Merry & Bright Freebies & Giveaway!

Whew, it's been a busy few months! Trying to find a balance between school and being a first time mom {which unfortunately has meant several months of neglect to this piece of cyber space} it's been awhile, but I'm glad to be back to blogging!

My school, currently on a list of historical sites, is gearing up for a mid-year move to a new building. With the craziness that comes before an extended holiday break, new traditions starting at home, and boxing up my classroom when I heard about the Merry & Bright giveaway I knew I wanted to join in. Who couldn't use a tip or two to make these last few days before break a little more merry with a few bright ideas to make planning a little easier? I know I will be bopping along and gathering all the tips that I can!

There is something about the days leading up to an extended break when the crazies start to come out. I, as well as my students, are ready for a change of pace. Some students are eagerly anticipating the holidays, others are fearing the change of routine a lack of resources at home, there are concerts, report cards coming due, little extra chatter and excitement, and at times a little less patients: it's a very hectic time of year!  Throughout it all, sometimes it's hard to take a step back and see all the good among all the crazy.

My first year teaching, I was a special education teacher covering a couple of schools. In one building, they started a way to have teachers and students notice the good in each other. Using a well known Christmas character, the Grinch, students and teachers worked together to help him grow his heart by identifying and recognizing random acts of kindness and good deeds in the weeks building up to break. It was great to come in throughout the week and see how many hearts had been added with the passing of just a few days. The display served as a reminder, as well as inspiration to be your best self and do something good!

To ease into planning a bit, I have a couple of freebies that can work before and after the holiday with a little winter fun. Click the pictures or captions to download!

 Differentiated Snowman Synonyms

For more ideas on reviewing synonyms check out this post as well. We decorate our classroom in snowflakes with a little synonym review sprinkled in too.

 Shades of Meaning

 

Now for the bright planning idea and a chance to win a fabulous prize package from the
We Teach 3-4-5 crew!

I'm contributing my Winter ELA Centers great for reviewing before and after the holiday. Included are: 

*Winter Fact & Opinion task cards with recording sheet & key
*Winter Wonderland Subjects & Predicates with recording sheet & key
*Light It Up Parts of Speech with recording sheet and key
*Differentiated Snowman Synonyms with recording sheet & key
*Ugly Sweater Figurative Language Party with recording sheet & key

For a chance to win this and other terrific products to aid in your planning be sure to enter your information in the raffle copter for a chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

An InLinkz Link-up