2D and 3D Shapes & A Freebie

Well March has really been a whirlwind. (Keep reading to the end of the post for a chance to win some freebies.) We have done so many fun things.  We studied the 2D and 3D shapes.  Building the 3D shapes with toothpicks and mini-marshmallows sounded like a great idea.  The marshmallows were a little bit too soft (fresh) and their creations wanted to collapse.  Lesson learned- next time use small balls of clay, play dough or maybe stale marshmallows. In the end they did learn about vertices, sides and edges while having fun and sneaking a marshmallow here and there.

I created two new learning games which my students really enjoyed.

Click Here to See More

Click Here to See More

THE FREEBIES-To win these 2 great games, like me on Facebook and just leave a comment about how you teach shapes and I will randomly choose 2 winners to get both games each ( an $8.00 value).

Remember to leave your email address.  This quick contest will end at midnight on Wednesday, March 27, 2013. I will announce the winners on Thursday morning. These 2 games will enhance your teaching of 2D and 3D shapes and build your Math Center activities.  Good Luck!

Let's Get Acquainted!

I'm just exploring the "Linky Parties" and I think I am going to like it.  This really cute Linky comes from the FABULOUS LaToya Reed at Flying into First Grade.    The topic is sharing 3 things about yourself using your initials. This is sweet and easy!  
My initials are HBF so....
H-hot dogs- I just love it when there is a Nathan's hot dog cart outside of the Lowes or Home Depot.  There is something very special about Nathan's hot dogs and having one when you least expect it.
B-beautiful- No, I'm not that vain.  I have two adorable beautiful Shih-Tzus who are my little girls.  They bring me so much happiness when I come home tired from school.
F-frogs- My whole room has a frog theme. My collection started small and then grew, and grew and grew!!

Well that's it. Simple and Easy.  Link up and tell us about yourself too!

Don't forget to visit the last 2 on the list and leave a comment!  Or be like me and visit quite a few. Be sure to include the graphic and link it back to Flying into First Grade.  Making new friends is fun!!

Greatest Pencil Sharpener Ever!

Do you every feel the frustration that a simple #2 pencil can bring?  I mean hearing "my pencil is broke" "the pencil sharpener isn't working" and the famous "I can't find my pencil".  Well my friends I have found relief this week.  My daughter, who is also a teacher, shared this wonderful invention with me and my hubby rushed on line to get it for me. (Love you!)  Here it is...... the

X-Acto Teacher Pro Electric Pencil Sharpener, Blue/Black

The absolute best pencil sharpener around.  I am on my 29th year of teaching and have been through quite a few sharpeners, but this my friends, it the answer to my prayers.  It is quiet!  It has a little blue light that comes on when the pencil is sharpened!  And best of all-- it stops sharpening when the pencil is sharp!  I am no longer saying "Take your pencil out of the sharpener". An additional perk is that it can even sharpen those cheap foreign pencils without breaking the tips.  I see to have an abundance of those pencils this year.  It doesn't solve the "I can't find my pencil" but it does solve one big frustration of mine.  Now if I can just get them to stop chewing off the tops of the pencils.  This was $40.00 well spent.  I think I should become a spokes person for this wonderful invention.  Till next time....  Have a great week!