Thinking Outside the Box

Starting this post was EXTREMELY difficult for me. If you will notice I've added a donate now button to my blog. I'm not sure why it gives me such ick feeling but it does.

I'm not going to go into the entire story that has brought me here. We all have a story to to tell. I am finding myself in a place I never imagined, in all areas of my life. I have to find ways to supplement my income, in addition to working full time and finding a second job. 

I love sharing my materials. It truly makes me good; however, I know I could make money if I chose to sell things. I don't believe that selling things is wrong. It just hasn't been right for me. Someday I may sell things...but for now, I am keeping my blog status quo...well, with the exception of the donate button.

I feel bad about adding that tiny little button, but honestly, I had to think outside the box. So, thank you in advance for the lovely comments and emails. My cup runneth over.

It goes without saying but I will say it anyway...I truly appreciate the love and support that I have found in the blogosphere. 

With Much Love and Gratitude,

Shannon

Hoppin' Back in the Saddle

I am making an attempt to get back to what I love...blogging, sharing, and creating. I haven't been shy that things have been difficult for me, and while I have a very long road ahead of me, I have to get back to who I am. I truly appreciate all the kind words that have been expressed, I truly am grateful for the prayers that have been sent to Mr. Cooper and I. I assure you, he and I will be good in due time :0)

Coop is 6 months now. I can't believe how time flies! You mommies out there weren't kidding when you said time goes by so quickly. I am loving the time I am sharing with him! We've enjoyed long walks, days at the park, and I have LOVED making his baby food! Here is a little Coop-a-Loop fix...

So, lately I have had an extremely difficult time concentrating, so I don't have a ton of new things for you. I did work on some fabulous frog creations. I decided that it just made sense to start ending my year with a mini frog unit. Something fun for my little Kinder-Hoppers! I also purchased Frog Math and Literacy Centers from Katie Mense and Frog and Toad Common Core Literacy Stations from DeeDee Willis. As always, I hope you find something you can use in your classroom :0)

Oh...and one last plea....
Please show some love to the blogs you adore...I am 9 votes from winning!!! Voting ends on July 2, so Hop on over!

I would love, love, love for you to take a little of time and vote for the 2012 Fascination Awards. It doesn't seem that many people are voting. Throw some love to your favorite Kindergarten Blogs. To vote follow this link and scroll down to Kinder Teacher Blog, click on comments, and click on your favorite. You will need a Google account and then upgrade to Google Plus (this takes two shakes of a lambs tail).

Vote Here!!!

Now for the Frog Goods...
Please leave me a comment if you download! 
Have a wonderful 4th of July!
Shannon


Literacy Goods

Toad-Ally Vowels Sort

Toad-Ally Vowels Worksheet Hoppin' Opposites Hoppin' Opposites Emergent Reader Frog to Log Picture & Word Match Princess and Frog I Have Who Has Math GoodsLilypad Adding Cards Lilypad Adding Response Sheet Frolicking Frogs Place Value Memory Frolicking Frogs Place Value Worksheet Frog vs. Fly War Cards Frog vs. Fly Worksheet Hoppin' Down Worksheet Spin & Subtract Frogs

Luna Winner!

Congratulations to....

I've sent an email your way Caitlin! Congrats again!

A HUGE thank you to Learning Resources for sponsoring this giveaway and giving me the opportunity to try out your amazing products!

I would love, love, love for you to take a little of time and vote for the 2012 Fascination Awards. It doesn't seem that many people are voting. Throw some love to your favorite Kindergarten Blogs. To vote follow this link and scroll down to Kinder Teacher Blog, click on comments, and click on your favorite. You will need a Google account and then upgrade to Google Plus (this takes two shakes of a lambs tail).

Vote Here!!!

2012 Fascination Awards

I would love, love, love for you to take a little of time and vote for the 2012 Fascination Awards. It doesn't seem that many people are voting. Throw some love to your favorite Kindergarten Blogs. To vote follow this link and scroll down to Kinder Teacher Blog, click on comments, and click on your favorite. You will need a Google account and then upgrade to Google Plus (this takes two shakes of a lambs tail).

Vote Here!!! 

A Nomination and A Giveaway

I was beyond thrilled to see that my blog has been nominated for 2012's Most Fascinating Kinder Teacher Blog.  I am always just excited to see people comment so getting that recognition is a nice little bonus!

It would be wonderful to win but there are PLENTY of truly amazing teachers and blogs out there...so I'm just happy to accept the nomination. Voting begins on June 25 and ends July 2.

Now onto another Giveaway...

Learning Resources asked me to review their Luna Interactive Projection Camera. http://www.learningresources.com/product/luna--8482-+interactive+projection+camera.do?search=basic&keyword=4400&sortby=bestSellers&page=1&# I absolutely LOVE this little camera! We normally use Elmos that are housed on gigantic carts. They are a pain. Cords all over...the cart is so big it's always in the way. I no longer need to grab the gigantic cart and pray that my kiddos don't trip!This takes up a super small amount of space, plugs right into your computer, takes pictures AND video, and works just as well as our other "pricey" devices.

I've used it to demonstrate reading strategies, handwriting, Project 64 (a drawing program), and plenty of games. I've also used it to take pictures of students, as well as, their work.

You can follow them on...

https://www.facebook.com/learningresources

http://twitter.com/#%21/learninghandson

http://pinterest.com/learninghandson/

How would you like to have your very own Luna? Well, here's what you need to do....Leave ONE comment (all extra comments will be deleted) with your name and email address letting me know that you follow Learning Resoures on Facebook, Twitter, OR Pinterest. Super easy!

A winner will be chosen at random on Thursday, June 28th 12PM Central Time. I will announce the winner by Friday, June 29th.

Thanks so much for reading, LOVE to all!

Shannon

HearALL Assessment Recorder Winner!!

A HUGE thank you for all the lovely comments and prayers. This too shall pass....hopefully :0)

Now for the winner....

I've already emailed you Kari, CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Everyone stay tuned...I will be giving away a Luna Projection Camera within the next week or so :0)

Give-Away!

Well, I am still breathing. Life is hard right now. Really hard. I guess that's all I can really say.

I truly appreciate all the kind comments and prayers that have been sent my way. You have no idea what it means to me and my little fella.

I am posting because I made a commitment to Learning Resources to review 2 products and sponsor 2 giveaways. It will feel good to make two lucky readers day :0)

I had the opportunity to use the HearALL Assessment Recorder.

This is one little nifty gadget. I used it to listen in on my students during centers while I worked with small groups. It was quite telling :0) Students most likely were a bit more on task because I told them about the little gadget, but what I loved about it was that I was able to listen and review how they actually did at their centers. I was able to adjust my instruction for certain groups that had difficulty. It's super easy to use, has good sound quality, and is effective for reviewing students reading and work during centers.

The HearALL Assessment Recorder can be found at http://www.learningresources.com/. It retails for $99.99....one lucky reader will win this fabulous little gadget! You can also check them out at http://twitter.com/#!/learninghandson and  http://pinterest.com/learninghandson/!

How to enter...

1. Like Learning Resources on Facebook/LearningResources
2. Leave me a comment letting me know that you liked them on Facebook along with your email address.

That's it. Easy Breezy!

One random winner will be chosen on Thursday, June 7th at 12PM Central Time.