Current Favs

In the summer I actually have time to do my makeup and look presentable. Here a few of my current and absolute favorites. Two Faced 16 Hour Bronzer- lasts a LONG time and keeps a nice golden tan. Smashbox Primer Water- Spray it on before and after makeup to keep it on, LOVE this stuff and worth the price. Anastasia Brow Pencil- this pencil has made my brows look the best they have ever looked! Two Faced Born This Way- This stuff is amazing and worth the hype. I feel like a new woman after I put a layer on with my beauty blender. Last, but not least Naked Flushed- gives a subtle, but beautiful, shimmery, champagne highlight, contour, and the most perfect peachy pop on the cheeks. XO

Oh my, oh my. I've been MIA

I've been missing in action a bit lately and for good reason. A lot has happened since the last time I posted...some good, and some not-so-good. Father's Day came and went yesterday and it made me ever so thankful for my Dad. He was diagnosed with kidney cancer earlier this year and despite the ups and downs, he's now in recovery and is most definitely a kidney cancer survivor. I can't thank the sweet Lord enough for getting my family and I through such a difficult time. I am ever so thankful for my Dad, he is the epitome of what a father should be. I feel so honored to have been raised by such an amazing man who has made me the woman I am today. I love you, Dad!

Now, for some exciting news, I am ENGAGED! My fiance popped the old question on his birthday in March to throw me off. He knows I can't be fooled easily. We went out for a hike with our dog and I came back with a sparkler on my finger. I am so happy and we will be getting married next April in Sayulita, Mexico. We are actually going to visit and meet our wedding planner next weekend. Life and the Lord have been very sweet to me.
                                                                       

Science Notebooking

Science Notebooking with my little ones is so fun, but takes a little bit to get going. I try to make it as formal as possible to set them up for success as they peogress each year. Being at a k-8 STEM School they will be doing many years of science notebooking. 

We start each lesson with a question or a means to experiment. Since we were learning the science process skills through apples, our question was...do all apples have the same number of seeds? We record in our table of contents and do activity numbers since page numbers can be a little confusing. Next, we glue our question at the top and draw a small line for our prediction or hypothesis. Right now, they can keep it to yes and no, but we will move to using because and telling their reasoning behind their predictions. After we conducted the experiment we sketched and labeled our observations and recorded our findings. We worked together as a class to come up with our statement...in the future they will be more responsible for their own thinking and findings. I also printed a picture of the graph from the hallway that they glued in to help show our findings. XO more with apples to come. 

Apples Day 2

Today we picked up right where we left off. Students got back with their partners and worked together to create an apple graph piece and glue their seeds in the middle. 

Next students brought their apples over and found where they belong on the graph. 

Once all the apples were on the graph, we all gathered around to discuss and analyze our data. Students shared what they noticed on the graph and I recoded their thinking. We then hung the graph in the hall to share our findings. 

Next, we move on to recording in our science notebooks....stay tuned! Happy Friday! xo

Teaching the Science Process Skills with an Apple

In order to get my little firsties in the mood to science notebook I start by teaching them the science process skills with one experiment! We started yesterday by reading the book What is a Scientist? and making a scientist can, are, need chart. I found an adorable one on Pinterest from Ginger Snaps Tidbits and Tips for Teachers.

Today we started our first activity in our science notebook. This year I decided to really stretch out the first activity so they get a feel for each part. Each student brought in an apple. We had all different sizes, colors, and even some from a kid's very own apple tree. We filled out our table of contents together and then glued in our question...Do all apples have the same number of seeds? We drew a line and made our predictions (hypothesis). Next, we were off to the lab to experiment! 

Students worked with a partner to communicate, observe, and accurately count how many seeds were in their apples. They used a Popsicle stick as a digging tool and put their seeds into ziplock bags. Students enjoyed eating their apple and comparing their seed counts. Do all apples have the same number of seeds? Check back in a day or two for part 2... 

Jitter Glitter

I'm a big fan of The First Grade Parade's Jitter Juice and First Grade Jitters Book...This year I took it even further and made Jitter Glitter! Saw it on Pinterest and nobody really knows who came up with this lovely idea, but thank you to whoever you are. I can't wait to put it on their desks for back to school night.  I bought the cute little bags on the jewelry aisle at Wal-Mart along with the pretty confetti.

You can print it for free here XO

Boy-Friendly Desk Fairy (robot)

Boy-Friendly Desk Fairy Robot (does that even make sense?)

Being at a STEM school, I find myself having classes that are very boy heavy! Being the sparkles, glitter, cupcake, hearts, Hello Kitty lover that I am, I had to find a theme to capture these little boys. While tirelessly searching for cute themes/clipart on TpT I came across the adorable Robot Friends Clipart from 2 Super Teachers. I fell in love and have decided that I will have a boy-friendly robot theme this year (there are girl robots and they have adorable bows on their metal heads).

Something that my classes always seem to love is the desk fairy! The easy trick to keep those desks looking shiny and organized. In honor of my boys this year and my robot love, I made these boy-friendly desk robot cards. They are free, so print, enjoy and embrace those boys! XO

Click the picture to download them.Yay!