Positive Fridays - Week of May 13th, 2013

Happy Friday everyone!  Next week will be my last Positive Friday of the school year, but I will certainly be back with Positive Fridays next year!  Next week will probably be a short post unless I get to sub the last few days of school.

Last Friday, I worked at one of my favorite schools in 4th grade for a class that I've had 3 times before.

• As I waited for children to come in, one of the 3rd graders that I have subbed for cheerfully said good morning to me, smiled, and gave me a hug.
• A 4th grader came in and said yes, you're here again!  He is always so happy when he sees me.  He tells me that I am a fair sub.  He received a brag tag for his kindness.
• The principal and AP both wished me a good morning.
• The children reviewed 2 digit by 2 digit multiplication, worked on a bunch of comprehension stories, and adjectives and adverbs.
• This teacher is incredible as she doesn't like the children just doing work independently, she has me do a couple with them, then let them work on their, and then we check the answers together.  I actually get to teach, which is awesome!

I had no work on Monday, but I was requested to work in Kindergarten at the school I gave The Learning Station concert to on Tuesday.  This was teacher who pulled me to the stage to dance at the end.  I've had her class a couple of times this year and once last year.

• I was thanked for coming in and the teacher left me thankful note as well!
• She had a lot of fun dinosaur activities for the children to do and I got to pick and choose, which ones I wanted to do.  I love it when teachers like her let me pick like I would get to if I had my own classroom.
• I also read the class a few dinosaur stories that they absolutely loved.
• This class has their whole room opened up connecting it with another of my favorite Kindergarten classes.  Between the two classes and others who saw me on the playground I was thanked for the concert last week and told that they had so much fun with big smiles on their faces.  Many of these children received brag tags for being kind and working hard.  
• Many children also told me "You're the best, Mr. Hopkins," among  many other nice things said to me and hugs too.
• I also saw a 1st grader and a 3rd grader who said hi to me with big smiles on their faces.
• The children were well behaved, which surprised me with it being the end of the school year.

Wednesday, I worked at the same school I was at Friday in a different 4th grade class, but one that I've also had 3 times before.

• The teacher always leaves me easy to follow plans, the past two years, which I greatly appreciate!
• Most of the children said good morning, Mr. Hopkins as they came in with smiles on their faces.
• The children were pretty well behaved and mostly quiet for a big Math test that they had to take.
• They worked on fun Memory Books, learned about heat in Science, and took their End of the Year District Science Test.
• I gave out a couple of brag tags to children who have always been extra quiet and always are well behaved.  It was not an easy task to pick children to receive them because there are many superstars!  I was glad to see them well received in 4th grade!

Thursday, I had no work, but I have a half day of work in one of my favorite 2nd grade classes on Friday.  I will blog about that next week.  Then there are only 3 days left of school.  I doubt I'll find work, but one never knows!

Some other news I would love to share, I am only 15 followers away from 500 on my Teachers Pay Teachers store and I am just 15 followers away from 450 on my blog.  Thank you all so my for being devoted followers!

I also picked up a job interview at a Charter School for May 30th.  I'll be interviewing for Montessori Kindergarten, 1st/2nd grade split, and one that says Elementary K-3.  Your thoughts and prayers would mean the world to me!

Leave your positives in the comments below.

Thanks for hoppin' by Hopkins' Hoppin' Happenings.  Keep on smiling!

The Learning Station Concert

I was very lucky to have won a surprise giveaway from The Learning Station for a FREE concert or a professional development session.  I won the giveaway for spreading kindness.  I of course decided on the free concert because I wanted to see so many children with smiling faces.  I have been blessed to sub in so many wonderful schools the past 2 years and been requested by so many teachers at these schools.  The school I decided to select was because I had subbed in every single kindergarten class, plus pre-k, and several 1st grade classes the past 2 years.

The children at the school I chose spread kindness on a daily basis.  They are taught to be kind through their amazing teachers who I have gotten to know and their wonderful principal.

The concert started off with the principal introducing Don Monopoli of The Learning Station and then gave me the microphone to share a few words.  I talked about how I found out about this amazing group through a teacher and then started checking out all of their videos.  The children who got to have fun were in Pre-K through 1st grade, plus the class that I subbed for, which was a mix of 1st and 2nd graders.

Don then took the stage and  from the get go he had children and teachers dancing and doing movements standing up and in their seats.  Most of the children participated for the full hour and the same with their amazing teachers.  We sang and danced to "Baby Shark," "Boom Chicka Boom," "One Finger One Thumb,"   "Get Funky," "Ram Sam Sam," "The Boogaloo Song," and many many more.

The concert also had a surprise where Don invited the teachers and myself to pick a child to go up to the stage with us.  He thanked teachers and substitutes like myself for all we do for the children.  He then launched into their international hit song "Tony Chestnut" where we did the movements on stage with him.

"The More We Get Together" had children singing, dancing, and pointing at me and the concert ended with "Singing In The Rain" as a super Kindergarten teacher pulled me near the stage and we danced together.

Thank you to Don, Laurie, and Jan for picking me to win this special free concert and giving the children a fun way to end their school year.  We all had a blast!

Positive Fridays - Week of May 6th, 2013

Wow another Friday is here.  We only have 1 Friday left in school for Brevard County.  After today, there are just 8 days of school left.  What an incredible year where I again touched so many lives.

Last Friday through Tuesday I continued subbing for my friend's special 2nd grade class.

• I continued to have such amazing support and help from several teachers at the school when I needed anything.  They are an amazing staff!
• I received several cards and pictures from the children, as well as smiles and hugs.  
• They worked really hard on Friday on their District Writing Test, which I hope they did well.  The majority wrote 5 paragraphs, which made me so proud!  They also completed a reading and spelling test.
• Monday and Tuesday we worked hard on D'Nealian so they would be ready to transition to cursive in 3rd grade.  We also worked hard on basic addition and subtraction, regrouping, and counting money in Math.  In Reading, we worked on r controlled vowels for e.  Finally, in Social Studies we learned about how to be a good responsible citizen.
• Several other children ran up to give me hugs or had nice things to say to me.  The nurse and a few parents wished me a Happy Teacher Appreciation Week.
• I was sad to leave them, but I know they are in good hands and I hope they keep being sweet as their teachers needs that after having lost her mom.

Wednesday, I got a call from one of my favorite schools to sub in 6th grade because the teacher had just had a baby!

• I scrambled and got there right when school was to start!  The children had activity first, which gave another teacher time to help me with plans.
• The children were respectful, cooperated, and worked really hard for me.
• They worked on Math for the day, which was a review of many skills learned this year.
• We also had fun playing softball, listening to a spring concert that some of the 6th graders were in, and practicing for their graduation.
• One girl in another class said, "I know you have only subbed for me once, but will you come to my graduation?"  That was so sweet coming from a 6th grader, I sure will do my best!
• The 3rd graders who sang some songs were so excited to see me yelling my name and waving at me.  It made me feel so good.  Then one child pulled me up on stage with the other teachers for a special song for Teacher Appreciation Week.  That was extra sweet to be included in that.

Thursday, I worked at the same school, but in a 1st/2nd grade combo class.

• The highlight of today and the year was a concert that I won from The Learning Station.  I had my choice of schools, which was no easy task.  This school I have subbed for every single Kindergarten class, a pre-k class, and a couple of 1st grade classes this year and subbed for those grades a bunch last year so I felt it was the perfect choice.  We danced, sang, and moved for an hour straight!  Don kept the children so engaged.  They were still talking about it at lunch!  I will post about the concert more in depth this weekend so please check back!
• I was thanked again and again by children, teachers, and the principal for picking their school for the concert and told how much fun they had.
• We worked hard on reading comprehension, playing math games, doing some fun riddles and rhymes, and learning about contractions.
• One girl gave me a run for my money in the morning, but in the afternoon I sat with her to get her working and she changed her attitude from I hate all subs to "I like you Mr. Hopkins" and gave me hugs, held my hand on the way back from recess (she took my hand in hers), and picked me for her partner when they had a partner activity.  I know I touched a life and made a difference in that little girl!  That's why I love teaching so much.  I can reach the difficult children too and I was able to do that in less than one day!

I received a call to sub in a 4th grade class from another favorite school of mine where I have also been treated so wonderfully by everyone for today.  I will be back to blog about it tomorrow.

If you have any end of the year positives to share, I sure would love to hear how you are making a difference in children's lives.  Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

Thanks for hoppin' by Hopkins' Hoppin' Happenings.  Keep on smiling!

Teacher Appreciation Freebies Roundup

Teacher Appreciation Week may be coming to an end, but the celebration isn't over yet!  Teaching Blog Roundup is teaming up with 20 of the best blogs to host this Teacher Appreciation FREEBIES Roundup blog hop.

Thanks for stopping by my blog!  I would like to show my appreciation with this great freebie for you.

I am thrilled to take part in the Teacher Appreciation Day Blog Hop that Teresa started! My readers know that my newest products are cell phone/smart phone phonics activities! I thought I would share with you one of the vowel pairs from my Long Vowel Pair Phones for FREE! These phones are for long vowel pairs for a: ai and ay. The phones include a texting activity, sorting sheet, and an ABC order sheet. Your students will have a blast with these phones. I tried the ai/ay out in a 2nd grade classroom and they all wanted to take them home! Click the picture to get them FREE. If you like the phones please leave positive feedback and a positive rating.

If you really love them check out the rest of my Cell phone Long Vowel Team Center Activities!

I'm glad you hopped by!  If you are new to my blog and liked what you see, don't forget to follow me!  Now head over to You Might Be a First Grader to roundup the next FREEBIE!

We Appreciate You!

Thanks for hoppin' by Hopkins' Hoppin' Happenings.  Keep on smiling!

Teacher Appreciation Sales

I am thrilled to announce that I am taking part in two big Teacher Appreciation Sales.  The first one is going on now through the May 10th, 2013 at Teachers Notebook.  I have made everything 30% off plus you get an additional 10% off.  This is a cheaper deal than Teachers Pay Teachers.  If you see something on TPT you'd like to see me post on TN let me know and I just may do that!  Tigermagic@bellsouth.net  Click the picture to check out what I have in my store including my new Cell Phone activities, I have who has games, task cards, and more!




I also have a sale going on in my Teachers Pay Teachers store.  In that store I have put everything on sale for 20% off plus if you use the code TAD13 you get an additional 10% off.  My store will be on sale May 7th-9th.  The code TAD13 will only work on the 7th and 8th.  Click the picture to check it out.  All of my products I have made are in this store.

Through Friday for both stores by THREE products get ONE FREE equal or lesser value!

Thank you for all of your support!

Thanks for hoppin' by Hopkins' Hoppin' Happenings.  Keep on smiling!

Positive Fridays - Week of April 29th, 2013

Happy Friday everyone!  2 1/2 weeks of school left here in Brevard County.

Last Friday, I called in to sub in 6th grade at one of my favorite schools for 4 1/2 hours.

• I was thanked for coming in at last minutes notice by the secretary who said she printed out the list of who was available and saw my name and called me first!  Now that means a lot to me that I am liked that much to be the first one to call.
• The children worked on a reading comprehension page and a fun word search.
• Many of the children had kind things to say to me, which doesn't always happen in 6th grade.  I was told I was a cool sub by one student, others said I was their favorite sub.  It feels extra special to hear those sweet things out of 6th graders!

Monday, I worked a half day in 2nd grade for a class that I have done a couple of half days with at another favorite school of mine.

• The children were super excited to see me when I walked in the door.  So many of them cheered and said my name with smiles on their faces.  
• The teacher was also happy she had me as she knew they would be taught and helped!
• The children had activity, lunch, and recess during the half day so I didn't have a lot of time with them. They did learn about goods and services in Social Studies.  Listened to a story on the computer while they followed along in their books about inventors and worked on some spelling work.
• I saw one of my favorite 3rd graders, who yelled my name and hopped up and down!  Now that's excitement I like to see!

Tuesday through Thursday (actually also Friday and Monday, which I'll blog about next week) I subbed for my best friend's 2nd grade class at another of my favorite schools.  Sadly this was due to her mom was rushed to the hospital up north and in critical condition.  I'm so sad to report she did pass away.  I know that's not a positive on a Positive Friday post, but it's the reason I got to sub for them.

• The children were so excited to see me on Tuesday, calling my name out and many came over to give me hugs.  
• All week they had nice things to say to me and even told me Thursday they will miss me when I'm gone.  
• Several other children each day saw me and called out to me, including children I've never subbed for that have just seen me around the school. 
• I was pretty much left to do what I wanted with the students and told to just continue in the books and really work hard on writing.  I am thrilled that this group of children (despite being the inclusion class, low academics) nearly every child wrote me 5 paragraphs about their favorite summer activities!  Some were children who generally write a couple of sentences.  They told me you made this so easy for us!  I loved seeing the light bulb pop on like that!
• They also had fun with an art presentation, read some stories (including one with my last name on it), worked on counting money, subtracting with regrouping, and phonics sounds ar, are, and air.  
• They have been mostly quiet during work time and one parent who was eating lunch outside saw my group walk by and told me I had the quietest group who walked by!  I like to hear that!  They were also very respectful toward me.

Leave your positives in the comments.

Thanks for hoppin' by Hopkins' Hoppin' Happenings.  Keep on smiling!

Cell Phone/Smart Phone Phonics and Multiplication Fun!

I thought I would fill my readers in who may not be following my store or facebook about my brand new set of products!  I am using the adorable Glitter Cell Phones from Glitter Meets Glue Designs.

The first product is geared toward K-2 and is called Cell Phone CVC and CVCe Center Activities.  Students text the CVC or CVCe word by looking up the letters and seeing what number matches the letter.  I also included recording sheets if you want your students to do a word sort and for ABC order!  Directions, common core standards, and answer keys are included.  It is also in black and white too!  Lots of fun!  Click the picture to check them out!

Next up using the same format are my Cell Phone Long Vowel Team (Pair) Center Activities.  These were just put up today!  They are on sale for 50% until tomorrow.  They include ai, ay, ee, ea, y, ey, e, ie, igh, y, ie, i, oa, ow,  oe, o, ew, and ue.  These also have the texting, ABC order, and Word Sorting.  Directions, common core standards, and answer keys are included.  I also included black and white phones.  Click the pictures to check them out in my TPT store.

Last are my Cell Phone Multiplication Texting product.  Perfect for end of the year 2nd grade through 6th graders who are learning their basic facts.  Students look at the letters in the multiplication equation to figure out the product!  There are 30 phones.  Black and white is also included.  Click the picture to check them out!

How would like to win one of these?  Enter my Flash one day giveaway that will go live at midnight 4/29 and end on 4/30 at midnight.  It's very easy by entering on the Rafflecopter form.  The more things you do the more entries you will get.  The winner will get to select 1 of the 3 products.  You must respond to the e-mail in 24 hours or a new winner will be selected.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for hoppin' by Hopkins' Hoppin' Happenings.  Keep on smiling!

Positive Fridays - Week of April 22nd, 2013

In this county we are just down to 3 1/2 weeks of school.  How much longer do your kiddos go to school for?  Share with us in the comments!  The kids started here Aug. 8th so that is why we get out earlier than most.

This was a slow week of subbing unfortunately.  On Friday last week I subbed in my favorite Kindergarten class.

• I worked with an amazing teacher next door.  They keep their room open and this allows the students to do centers together in both rooms.  She is always so helpful and told me she wants to write me a letter of recommendation because I should be teaching my own class, I do a great job with the children.  That meant the world to me!
• The children came in so excited with smiles on their faces and some hugs.  They reminded me I promised to eat with them, which I did do.  We had a great time eating together.
• Many of them told me "You're the best" or "You're the best substitute" or "I really like you."  So sweet to hear them fill my bucket.  I passed out a couple of brag tags and gave one to the teacher next door to pass out too.
• I read them a story, which I can't recall the name, but it was about a Goldfish who wanted a pet!  They also had fun with Show and Tell, writing about what they brought in, counting by 10's, and finding out different ways to name ten!  They also had some fun toy time.  
• The children were pretty quiet and well behaved for me!

Monday I was back in 3rd grade at the same school as Friday in a class that I had for a half day a couple of weeks ago.  They switch classes so I had another class the 2nd half of the day.

• Many of the children said hi and seemed excited to see me!
• They did a lot of different Earth Day activities with the book "The Lorex."  We watched a 30 minute video of it, did crossword and word searches, and wrote about how we can take care of the Earth.  The first group also had time for some science on Properties of Matter.
• They worked hard and cooperated for me.

Tuesday, I was called in by the bookkeeper so I got there a couple of minutes after the bell as I rushed to get ready, but I was happy to be back at the school.  I was in 3rd grade again.  I had the same group of children, but subbed for the other teacher.

• I picked up the children in another class and took them to the room where they got unpacked and I quickly read the plans and did attendance.
• They worked on writing a letter about the FCAT (not giving examples of problems or answers) to their parents telling if they thought it was easy or hard, if they checked their answers, and so forth.  I thought it was a neat idea.  I was impressed with a few children who wrote a bunch in 45 minutes, especially one girl who wrote 2 pages front and back on topic!  Many of these children will be ready for FCAT Writes next year!  Their teacher in 3rd grade has prepared them well!
• They also read about Animal Homes, did a Main Idea/Detail Graphic Organizer, worked on cursive writing, and literacy centers.
• I handed out a couple of brag tags to the 2nd class I had as a couple stood out in my mind for going above and beyond with work and doing what they were supposed too.
• The children were mostly well behaved and cooperative. 

Unfortunately, I had no work the rest of the week.  I'm hoping to be called in on Friday as I rarely have a Friday off.

Please leave your positives in the comments.

Thanks for hoppin' by Hopkins' Hoppin' Happenings.  Keep on smiling!

Spelling Fun!

I was asked by Jake at Educational Resources and Beyond to write a review for one of his spelling packets. Opinions are of my own and I received the packet and no money to write the review.

The packet I am reviewing is Spelling Early Years Package 3.  This packet includes phonics sounds that work well for 1st-4th grade: ir and ur; ng and er; nk and ar; and oi and oy.  The highly engaging looking worksheets have the students filling in the missing spelling pattern, tracing the words, writing and drawing words in pictures with the sounds like shirt for ir, and correcting the spelling words along with capitalization and punctuation in sentences.

The packet also includes a page where the students can make their own word searching using their spelling words.  He made is there are two on each page so you could cut it in half and save paper, which I love as many of us have copy restrictions.  Look, Copy, Cover, Check is excellent for students to practice learning their spelling words.

Finally it includes some full page posters that are task cards: writing words in rainbow colors, making it out of play dough, finding words in words, etc.

I love the worksheets and task cards.  They are highly engaging for students.  If you like this there are 5 Spelling packages available individually or as a set.  Click on the picture if you would like to check it out in his store.

Let us know in the comments what you do to make spelling fun for your students?

Thanks for hoppin' by Hopkins' Hoppin' Happenings.  Keep on smiling!

Positive Fridays - April 15th, 2013

TGIF, it's Friday everyone!  You have almost made it through another week. :-)  Now let's check out my positives from subbing.

Last Friday, I subbed in a Kindergarten class at the same school I was at all week.  It sure makes it nice to be in the same school for a week and not have to drive far.  I had this class about a week and half ago.

• The children came in smiling at me and saying hi to me.  Some told me they really like me and they got started on their writing journals, which was free choice for Friday!
• I read "A House for Hermit Crab" to the children, we did some phonemic awareness, calendar, and brainstormed feelings and why we might feel that way.  Then they wrote about a feeling and what one time was when they felt that way.  They also drew dots to match the number on the ladybugs, colored a book about insects, and watched an Eric Carle video.
• I got some sweet hugs from other Kindergarten children on the playground and at dismissal, including a 1st grader who always makes a point to come running up to hug me if she sees me.  I had to give her a brag tag and also gave one to the hardest worker in Kindergarten class.
• The children were well behaved, used quiet voices, and worked hard.

Monday through Thursday I proctored the FCAT test and then subbed in a 5th grade class while that teacher administered FCAT to a couple of children.  So I just watched them take their test and then the 5th grader went outside to play and then watched movies each day until their teacher came back and I went home.  On Wednesday I did run into a 3rd grader who has been extra kind to me, always gives me a hug, and has something really nice to say to me so I of course had to give her a Kindness Counts Brag Tag.

Friday (today), I am back in Kindergarten at the school I was at last week, but with a different class.  I promised to eat with them ages ago if I subbed for them again so they will be super excited.  I'll blog about it next week along with whatever other days I sub.  So far no work scheduled.  Hope it picks up.

Don't forget to leave your positives in the comments.  I love reading them!

Thanks for hoppin' by Hopkins' Hoppin' Happenings.  Keep on smiling!

Monster Division Bump

Wow, it's been awhile since I last blogged.  I thought I would share my latest freebie that many of you may have missed unless you are following my TPT store and/or FB page!  This one is for older students.  It's Monster Division Bump!

Bump is a game where you answer the math fact (this time it is Division) and cover that space with a colored counter.  If someone gets the same answer they can bump you off unless you got the same answer again before being bumped off.  Then your space is safe!  The first player to use all 10 counters wins.  If your students have never played bump before they are in for a treat and there aren't very many Division bump games out there.  Mine is FREE and uses cards that your students will turn over to solve.

I also added a blank set of cards in case you want to write with a marker or pen different problems.

Click the picture to get it for free!!!  I would appreciate any nice comments and ratings on it.  Feel free to also share this blog post with friends or on Pinterest!

I'm linking up with Teaching Blog Addict.  Check out other freebies by clicking on their blog button.




Thanks for hoppin' by Hopkins' Hoppin' Happenings.  Keep on smiling!

Positive Fridays - Week of April 8th, 2013

TGIF!  We have all survived another week.  I know many of us are in our last quarter of the year and the kids are starting to get antsy for summer.  Keep being positive with the kids and they will keep showing kindness, I have no doubt about that!

Last Friday, I subbed in an Exceptional Education class at a school near home and one of my favorite schools.  There were 4 children there (1 more was absent) and 2 assistants (1 was also a sub).

• I was thanked for being flexible as I was switched from another sub assignment.  As a former teacher I was used to being flexible so it was no big deal to me.
• The children had fun playing on computers, doing Adventure to Fitness, having fun with Jack Hartmann videos, and working on addition.
• I thought they were well behaved for an exceptional education class.  There were no real problems.  They respected all the adults.
• By the end of my time with them they really warmed up to me.  A couple of the children even asked if I would come back to sub again!
• Other children in the school called my name and waved to me!

Monday, I had a wake up call to sub at a school that I ended up in all week!  It is one of my very favorite schools that I have subbed at the past 2 years.  It was for a 3rd grade class that I was already scheduled to sub for later in the week a half day and I had them a couple of times before!

• I was thanked again for coming in and picking up the job at the last minute.  Everyone in the office is extra kind to me!
• The children worked hard on learning about characters and also did a fact book on Oil Spills.  Along with mixed math work, they had the chance for some fun brain breaks as we played Heads Up 7 Up and Doggy Doggy.  This teacher is awesome to incorporate these brain breaks!
• The children respected me, cooperated, and worked very hard at getting all of their work done.
• I saw several Kindergarten children who has to run over and give me hugs when I ran into them and some other kids who waved hi and smiled to me.  The children at this school truly know how to fill my bucket.
• I gave out a Brag Tag to a 3rd grader who worked extra hard on her work for best effort.
• The phone also kept ringing off the hook as I was asked to sub Tuesday for a half day in another 3rd grade class, Thursday in Kindergarten, Friday in a different Kindergarten class, and the following Friday, in a 3rd Kindergarten class.  The teacher's had all asked for me, which makes me feel really good!

Tuesday, I subbed in 3rd grade again, but for a different group of children only in the morning.

• I was thanked for agreeing to sub for only a few hours.
• A few of them knew who I was from Walk to Intervention and from last year and cheerfully said my name as they came in the door!
• The kids did a lot of different Math work, fractions, mixed review, geometry, and then state abbreviations.  They are getting ready to take a big standardized test in FL next week called FCAT.  The walk to intervention group did a little bit of comprehension.
• The children mostly cooperated and worked super duper hard as they got more done than the teacher and I thought they would.  She didn't expect them to get it all done and we almost finished the state abbreviation page, which was the last one she left for them to do.

Wednesday, I subbed a half day in 3rd grade for the class I had on Monday.  It was great to be back with children that I'm starting to learn their names!  This group I've had the 2nd most times out of any class too and I really enjoy them!

• I was thanked again for taking the job even though it was only for a few hours.  I was told I'm about the only one that is willing to come in for a few hours.
• The 3rd grade group from Tuesday, saw me as I walked to the door and yelled hi very excitedly!  It was great to see that they clearly enjoyed having me as their sub for the short time I was in there.
• The teacher was very kind and appreciative that I came in to help her out again.  She even put in her plans that I know her clean up routine.  She knows the room will be cleaned by the kids when I am in there!
• The children worked super hard on measuring items to the nearest half inch and quarter inch.  That was a tough skill.  She had a great idea for them to mark off the ruler on the top of the page in orange for one of those and yellow for the other.  Most of the kids listened and did so.  They also worked on some multiplication basic facts and reading comprehension on George Washington Carver.  She again incorporated brain breaks with Heads Up 7 Up and this time an I Have Who Has Telling Time Game.
• The kids as always did an excellent job of cleaning up and worked extremely hard.  They always respect me as well.

Thursday, I got to sub in Kindergarten for a class I had a half day a few weeks ago.

• I was thanked for coming in again!
• The room is opened up between 2 classes per teacher choice so they can team teach at times and the other teacher as always is super helpful.  Both classes were super excited to see me!
• The children worked hard on writing and putting words in order to make a sentnece that had some tough words for Kindergarten like April, butterflies, plants.  Only a couple of children asked for help, the rest did it independently!  They also had fun playing consonant sound bingo, I Have Who Has alphabet, color by number (dots).  They had some social playtime and also had fun singing some of The Learning Station songs and listening to Tony Chestnut book!
• I got many hugs and smiles from children.  Several told me how much they like me from both classes and others on the playground!
• They worked really hard and most respected me.

Friday (today) I will be in Kindergarten for another group of Kindergarten children who I had last week.  It should be a fun day.  Stop back next week to see how it went and what we did!  I'm looking forward to it.

Do you have a positive this week that you would like to share?  If so hop on over and share it!

Also, if you see this before 11:59 Eastern on Saturday be sure to check out my Mrs. Wishy-Washy Big Book giveaway!

Thanks for hoppin' by Hopkins' Hoppin' Happenings!  Keep on smiling!

Mrs. Wishy-Washy

I was so excited to be contacted by the people at Hameray Publishing to review 2 of their Mrs. Wishy-Washy books!  The two books are from their new book collections of leveled readers for Kindergarten to 2nd grade classrooms.  They are from The Joy Cowley Collection and The Joy Cowley Early Birds Collection from author Joy Cowley!  The books can be purchased as a set or individually.  Read the review and then check out a huge contest, and a mini-giveaway!

The first book I had the opportunity to review was "Wishy-Washy Clothes" by Joy Cowley.

This book comes from The Joy Cowley Early Birds Collection.  The book has the repetitive phrase "The ____ put on the _______.  Children can easily figure out what goes in the blanks by using the pictures.  It's a silly book as it has animals putting on the clothes.  The back of the book includes great questions for Before, During, and After reading.  It also tells you the comprehension skill that the questions focus on, features of text in the story, and the high frequency (sight) words.  Excellent book for guided reading groups or independent readers for middle of the year first graders.  The guided reading level is F or intervention level 9.

The 2nd book, I had the opportuity to review comes from The Joy Cowley Collection and is called "Mrs. Wishy-Washy and the Big Wash" by Joy Cowley.

This book tells the story of Mrs. Wishy-Washy not having any water to do the wash so she gathers the animals in the back of her truck and heads to town to find water.  They go to different places in town.  Will they find the water for the wash?  You will have to read this great book to find out!  This book is excellent for guided reading or independent reader toward the end of 1st grade or beginning of 2nd grade.  It is a guided reading level I or intervention level 15.  It would also make a great read aloud.  It also has the features of text (onomatopoeia is one), before, during, and after questions and activities, and the comprehension skills.

Disclosure: I received complimentary products for review.  All opinions are my own and this is not a compensated post.

How would you like to win or help a teacher win 90 new titles from The Joy Cowley Collection and The Joy Cowley Early Birds Collection by Joy Cowley?  You will also get finger puppets and 3 audio CDs valued at over $400!  Click the picture to check out the contest!

I am also thrilled to host a mini giveaway for a Mrs. Wishy-Washy Big Book!  The big book will be for Mrs. Wishy-Washy and The Big Wash.  See the review of the smaller version that I reviewed above.  Fill out the Rafflecopter Form to enter the giveaway!  The giveaway will go live at midnight eastern on the 9th and it will end at 11:59pm Eastern on the 14th of April 2013.  Be sure to also visit Hameray Publishing on Pinterest http://pinterest.com/hameray/ and facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Hameray  Remember you get entries on Rafflecopter for the giveaway by following them on Pinterest and liking them on facebook!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Share with us in the comments what Mrs. Wishy-Washy activities you do with your students.

Thanks for hoppin' by Hopkins' Hoppin' Happenings.  Keep on smiling!

Brag Tags Review

I am so thrilled to get the opportunity to review some Brag Tags from imagestuff.com.  I was given the opportunity to pick Brag Tags from their website or create my own.  I decided to create my own. Click the picture to follow imaginestuff.com on their blog for for free downloads and tips.  You can also find them on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/imagestuff/pins/ and https://www.facebook.com/imagestuff

The first one says Kindness Counts and has my name at the bottom of it.  I wanted this one because as a substitute teacher and even when I was a teacher (hope to be again soon), I try so hard to get children to be kind to everyone.  There are many children who have gone over and beyond to be kind to me.  I also see children help others who are crying, go play with children who says they have no one to play with, sweep up the room without me asking, be the only one to clean up a mess, etc.  I wanted to find something that I could hand to these children for being so kind and I thought a Brag Tag would work in any grade level.

The 2nd one I had imagestuff.com make was Best Effort.  As a sub there are times when I get children who just won't try to do their work.  They whine or say "I can't."  I wanted something to be able to give a student who shows that they are going to try no matter how hard the work is.  The brag tags seemed to be the best bet so I had them design me for Best Effort.

I have so far subbed in classes with Kindergarten through 2nd graders and their eyes lit up each time I handed a child one.  They thank me so much and say that they love it.  They love that I included my name.  I was told by one teacher the child wore is Best Effort one to school the next day.  This was a child who typically whines at me because I won't spell a word for him.  He didn't whine once the whole day so I surprised him with the Brag Tag!

You can get brag tags for attendance, character, academics, awards for field trips, etc.  They come in a variety of different shapes: hearts, shamrocks, dog tags, skateboards, circles, etc.  You can pick from ones that are already designed or personalize your own!  The delivery was quick.  They hold up well with the chains that you can purchase for an additional cost.  Children can wear them or put them on their backpack.  They are a hit for me as a sub and I have no doubt they will be for you.  I plan to use them with all grade levels through 6th grade!

Have you ever used Brag Tags?  If so how did it go?  If not, how could you use the Brag Tags in your classroom?

Disclaimer: I was given some Brag Tags to use for this review.  I was not paid any money and I gave my own honest opinion. 

Thanks for hoppin' by Hopkins' Hoppin' Happenings.  Keep on smiling!

Positive Fridays - Week of April 1st, 2013

I hope everyone has had another great week.  The children here are back from Spring Break.  That means this year we had to go through April Fool's Day.  Luckily for me the kids didn't pull any pranks on me.  Just one who said something silly about himself and then said April Fools.  I hope you enjoy reading my positives for the week and I hope you will share yours too!

Monday, I subbed in that sweet 2nd grade class that I subbed in before break and have subbed for them several times this school year.

• I received many hugs from the children and several other children said hi or gave me hugs from other classes as I let the children in.
• They worked on 4 Square Writing about Spring Break and I helped teach them how to turn it into a paragraph.  They also worked on silent letters in reading and phonics.  In Math, we worked on finding the rule in patterns and odd and even numbers that were 2 digits.  
• I got these great brag tags that I will be posting a review on in the next couple of days and I handed them out to children for Best Effort (a child that sometimes whines, but did all his work without me begging him to do so!) and Kindness Counts.  The kindness one was so hard as she has so many super sweet children.  I gave it out 2 who went over and beyond with their nice words to me, sweeping the floor without asking, hugs, etc.  One girl who is always amazing was upset with me she didn't get one (I tried to focus on some children who don't always get rewarded) and it broke my heart too much that I put a Best Effort on her desk and I was told the next day she was grinning from ear to ear).
• They were well behaved and worked hard.

Tuesday, I didn't work.  Wednesday, I worked a half day in 2nd grade at another school that I frequently sub at for a class who I subbed for a half day earlier in the year.

• Many of the children smiled and said hello.  Most remembered my name!
• I had a behavior analyst in the room watching a couple of children (I didn't even know who) and she was super at helping to make sure procedures that I may not have known were followed.
• The children worked on poetry, nonfiction, literacy stations, and measurement while I was there.
• They were well behaved and cooperative.
• A couple even told me that they loved the math because it was fun!  I told them I like to hear things like that.
• I gave a brag tag to a boy who is autistic for Best Effort.  He did all of his work without me having to prompt him.  I was very proud of him for his effort!
• The teacher was happy I had her class when she looked it up because she told me she knew that I would not throw the work at them and I would actually teach the children!

Thursday, I had a wake up call bright and early for Kindergarten (the only Kindergarten group I haven't had at this school) at a school near by that I frequent a lot!

•  I am always thanked for picking up sub jobs at this school, which makes me feel good.
• Another teacher came in with the lesson plans and helped find the work for today.  She's a great friend of mine and I have subbed for her a couple of times.
• The children came in very quiet and I also met a couple of parents who were very kind and wished me a great day!
• It was individual picture day so the ones getting their picture taken were dressed up and looked very nice.
• The children were quiet during the story we read and participated in the activities for the day.  We did some phonemic awareness, worked on addition with a story problem by drawing pictures, did literacy stations, took a paper and made flaps for the days of the week and what The Very Hungry Caterpillar ate each day, etc.
• They were cooperative, kind, and used quiet voices.
• I also saw many other Kindergarten children who was so excited to see me and gave me hugs at lunch or on the playground.  I surprised one of those children with a brag tag for Kindness Counts because in the past she has begged and begged her teacher in front of me to have me back to sub for her.  She says I used to be her teacher and she wants me back as her teacher. So sweet!

Friday, I'm at the same school I was at Wednesday, but this time in 5th grade.  First time in 5th grade at this school other than having 5th grade, 3 times for an activity class.  I'm looking forward to it.

Leave your positive comments for all of us to see!  Let's fill more buckets!

Thanks for hoppin' by Hopkins' Hoppin' Happenings.  Keep on smiling!