TpT Sale!

I just wanted to pop in to tell you that TpT is having their big new year sale! Everything in my store is 20% off and then if you use the code: START16 TpT will give you an additional 8% off. It is a great time to pick up some of the things that have been on your wishlist. I am going to clear out some of mine today. Click on the graphic below to go to my store:

Thanks to PitchClips for the cute graphic!

The BEST Pencil Sharpener EVER!!

Oh my goodness! I got the most wonderful pencil sharpener from Classroom Friendly Supplies before Christmas break to review. My kiddos as well as myself are LOVING it!! It sharpens pencils like a dream, even those cheap Dollar Store pencils that they love but never sharpen right. I am amazed at how pointy the get and how well they hold up to the abuse my 2nd graders throw at them! 


Here is my new pencil sharpener...isn't is pretty?! I love the Cool Blue since it our school color as well.

This sharpener not only looks pretty, but look at the before and after pictures of how well it sharpened these pencils.

As an added bonus, it is super quiet. Of course it might have something to do with the fact it was created by a teacher with classrooms and teachers in mind. I am amazed at the quality of the pencil sharpener. It is heavy-duty without being too cumbersome to move around in my classroom. My kiddos can use it independently after getting some instructions too...which is definitely an added bonus.


This pencil sharpener is unique in the way it sharpens pencils. You must pull out the faceplate and pinch the two black levers at the top to insert the pencil. Then you let go of the pencil and hold the top of the pencil sharpener and turn the knob with your other hand. The pencil moves into the sharpener as it sharpens. When it is fully sharp, the knob will turn freely. Then you just pinch the two levers again to take the pencil out. It is AMAZING!!

I must say that I would definitely give this pencil sharpener a 5 star review! It is amazing and a must have for every classroom. Plus they are not super expensive ($24.99 each...but you can get them cheaper if you buy a 3 pack) and you can order replacement blades when they blade gets dull. It is in one word - AMAZING!! You can head over to their website to order one for yourself (plus they have FREE shipping!).

Classroom Friendly Supplies

This review is my own personal opinion and has not been influenced by anyone else.

Currently #1 of Sweet '16

Ok so I know I am late to the party again, but I really wanted to participate this month so here it goes!

Listening: Since it is Sunday afternoon, we have already been to church and had a nice lunch. Now I am getting to spend some quality time with my sweet little girl. She LOVES putting together puzzles and they are such a great activity that we do together.


Loving: My Christmas break was absolutely WONDERFUL!! I thoroughly enjoyed every minute at home with my little one. We got to do lots of fun things like going to visit the zoo since we were having 80 degree days here in SC even though it was December!


Thinking: I have so much to do to get prepared for next week. I am just feeling overwhelmed with my new position in 2nd grade because it is such a new experience for me. I have never taught anything higher than 1st grade until this year.


Wanting: I want to feel more prepared as a 2nd grade teacher. I feel like everyday I am trying to "swim upstream" as I am learning along with my students.


Needing: I would love more time at home with my little girl. Macy is just growing up too fast. She is now 2 1/2 and changing everyday. After having 2 weeks off with her, I could definitely see how people love being stay at home mommies!


One Little Word: My One Little Word for 2016 is LOVE! I am definitely in love with my little family. I appreciate all the time we get to spend together. I love my students, but I am definitely working hard this year to begin to love teaching again.


Head over to Farley's blog to read more Currently postings!

Teaching 1 & 2 Digit Addition With a Friday Freebie!

For the past month or so, my 2nd grade team has been reviewing 1 digit and teaching 2 digit addition to our students. We began by reviewing what they knew about 1 digit addition (friends of 10, doubles facts, near doubles facts). This lead us right into our instruction on 2 digit addition without regrouping. Once our kiddos had the hang of addition without regrouping, we introduced regrouping which was difficult at first but most of them had it by the time we went home for Christmas break. This week, we reviewed these skills and today we had our cumulative assessment.

1 & 2 Digit Addition Assessment

This assessment is a freebie on Tpt so you can just click on the link above to download if you would like to use it with your kiddos too! Please remember to leave my some feedback if you download! Happy Friday everyone!

Happy New Year 2016!

Happy New Year to my blogging family! I hope you have had a wonderful and relaxing break. I go back to work on Monday, Jan. 4 so I am making the most of the time I have left off. I am so thankful for this wonderful blogging community that I am a part of. I hope in this new year to get back into the routine of blogging with you all on a more regular basis as I am on this new journey of teaching 2nd grade. Happy new year 2016 to you!