Monday, April 8, 2013

My New Best Friend.. Inkssentials Craft Scrubbie Review

 Every time we do anything with any type of medium like paint, glue, markers, permanent markers, wet erase markers, glitter (cringe), flour, shaving cream...etc. I hear the words "I can't get this off!" "Miss Fryer the soap isn't working." Not to mention my students really just don't like anything on their hands.

I have found a solution!

In my spare time I am a paper crafter. I use a lot of ink that is permanent, so I have had a scrubbie in my stash for a long time. As I was scrubbing with it the other day, I thought...wow this thing is amazing I need one for the classroom. I knew we were painting pots for our plants using acrylic paint and they always get it up their arm and on their face. So I tested it out, and the kids are over joyed.

Online: Stuff4Scrapbooking 
I bought mine at Micheal's craft store. I used a 40% off coupon. It is next to the ink items. 

Here is a picture of a student in my class after painting. You would think she was finger painting.



That's dry acrylic paint. Yuck!


Tried scrubbing with soap and water. No luck, now trying scrubbie. 



Minute later, all clean! My students were really amazed. What took them five minutes scrubbing at the sink and not getting the best results, now takes them a minute and gets everything off! We are in love! Any teacher would be in love with this product!

With a coupon this baby runs you a few dollars. I'd say it is a great investment. 



Monday, April 1, 2013

Children's Book Review: Monster Knows Numbers


Monster Knows Numbers
by: Lori Capote 
Published Book : Capstone Young Readers

Net Galley Description: 

Who says monsters are scary? This monster is ready to count toys! Delightfully goofy, rhyming text engages the youngest readers as they learn to count from 1 to 10.


From the Monster Knows Math series. For ages 2-4.

About the Author:
First-time author Lori Capote is a former newspaper reporter and editor. She lives in the suburbs of Minneapolis, Minnesota, with her husband and two children.

About the Illustrator:
Chip Wass has created characters, illustrations, and logos for Disney, Nick at Nite, Cartoon Network, Target, The New York Times, ESPN, and Entertainment Weekly among others. he is currently writing and illustrating a novel for young readers.

Review:
I actually purchased this book for our pre-school! It is a cute number book for younger children. I really enjoyed the playful colors and the new approach to the traditional number books. Kids love cute monsters right now (I was thinking of ugly dolls while I read this book). I believe any child would like the look of this number book!  


Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Children's Book Review 

Amazon

Change the World Before Bedtime
by  Mark Kimball Moulton, Josh Chalmers, and Karen Good
Publish date: August 31,2013
NetGalley Description: 
●  A rhyming story about changing the world by doing little things
●  An ordinary kid becomes a superhero, along with his friends, by learning what’s important in life
●  Educational and inspirational read-aloud fun for Pre K –2nd

Written in simple, engaging rhyme, this story takes an inspirational look into how the little things in life – a smile, a kind word, a simple deed – can help change the world in a big way. Through 18 stunning illustrations, children will read about eating right, cleaning up the Earth by recycling and conserving, helping the sick and those less fortunate, and working in a group to make bigger miracles. Even an ordinary kid can be a superhero before bedtime! For pre-k to 2nd.

Review: 

I enjoyed this little book! It will be a perfect addition to any classroom or home library. The colorful illustrations and simple  message will be enjoyed by children. It discusses how to make the world a better place, in little ways. It gives children simple ideas that they can do to help the earth, and how to treat one another. I plan on reading this story to my first graders for their unit on recycling. With the colorful presentation and fun rhyme they will all love to learn from this great book. 



Life...&NetGalley

Life got to me. I didn't have anytime to post on this blog! I actually forgot about it for a while. I am now a teacher at the school I attended as a child. Crazy! I am still in shock. The school year is almost over and I have learned a great deal. I love me class and will post a few lessons I did soon. In the mean time, I would like to start posting book reviews that I am doing on NetGalley.

NETGALLEY

If you have never heard about it you should try it! It is free and fun.  I highly suggest it to avid readers. First you make an account and then request to see new books that haven't even been published! YOU GET TO READ THEM BEFORE they are published! Then you can choose to write a review! 

CLICK THE LINK BELOW, YOU WON'T BE SORRY!

NetGalley

-Michelle

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Teaching is making me a hoarder.

      Well the title of my blog should describe my situation.  I am a senior at Columbus State University currently engrossed in student teaching. I think that I stay up most of the night finishing plans and getting items ready to showcase in the classroom.  I have wrote so many commentary notes and graded so many papers, that my hand might fall off soon. Yeah, I know what you are saying..."That's just the start." Considering I have not had my own class yet, I know this is just a start and I totally love it. 
     Teaching is certainly making me a hoarder. I feel that everything I see or I have that could be re-usable I store in the closet because I think I might need it one day. This blog is for me to share ideas on how to use those items and get them out of storage. I also want to share reviews on books and products, links to great sites, and technology tips. There are so many fascinating things I find using computers and I would love to share them. I will try to get my first tip up in the next couple of days. It will be about the wonderful storage area that many people do not even know about! I will be adding a few pictures to help explain how to navigate. I can't wait to start blogging more!