor or a nurse, but that lasted for about a second. I quickly realized that broken bones, large amounts of blood, and throw-up were not things I'd like to see on a daily basis. Yuck!

8.  What's the best concert you've ever been to?

Backstreet Boys was my first concert ever and it was AWESOME. My mom took my sister and I--we made tie-dyed tshirts and everything. Thanks, Mom! :)

9.  Favorite all-time movie?

Oh, this is so difficult!! I like to play favorites in categories (how could I choose just one?!), so maybe Pride & Prejudice and Tangled.

10.  What's the best thing about blogging?

Making new friends and learning from them!!! Blogging makes me a better teacher because of the collaboration and constant source of new ideas--I am SO thankful!!

11.  If you could leave for a vacation tomorrow and go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

New Zealand. I'll make it there one day!

Step 4: 11 random facts about myself {here}.

Step 5: Here are my 11 questions for the nominated blogging buds.

1. What was your favorite childhood TV show?

2. Does your name mean something special? If so, what?

3. What is your favorite lunch to bring to school?

4. What colors are your classroom?

5. Summer, Fall, Winter, or Spring?

6. What is your favorite type of exercise?

7. What are you hopeful for?

8. Glue bottle or glue stick?

9. What is one of your greatest strengths (it's okay to brag! :))?

10. Morning person or night?

11. What is your favorite day of the whole entire year? Why?

Step 6: The award is out--can't wait to learn more about these two bloggers!!

Take a quick second to check out their blogs. 

I bet you'll find a new idea or some great freebies!!

How would you answer some of these questions?! 

I'd love to get to know you better, too!!

Just leave me a comment so we can chat!

Some Sunday Inspiration :)

Your role as a classroom teacher (read: educator, nurse, counselor, mother, lunch money collector, actress, etc.) is so necessary and so worth it. Some of our kids don't get any love at home and they desperately need someone to be for them. 

"Every child deserves a champion: an adult who will never give up on them and who insists that they become the best they can be."

Rita Pierson

This 7ish minute video is totally worth your time. 

Worth your time? 

I thought so.

Be encouraged, teacher friends.

You are somebody's champion!

It's Kind of a Big Deal...

So this whole "Google Reader (maybe Google Friend Connect?) going away" thing is a much bigger deal than I thought. 

It's kind of a big deal!

The only way to keep following all of your favorite blogs is to use another reader.

May I suggest one?!

My favorite is Bloglovin!

I've been using it for more than a year and find it user-friendly and super clean/organized.

Like Google Reader, there is a picture by the title of each post--which is great for the visual people!

They are also SUPER helpful and making the transition from Google Reader to Bloglovin simple.

Once you get signed up, the home page has all kinds of links to help you as you move:

I'm sure there are other great readers out there that offer similar features, but Bloglovin is my favorite!

Tori from Tori's Teacher Tips has a step-by-step tutorial on how to make the switch, so head on over {here} and show her some love! 

A few of the reasons I have enjoyed using Bloglovin:

1. Categorize the blogs that you follow (teaching, family, faith, etc.)

2. "Like" your favorite blog posts--essentially bookmarking the post so you can find it later!

3. Clean and uncluttered (aesthetically pleasing!)

It's also FREE!!

Before I realized how big of a deal this Google Reader deal was, I was getting all set up to celebrate 100+ followers! It's kind of confusing, now, with the Google Reader friends + Bloglovin followers. 

So I'm just going to go off of the Bloglovin' numbers for a big giveaway--soon, friends, soon!

It will be really great and I am so excited for the giveaway!!! 

:)

To follow my blog through Bloglovin, I've tried to make it as easy as possible. There is a button on the sidebar that will take you right to the site, but you can also click below!

My home page looks like this and includes all of my latest posts!

Anyways, I just wanted you to know that this is kind of big! 

I've moved all of the blogs that I follow over to Bloglovin' so that I can keep up with you guys and all that is happening in your classrooms!

To whomever might be reading this:

THANK YOU!! Thank you so much to all of my faithful readers! I am incredibly blessed by this community and have learned SO MUCH from all of you. I am continually humbled and amazed at the way the Lord has knit together a community of teachers. Please don't forget to make the big move because I would love to stay connected to you all! Thanks again, teacher friends!

A sale, just for you!!

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!!!!!

I sure am thankful for all of your encouragement, inspiration, and support!

This little bloggy world with all of your wonderful ideas challenges me to be a better educator--

and for that, I am SO grateful!!!!!

In honor of YOU, my entire TpT store will be on sale for two days!

{P.S. Be sure to check it out because a lot of the stuff is FREE!}

Some personal favorites are:

   

...plus {1}, {2}, {3} sizes of editable rainbow chevron cards!

((click the picture or number to take you right to the source))

Also, you can earn free TpT money if you leave me some feedback!! 

It's really a win/win. 

You get free money...I get helpful feedback!

I'm teaming up with these teacher friends for the big 'ole sale! Stop by their blogs and leave a little love!

They sure are great.

:)

Meet {Molly}: 

Meet {Brittany}:

Meet {Amanda and Stacia}:

Meet {Chynell}:

Meet {Jessica}:

Meet {Kayla}:

Meet {Rachel}:

*Will you please say an extra special prayer for Rachel and her school today? 

Clicking on their name will take you to their blog and clicking their button will take you to their store!

If you've made it to the end of this lengthy post, you deserve a prize!
The first person to comment AND leave your email address AND your favorite item from {my store} will get the item FOR FREE! Eeeeeks--I love free stuff.
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner --> MOLLY!

Happy shopping, teacher friends!

Please share all of the goodies that you find--I know that my wish list is full!!

Excellence.

I just love this quote.

Click the picture to download FREE from Google Docs.

Thanks Ashley Hughes for the cutie frame and thanks to dafont.com + kevinandamanda.com, too!

Kids say the funniest things!

Do you have those moments where all you can do is laugh because littles are so funny and clever??

Well I came across this picture the other day and couldn't stop laughing!

We'd been using dominos to practice fact families and the kiddos had a chance to create 

their own fact family...

(The biggest domino he'd ever seen was the double 12.)

:)

Haha! Cutie little. Way to think BIG!!

And THEN, I was forwarded this email from my dad--hilarious.

(These are screen shots of the email--not sure of the original source!)

Oh my sweet joy. Kids are so funny!!

So, what has kept you laughing lately?

I'd love to hear your stories!

SIC 'EM BEARS--A Contest!

I'm proud to be a Baylor Bear!

On Saturday night, my bears won a big game. A big, big game.

Against the (former) #1 team in the NATION.

{photo source}

In honor of the big win Saturday night, we're having a contest!

All that you have to figure out (or remember!) is the score of the Baylor vs. KState game. 

Once you've found the score, leave me a comment with the answer and your email address!

What will you win??

18 classroom supply labels in your colors or theme!! 

I will make them just for you!

Here are ones I've created previously, but yours will be created especially for you. :)

The first two people to comment will win...

Ready?

GO!

Recipe Link Up!

Hi teacher friends!

Today I'm linking up with DeAnne over at First Grade and Fabulous in honor of Thanksgiving break--

(which is so, so, soon!!! Or maybe right now for some of you!!)!

She is hosting a Holiday Recipes link up!

What a precious idea for a linky party, right?!

I absolutely love to bake and am learning to love to cook. My Mom is the very best cook that I know--she barely uses recipes it seems!! 

Please teach me your secrets, Mom. 

:)

Well, I haven't mastered the kitchen quite like Mom (one day!!), but I do have one of her recipes to share. It actually came from my Meemaw (grandma), who is from Louisiana--

so you know this will be good! 

This linky party is just the cutest idea for the Thanksgiving holiday, and I am very excited to share with you my all-time, without a doubt, most super favorite Thanksgiving dish:

Chix Cornbread Dressing

Many stories come to mind when I think about Chix and his cornbread dressing--

partly because Chix doesn't even exist. 

What?!? 

That's right. Chix is not a real person, as once was thought. When my Meemaw passed along the recipe to my Mom, she had written "Chix" at the top of the card. Mom called Meemaw one day asking for some clarification of her friend Chix's recipe. Long story short, Meemaw didn't have a friend name Chix because Chix was short for "chicken!" (I guess because of the cream of chicken soup? Still not too sure about that one.)

Also, be sure to cook the cornbread before putting together the dressing. :)

That means you'll need the ingredients that the Jiffy box calls for. Once the cornbread is cooked and cooled, THEN start the cornbread dressing!

 Make sure to give the dressing plenty of time to cook, too. Don't make my mistake and serve soupy cornbread dressing! Not quite as delicious. You want it to be cooked and firm (but not dry either!!).
A happy medium!

Click the picture for your very own 3x5 recipe card!

If you decide to try Chix Cornbread Dressing and have any questions at all, please email me at {littlemissprimary@gmail.com}

I would be more than happy to help!

I am thankful for you and wish you the most blessed Thanksgiving holiday yet!

#TeacherLove and Halloween Freebie!

Just a little bit of #TeacherLove for all of you!

Please know that you are a blessing and the work that you are doing is worth it. 

Your kids? They are worth it. 

Jesus says so. 

:)

As a thank you to public school teachers, "Wes-Ley and Lil' Sister" put together this precious (and hilarious!!) video! I can't wait to hear what you think.

"Lil' Sister" cracks me up. She is all kinds of adorable!! 

So to YOU, teacher friend, THANK YOU!

And just for fun, here is a little numbers to 10 freebie!

This Halloween number sort focuses on more than/less than/equal to, addition, and counting. 

And a bonus--they will be working on some fine motor skills while cutting out the pieces!

Thanks to kmpdoodles for the cute graphics and kevinandamanda.com for the font!

Each student (or pair/group) will need one copy of the handout. They will cut out each box and use "less than 5," "5," and "more than 5" as their headers on a piece of construction paper. 

Your kiddos will then sort the rest of the pictures according to whether the answer is more than, less than, or equal to 5!

The finished product might look something like this:

Hopefully you will be able to work this in to your plans for this week or next week! 

If you do, will you please let me know? I'd love to hear from you. 

:)

Well teacher friends, thanks for doing what you do. Be blessed tomorrow!

And remember, YOU ARE LOVED.