Smitten with First

Back to School activities and games

Who’s already prepping for their back to school week? One of my very favorite things about the first few weeks of school is getting to know the students….and students getting to know one another. I just love it! They are so eager and excited about their new classroom, teacher, and friends! Today, I wanted to share some fun and interactive back to school activities and games from a few years ago, as well as team building activities to use during … [Read more...]

Organizing Fine Motor Activities

Ok, so have you seen the infamous rolling metal cart floating around social media? I know, I know...I said I wasn't going to do it, but I just couldn't resist! They are so good and can be used for so many different things.  Today, I'm going to show you how I'm using mine from Oriental Trading as a Fine Motor Cart. post contains affiliate links Before I get carried away I want to show you where everything on the cart is from. A La Cart … [Read more...]

Fine Motor Letter and Number Mats

Happy Thursday! I have been busy prepping all things fine motor for the upcoming school year. Fine motor is one of my son's OT goals so I am going to be incorporating it into as much as I can for him. If you're new here, he is our youngest and was born with Spina Bifida. His OT is phenomenal with sharing fine motor resources and ideas with me, so I am always trying to get those skills in where I can. What I love about these particular fine motor … [Read more...]

Sticky Tables Classroom Game

I've got a fun classroom game to share that I really think y'all will love. I shared this classroom game years ago on my Instagram page and re-shared it this week. I don't think I've ever shared it on here, though. Sticky Tables is a classroom game that gets kids moving around the room and can be used with any skill. All you need are several sticky notes, desks, and wipe off markers. I think we can all agree that movement is important for … [Read more...]

Weekly Recap 9

Today was my soon to be middle schooler last day of school! I cannot believe I just typed middle schooler! It goes by way too fast... I'm excited to be back for another Instagram Weekly Recap. I know I mentioned Spring Break getting me off track on these recaps...well, the end of the school year did, too! May-cember anyone?! Whew. Alrighty, let's get started. 1. Last weekend my husband and I made this DIY succulent/plant holder. I'm IN … [Read more...]

Weekly Recap 8

Happy Thursday! I'm back for another round of my Instagram Weekly Recap.  If you're new here, each week I recap what I've shared on my Instagram with you all here on the blog ....and most weeks it includes a freebie! Whoohoo! 1. I know May is just about over, but I realized I never shared these May STEM activities here! These monthly STEM activities are quick prep and include a reflection journal for students to complete throughout the month … [Read more...]

10 Playing Cards Games for Math

If you watched my Instagram Stories yesterday then you probably saw just how excited I was about these large playing cards that I found.  They are regularly priced $12.00, BUT if you use your Hobby Lobby 40% coupon on the app, then you can save some money.  I found them with the 4th of July decorations. If you cannot find the playing cards at your store, Amazon has some here.  Today, I am sharing several playing cards games for math that you can … [Read more...]

Summer Centers and Activities for Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten

We are officially on the summer countdown here at our house.  We keep our days pretty busy, but I try to make time for "school" activities as much as possible. This year, I'll be using these Summer centers and activities for pre-k, preschool, and kindergarten with my youngest. If you're teaching summer school - these summer centers are great for intervention, too.  You can find several other preschool activities and centers here. Here's what … [Read more...]

Weekly Recap 7

Who's on the countdown for SUMMER?!? I cannot believe it is already May! I have been MIA on sharing Weekly Recaps since Spring Break. Gasp! I guess having Spring Fever got the best of me! Anyone else?!  I'm starting it back up today...and I have a freebie for you, too. 1. I absolutely love this bulletin board at my daughter's school. I had to snap a picture to share with you all.  What a wonderful reminder for kiddos! You can find all the … [Read more...]

Earth Day Activities

I have some new Earth Day activities that I wanted to share with y'all. These were created with kindergarten, first grade, and second grade in mine. Oh, and I have a free hativity for y'all too! Whoohoo! Grab your teammates, planner, and beverage of choice (I'm not judging) and let's start planning out some Earth Day activities for the week. EARTH DAY ACTIVITIES Earth Day is an important day to teach our kiddos about.  It's a great way to … [Read more...]

Long O Vowel Teams oa ow phonics activities and games

Happy Wednesday! Today, I am sharing one of my newest Phonics Friends with you all; it's all about long o vowel teams oa ow.  If you aren't familiar with Phonics Friends, you can read about them here. Alrighty, let's get started. LONG O VOWEL TEAMS OA OW PHONICS ACTIVITIES AND GAMES  I am going to walk you through what a weeks of activities. Before I jump in I wanted to let y'all know that the lesson plans that are included within Phonics … [Read more...]

April Spring STEM activities

I never really did much STEM in my classroom because all the materials and upfront work just overwhelmed me. Teaching and managing a classroom and all the other things that go along with the profession is already overwhelming enough...can I get an amen? So STEM was something that happened few and far between. I created my monthly STEM activities with the hope that they will help teachers that want to start integrating some STEM into their … [Read more...]

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