Groovy Educator

It has been an eternity since I've blogged or made a product for Teachers Pay Teachers.  This morning I got up extremely early and just could not rest.  My mind was racing about school in the middle of summer vacation.  I am a first grade teacher and I starting thinking about teaching writing.  The spelling dictionary I've been using needed to be updated and I decided to make my own using the Dolch High Frequency Words.  I did add it one word "question" so there would be a word for the letter "q" and because it is an important word.  Every year I use a spelling dictionary to reinforce alphabetical order.  I also teach the children to use it while editing.  I don't like for them to have it out during drafting as I have found some become too reliant on it and use safe writing.  Every week we add our new sight words to the spelling dictionary.  If they are already in the dictionary, I teach the children to highlight them.  If not, t...

Since I've been working on growing Lowery's Loft LLC, I changed my TpT store name to match my business name.  So even though this Groovy Educator is still groovy, you will seem more Lowery's Loft LLC as I transition somewhat.  I will still keep the Groovy Educator Blog and the Groovy Educator Facebook Page but more and more will be Lowery's Loft LLC. On a side note, I marked down some awesome items in my TpT store AND made some FREE!  Feel free to check it out.   Teachers Pay Teachers Store

Time seems to be going faster and faster.  I am sorry for neglecting this blog.  Some people can have many hats and wear them all well.  I used to be that way but lately a few of those many hats are up in the closet.  Groovy Educator is near and dear to my heart but I am trying to grow my Lowery's Loft LLC home business selling mostly vintage and collectibles.  It is relatively a new business so I need to spend a lot of time trying to build a customer base and learning the ins and outs of a new career.   Please keep checking back with Groovy Educator, I will periodically post teaching tips and new TpT products.  BUT for the time being I am taking a detour and pursuing a new adventure all in an attempt to be a stay at home mom.   I know there are still moms out there that do it.  Right now I wonder how...because going from two incomes to one is daunting.   I do want to make some back to school items for TpT.  I miss not go...

FREEBIE!  (for the time being...)  Updated April 2015 I've included two April calendars. They can be used in many ways. I like to track weather, record homework, or color in the square to show behavior. (Blue-Outstanding, Green-Good, Yellow-Needs Improvement, Red-Unacceptable) You can even use the calendar to keep track of AR points, set goals (in reading or other subjects), and record minutes read. The possibilities are endless! On a side note, I sell on eBay and promote other sellers.  If interested check out my eBay Store: Lowery's Loft .  My username on eBay is GroovyEducator (just like this blog).

I am throwing a sale to celebrate Spring Break.   Almost EVERYTHING is 20% off now through March 26th! This is a great time to get the Class Yearbook (memory book)!  April is right around the corner and then May!  I like to plan ahead.  Purchasing this item now gives you time to look through the worksheets, decide on which ones you will use, make the copies,  and laminate the cover (optional).  My Mad Minute is also on sale! ( This rarely happens... ) The only product not on sale is my brand new item. - Star Reader Reading Log Feel Free to grab my sale button! :)

I am linking up with DoodleBugsTeaching for another fun Five for Friday.  1.  Last Sunday, my daughter had her picture taken with the Easter Bunny.  It was an experience.  She is normally a super friendly little darling... When she saw the Easter Bunny, her eyes bulged and she let out a blood curdling scream right there in the middle of the mall.  She was dressed to the nines but my husband and I were not.  We all ended up in the picture.  It's interesting.  I know we will laugh about it in the years to come.   We were not expecting this because she loved Santa.  She brings us so much joy.  Every moment is a learning experience around her.  I see the world with new eyes.  2.  My class made Leprechaun traps today.  Since St. Patrick's Day falls on Sunday we did this activity today and will have a treat on Monday.  I had the children develop a plan and draw out a draft before comm...

I am so excited to link up with Doodle Bugs Teaching  for another Five for Friday! 1.  Since Read Across America day falls on Saturday this year, my class did our first Book Talk and Walk on Friday.  March 2nd is Dr. Seuss' birthday so to celebrate my class did book reports on Dr. Seuss books.  For the Book Talk and Walk, each child walked the track and shared their book report with two partners.  I chose their partner the first lap and they chose their partner the second lap.   This activity was a hit!  The kids loved it.  Next week I plan to do a Book Talk and Walk on our reading story (just one lap).  This is such a neat activity because you can use it in just about every subject.  We might even do a science talk and walk to prepare for the test.  The best way to hold the children accountable is to do a quick check where they share what their partner said OR write what their partner said.  2.  Our unit ...

a Rafflecopter giveaway This is my first attempt at a give away.  The winner will be notified and I will e-mail you the products that you select from my Teachers Pay Teachers Store.  I would love for you to follow my blog! Thanks for participating!  

Check out my teachers pay teachers store! Today only 28% off! Remember to enter the code SUPER at the checkout.

I am throwing a sale! 28% off ALL PRODUCTS!!!  Monday and Tuesday  (Nov. 25th and 26th) 20% off ALL PRODUCTS!  Wednesday and Thursday  (Nov. 27th and 28th) Check out my Teachers Pay Teachers Store!!!

International Reading Association I am a member and highly recommend that all teachers become one.  This is an invaluable resource.  It is full of the latest research and ideas. PBS Teachers Click on the grade level tab at the top for a list of useful classroom resources/games. Super Teacher Worksheets Although you have to pay to become a member in order to download many resources, there are several free printables.  It is worth checking out. Teachers Pay Teachers This is an invaluable resource.  The items are well priced and created by teachers.  Be careful or you may end up on this site all day! Pinterest In the search bar, type in anything you are looking for and oodles of ideas will appear.  I searched for Daily 5 ideas (from Boushey and Moser) and ended up spending THREE hours of the site.  Unbelievable! Portaportal This is an outstanding website where you can create a page of bookmarks that you can access anywhere.  The power...