Out-of-the-Box Book Report Projects

Attention classroom teachers & homeschool educators:
Today, I am featuring some of my favorite out-of-the-box book report projects from my Teachers Pay Teachers shop! 

I have had great success using these creative "out of the box" activities with varying age groups of elementary students! These projects can be adjusted to fit your specific needs - no matter the age, grade, or teaching environment. 

**Follow the links for more details, images, etc.**

Cereal Box Book Report Project - 

A unique twist on the traditional book report format~

This assignment requires students to use a cereal box as the basis for a fun and exciting book report project.
Students will design and attach a captivating cover, a list of story "ingredients", an introduction to themselves, an "about the author" section, a summary of the book, an additional creative piece, etc.
They will also be asked to prepare and present a cereal box commercial. Students absolutely love this project, and I always look forward to their fun presentations. It is also fun to put their projects on display for others to see.
This file can be modified to fit your specific classroom needs, due date, etc. **Clear instructions are included - as well as an evaluation rubric.**

Recipe Book Report Project - 

A unique twist on the traditional book report format~

(Rubric Included

This book report project requires student to "follow a recipe" in preparation of their report: 

1 cup of plot

2 teaspoons of characters

2 tablespoons of excitement
1/2 cup of a opinion
1 teaspoon of recommendation
(plus a sprinkling on top which includes: title of book, author's name, publisher's name, number of pages, literary genre)
This file can be modified to fit your specific classroom needs, due date, etc.
This project is so much fun!
*Suggestion: Allowing students to put their information on recipe cards instead of note cards and having them present to the class adds an extra-special touch to this assignment.

Biography Book Report Project - 

When it comes to book report projects, this assignment offers a unique twist~

"This book report will be centered around a biography of a famous person that we study about in our social studies book or read about in class." 

This project includes a written report, oral presentation, and project. 
(Assignment Details):
1. Use the characters and the setting of the book you have ready to write the front page of an imaginary newspaper. 
2. Design, create, and write your own book jacket. 
3. Pretend to be your character, and write a one-week diary of the way the character might have lived.
4. Design your own bookmarks for your book (at least 5).
5. Dress up in a costume that the character may have worn.
This file can be modified to fit your specific needs, due date, etc.
An evaluation rubric has been included for you - as the teacher - to use for assessment.

Coffee Can/Soup Can Book Report Project -

A unique twist on the traditional book report format~

This assignment requires students to use a coffee can or a soup can as the basis for a fun and exciting book report project. 

Students will design and attach a creative can label. They will also be asked to create/include various items inside of their can (a mini story booklet, a finger puppet, a picture of their favorite part of the story, three index cards that include information from their book, and a bookmark to go with their book). Students then use these items in their presentation before the class. *It is also fun to put these projects on display for others to see!

Artistic students especially love this creative project!

This file can be modified to fit your specific classroom needs, due date, etc. **An evaluation rubric is included.*

Be sure to visit my shop on Teachers Pay Teachers. Most of my current uploads would be best

for 2nd-5th grade classrooms, homeschool environments, etc. Happy Browsing!

Sandwiches on the Griddle

 Today, we're talkin' hot sandwiches - easy pleasers for sure (at least in this house)!

While I always love a good deli sandwich, my hubby is not a huge fan of cold cuts, etc. 

A hot sub? A grilled panini? Now you're speaking his language!

Sandwiches on the Griddle

I love using my griddle to make hot sandwiches - It allows me to make everyone's sandwich at one time, and it's super easy cleanup! These are also fun to do outside on the grill:

Most of the time, I simply use whatever ingredients are in my fridge...

...like cheese, bacon, spinach, and onion~ Grill those onions separately before you throw them on, and it will make for heaven on earth. While we love sourdough, sometimes we use just plain bread. See that heel down there on the end? Flip it over (facing in) and no one ever seems to notice they're eating the heel. Okay, okay, I'll admit it. I always eat the heel just in case it's going to upset anyone. This would be just one example of the many sacrifices I make as a mother.

An Update on My Boys

New followers, welcome~ I'm so glad you are here! 

Let's connect through Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Bloglovin'!

I love sharing about all kinds of different things, but this post includes an update on my two little sweeties. If you're new to this space, I would like to introduce you to Caleb & Isaac. 

This is Caleb! He turns three next month~ 

Current Loves: Making His Little Brother Laugh & Watching Daniel Tiger

Favorite Food: Quesadillas

Favorite Summer Activities: Swimming & Playing at the Park

Current Measurements: 41 in. - 38 lbs.

Current Clothing Size: 4T

Accomplishments: Memorizing "The Pledge of Allegiance" 

This is Isaac! He just turned one~

 Current Loves: Laughing at His Big Brother 

Favorite Food: Where do I begin?

Favorite Summer Activities: Swimming & Riding in His Stroller Wearing Nothing but a Diaper

Current Measurements: 32 inches - 24 lbs.

Current Clothing Size: 18 months

Accomplishments: Speed Crawling & Smiling

Being a full-time mom is the most frustrating and exhausting thing I have ever done in my entire life. It has pushed me to my limits, exposed my selfishness, gifted me with gray hair and stretch marks, and challenged me in one thousand different ways.

At the same time, however, it is the most incredible thing in the world. I love these two little fellas more than I ever could have imagined possible. Their little lives are an amazing gift, and I am honored to give my days investing in them. I am constantly reminded that my work with them is kingdom work...an eternal investment...and as a result, I am drawn closer to my Savior; and is anything more beautiful than that?

Chores for Pre-Schoolers - Practical Tips & Ideas that Work

In our house, we have found that our littles can rise to just about any realistic expectation we set in place. We approach chores with the same mindset, and our toddlers/pre-schoolers are very much involved in the daily routines that keep our house up and running.

Yes, our little ones have chores, and I have included some practical tips and ideas that have worked well in our house:

Chores for Pre-Schoolers - Practical Tips & Ideas that Work

Mealtime:
Before meal times, Caleb is in charge of gathering the forks and napkins. These are easily accessible to him, and this is a huge help to me as I finish preparing the food/table. Before I sit down at the table, I scan the kitchen to see that everyone has everything they need at the table. I make sure plates have plenty of food on them, sippy cups are full, extra napkins are nearby, etc. because my goal is to sit down and actually eat my meal. Several months ago, I realized that - during meal time - I was up and down 435 times. I had to do something, so I challenged myself to think ahead - and this challenged my family, too. My new approach was quite a shock to my crew, but they eventually caught on - Mommy is sitting down to eat and she is not getting back up from the table - unless someone starts bleeding.

During meal times (whether we are at home or eating out), if there are any messes (and we all know that little ones make lots and lots of messes), our kiddos are responsible for helping us clean it up. Yes, this complicates things. Yes, this makes clean up a whole lot more difficult. Yes, it requires more time than if I cleaned it up myself. But we want them to be involved in the cleanup - even if it was an accident. In my mind, this teaches and reinforces 19 different important things I want my child to understand. *When eating out, we all pitch in to straighten the table and clean up the floor - yes, the floor. Waitresses everywhere will thank you.

After meal times, My kids are in charge of throwing their trash away, taking their plates to the sink, and pushing their chairs in under the table. I realize that some moms prefer to clear the table themselves, but not me. I want everyone involved and doing their part. It's important to me - and it saves this mama loads of time....usually.

Check out Leslie's thoughts on involving your children in meal preparation! She even includes some great recipes!

Grocery Shopping:
My mom always used shopping trips as a great time to teach me about money - We are starting to venture into this area with our oldest- coin recognition, how to use coupons, scanning items at the self-checkout lane, paying the cashier, etc. - and if you have older children, the opportunities here are endless.

When returning from a grocery run, our kids help with carrying in the groceries. We give them lightweight bags that they are able to carry from our vehicle to the kitchen. I then like to have them help me empty the bags - unless it involves pickle jars...or glass containers of Alfredo sauce...you get the idea. They love naming each item that we purchased, and if I'm feeling really energetic, we talk about where the food comes from/how it is made, how the produce grows, what we're going to use the items to make, etc. I realize that oftentimes the goal is to get your groceries put away quickly, but what a great teaching opportunity.

Laundry:
At night - before our kids get in the bath - they are responsible for putting their dirty clothes in their laundry hampers.

On Monday morning (Monday is "Laundry Day" around here.), I sort the laundry, and then I involve my kids in loading the washer as well as transferring washed items to the dryer. They love helping with this. Yes, it slows down my laundry process - but my goal is to train.

My Laundry Routine

After clothes come out of the dryer, I give each of my kids a little pile to "fold". No, these items do not really get folded, but the point is to include them and help them learn the process. I praise them and then I may or may not refold the items later. No big deal.

When it comes to my boys' clothes, I'm not too picky about how they are folded, because as they help me put them away in drawers...well, I'm sure you can imagine. Letting my little ones help me put laundry away? My goodness how I have relaxed...

Toy Cleanup:
Before heading upstairs for bath time/bedtime, the whole family works together to clean up the downstairs. I'm usually in the kitchen area - while David and the boys tackle the family room/playroom areas. From the time our boys are able to place even a single item in a container, we start training them to clean up their toys. Baskets are my best friend - We have book baskets, block baskets, Lego baskets, a container for play food, etc. We train our kiddos on what goes where, and it makes it easy for them to play a huge part in the cleanup process. After playing at someone else's house, I strongly encourage Caleb to help with cleanup there. That is a little more complicated - based on that family's rules, approach with toys, etc. - but I think it is so important for him to take ownership over his messes - even at a young age.

You may also enjoy reading about how we keep our toys organized and rotated:

After bath time, our whole crew plays together in one of our common areas. This is when we read our Bible story, listen to music, and play. At the end of this time - before we tuck in our little fellas - we all pitch in to clean up the toys. I do not keep many toys in the boys' bedroom. I realize that this may change in the future, but for now, I'm able to keep most toys in the playroom area. Having a small number of toys in their bedroom makes nighttime cleanup super easy!

Tips for a Smooth Bathtime & Bedtime Routine

A Few Final Thoughts:
I will admit - Encouraging little ones in the area of chores takes a lot of time and patience - emphasis on A LOT! There are times when I would much rather get on with bathtime/bedtime than go through the process of end-of-day clean-up. There are moments when I think, This would be so much faster/easier if I just did it myself! But I absolutely can not view these opportunities with that perspective. I have to remember that my job is to train - and this takes places in the moment-by-moment choices I make throughout the days with my kiddos. I loved Mia's guest post on this topic and Ashley's thoughts on training her children in this area. My kids are still at the age when they typically enjoy helping us with chores and projects - Watering the plants, helping their sibling, etc. is still fun for them, but for the times when they challenges us on this, we remind them of our obedience motto: ...Right away, all the way, and with a happy heart. This was a great reminder to use in the classroom, and I have not forgotten it. Occasionally, we tangibly reward our little ones for a job well done, but sometimes we don't - we simply offer verbal praise as reinforcement. As our children get older and we enter different stages/seasons of life, we will adjust our approach to fit the needs at the time.

I have seen some great ideas like these:

Chore Jars

Chore Boards

Chore Charts

Keep it simple! Find what works for your style, child's age/personality, your family's routine, and get everyone up and moving. If you realize something isn't working, start over...try again...tomorrow is a new day! Mom's have plenty to do without everyone in the family thinking she is running a Holiday Inn Express. By taking the extra time to train littles [from the start], you save time in the long-run. You are making an incredible investment. You are training your children to be responsible, to show initiative, to be productive, to work as a member of a team, and on and on and on I could go...and it's never too late to start.

You may also enjoy: Four Qualities I Want to Instill in my Little Ones

Five Reasons Why We Love Daniel Tiger

First of all, let me say...the number one reason we love Daniel Tiger is because he is responsible for potty training our oldest. I may be exaggerating a tad, but not really...."When you have to go potty - STOP - and go right away..." You know that one, too? Glad I'm in good company! ;-)

In addition to Daniel being a great potty coach, there are a few other reasons why we love the show. At least in the episodes we've seen (and I think we've seen them all...multiple times over), we've noticed a few things, and today, I want to share with you five reasons why we love Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood on PBS.

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood: PBS

2. We love the interaction between mom & dad! Yes, I realize we are talking about cartoon characters here. But in all seriousness, there seems to be a mutual respect between the parents, and this is not something that is commonly portrayed in most television shows.

3. Speaking of respect, I love that respect is encouraged in the child-parent/child-adult relationships on the show. Kindness...Patience...Understanding...Empathy...also common themes.

4. Throughout each episode, good behavior is rewarded and bad behavior is not. As much as I love some of the other cute shows out there, I have noticed that oftentimes, characters get away with negative choices...or are rewarded even when they make wrong choices. This doesn't seem to be the case with D.T.

5. I love that good habits are encouraged - hand washing, cleaning up, taking initiative, being active/productive, trying new foods, getting checkups at the doctor, etc. All things that we emphasize at home.

You may think I'm digging a tad too deep in to a little cartoon that my child enjoys, but with all of the crummy junk that's on tv these days (yes, I place many cartoons in that category), I think it's important to point out the positives when we see them!

Did you know that Daniel Tiger is gaining a tiger sibling today?

Let's throw a baby shower! C'mon! It'll be fun.

P.S. Do you think his mom is planning to get an epidural?

(Please excuse such a weird question. What do you expect? I spend my free time with cartoon tigers.)

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Eight Ways to Prepare Now for Operation Christmas Child

No matter the time of year, there are things you can do to prepare for Operation Christmas Child - an incredible holiday project that our family loves to participate in each year!

Join me as I share Eight Ways to Prepare NOW for Operation Christmas Child:

Each January, I set aside one large tote for next year's Operation Christmas Child project. Since we don't like to spend the holidays out and about fighting crowds and navigating our way through picked-over toy aisles, we collect items all throughout the year.

Just before Shoebox Collection Week [November], we set aside a family night to put together our boxes. We bake cookies. (THIS is our favorite recipe!) We stuff the shoeboxes. We pray for the children who will receive the boxes. We talk about the importance of doing things for others. As we look forward to this family time together - because we have collected items all throughout the year - we are organized and prepared and it makes it much easier to focus on the reason why we are participating in this incredible outreach.

If you have older children who like to shop for the items that are going to go in their boxes, you can encourage them to shop all year as well - or you can simply use these tips so that you will be prepared with any filler items, etc. that might be needed.

[Obtaining/Preparing Containers]

#1 - Throughout the year, I save our shoeboxes - You can also check with local department stores/shoes stores to see if they have any extra on hand. When volunteering at the distribution center, I have noticed that - as the boxes are processed - wrapping paper oftentimes get torn, so I use heavy duty packaging tape to cover every inch of the wrapper paper on our shoeboxes. (Since we do multiple boxes, I usually try to have this portion of the project done ahead of time - before our family night begins!) Plastic bins also work great! Some stores will run post-holiday specials on these kinds of things. You can score some great deals on these gems and have them ready to go for the following year. Our local Wal-Mart always has these standard-size ones for $.88 each. If you chose to wrap your plastic bin, I have heard of placing the wrapping paper on the inside of the box - so the pattern shows through the see-through areas - genius!

[Gathering Items/Stuffing Boxes]

#2 - When bargain shopping, I watch yard sales, thrift stores, etc. for new items! Yes, I find lots of brand new - still in the package - high quality - never used items for next to nothing.

#3 - Around here, we are firm believers that it is absolutely acceptable to regift! At birthdays, holidays, etc. my kid's receive an unbelievable amount of stuff, and encouraging them to share some of their bounty serves as a great teaching opportunity. Too many stocking stuffers? Pass some of those items along to OCC.

#4 - Don't wait until the holiday season to hit the picked-over dollar stores and dollar spots.  I watch them all year long! This provides a lot of variety - and it also means I can choose the nicer items over the course of several months as I think it's a crying shame to fill an OCC shoebox with a bunch of junk that you would never find acceptable for your own children. (I know you were glad to finally see a period there, so you could breathe!)

#5 - Check out the party supplies! The party favor section is a great resource - Oftentimes, 6-12 fun toys are packaged together. If you are doing multiple boxes, this can be a great money saver!

#6 - When we eat out, servers oftentimes bring candy, stickers, crayons, etc. to the table for my kiddos. Sometimes my crew puts these things to good use; but sometimes they don't. Anytime we have unused items to take home with us, I throw them in our OCC bin. I take the same approach with the unwanted prizes/candy/stickers they receive at the barber shop or the drycleaners. It is amazing what we accumulate over a year's time!

#7 - Couponing allows me to get a lot of items for free - toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, soap, etc. - Free!

#8 - Because of the way we collect our items, not all of our boxes look the same. This makes it that much more fun to "personalize" each package. I like to make sure that each one of our boxes includes: school supplies, hygiene items, toys, artistic tools, musical toys, and candy. Great suggestions are provided here. When preparing for our family night: Like I said, I wrap the shoeboxes (typically during naptime) and then I lay all of our items out on a table and organize them by category. Sorting this way helps us as we guide little hands through the process of packing a box with items from each category.

[Drop-Off]

Bonus Tip! - Some Chick-fil-a locations offer free chicken sandwich vouchers for each box that is dropped off at their location. Needless to say, we have most definitely participated in this great offer!



What if a shoebox was just the first step to following Christ? - OCC

What is we did the holidays just a little bit different this year?

In the holiday spirit? Check out these Christmas Books for Kids!

What We're Using for Homeschool Preschool

Before I had my first little guy, I was an elementary teacher~ Throughout my teens, I served in church preschool environments and after college, I worked as an elementary teacher. As a full-time mom, my role of teacher has continued, especially as we look forward to homeschooling our kiddos.

Last year, in addition to our weekly activities, I incorporated various pre-school learning activities in to our day - just a few minutes here and there with a concentrated focus on letters and numbers. Starting after Labor Day, we worked on one letter of the alphabet each week. We took a few weeks off here and there for family vacation, holiday travel, etc. and we finished up in the Spring.

This previous post will give you a glimpse in to some of the letter-a-week activities we did last year. We continued throughout the summer using supplemental activity pages from Pre-K activity books, You Tube playlists and toddler-friendly apps that captured my little one's attention (Oh my Genius, Sesame Street, Hoopla Kids, Maple Leaf Learning, Starfall, Harry Kindergarten, Mother Goose Club, etc.), manipulatives I had on hand, easy Pinterest activities, etc. 

This year, I'm planning to build on what we did last year~ Starting after Labor Day, we are going to begin with the letter A...focusing on one letter each week and once again carrying that theme throughout the year. There are so many great guides out there for how to tackle the "Letter-a-Week Approach". I would say I have pulled ideas from 18,000 different places - using what I think will work for us and leaving the rest behind for someone else. We will continue to do some of the same activities we did last year - using magnets, Play-doh, cookie cutters, flashcards/flip-charts, chalk, paint, puzzles, blocks, sand, water, shaving cream, cutting/pasting activity sheets, etc. but I am also excited about adding some new elements.

I am planning to use these letter posters [and number posters] from ABCJLM in a variety of ways! For example, rather than simply coloring or tracing the letters and numbers, I think my little guy will respond well to filling in the open space with manipulatives - counting bears, plastic bugs, pasta noodles, play dice, rocks, etc. Super hands-on and very visual. Right now I'm working on printing/laminating these sheets so they can be used and reused one hundred times. I think they will also be great for texture activities - tracing in sand, etc.

This year, another one of our weekly activities will be creating the letter/number shapes by placing the popsicle sticks in specific formations. I know my little guy - I'm learning how his brain works - and this type of activity is right up his alley. The beauty of homeschooling is that you can do what works for you and your child and change it right away if it's not working for either one/both of you.

  

There are so many great curriculum options out there - Once again, it's all about choosing what works best for you and your little ones.  This year, we will be using the following two consumable books from A Beka's preschool curriculum.

As I was going through our homeschool closet, it was clear that we could tackle preschool without having to make any purchases like this, but I made the decision to order these books for a couple of different reasons. While I have loads and loads of great curriculum, I wanted Caleb to have ownership over these workbooks...that will arrive just for him...and be our steady guide throughout the year. As I look forward to incorporating more and more A Beka phonics into our academic routine, I want to acclimate him to the types of things he will be seeing over the next few years. Sure, he would be totally fine without these, but I think they are going to help bring some organization and structure to his routine - another thing I know my child needs.

A Beka loves their seatwork ;-), so my goal is for these books to meet our worksheet quota (I'm not much for worksheets...especially for preschoolers....especially for boys...I could go on...) and for all of our supplemental activities to speak to the senses.

While A Beka offers manuscript as well as cursive for beginning writers, we are planning to begin with manuscript - and by kindergarten, I plan to transition to Handwriting without Tears. ABCJLM and Handwriting without Tears offer loads of great sensory activities for beginning learners - You will definitely want to check out some of the options there.

For Bible, we use the The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name and Jesus Calling Bible Storybook. (We also love the The Rhyme Bible Storybook for Toddlers.) We read these each day before breakfast and before bedtime. In addition to Sunday church, Caleb also attends two weekly preschool classes that are infused with truth.

For Scripture memorization, we love Steve Green's Hide 'Em in Your Heart series. Did you know volume three - Hide the Word - has been released? We are super excited about that! We play his music in the car as well as at bedtime. We also love ABC Scripture cards and are looking forward to implementing those into our routine this year! We're also going to spend this coming year working on Psalm 23. Memorizing Scripture was an integral part of my growing up years, and I am so thankful for that! I remember most all of it!  (Did any of you attend Awana Club?)

Things I try to memorize as an adult? Not so easy to remember!

We read lots during the day and a bedtime - During this time we focus lots on colors, counting, opposites, rhyming words, etc. I've intentionally included lots of nursery rhymes, fables, poetry, etc. -

For art, music, physical education, etc. Caleb is involved in several different local programs. We also keep an eye out for any age-appropriate opportunities being offered at our museums, libraries, theaters, etc. There seem to be loads of great resources right in our backyard!

A few other resources we are planning to enjoy this year:

Melissa & Doug A-Z Easel Pad

My First Book Of Cutting (Kumon Workbooks)

I love these Kumon workbooks! In the future, I look forward to Caleb participating in some of the math programs at our local Kumon facility. While browsing a kid's consignment store, I found two brand new Kumon [language arts] workbooks; and I recently purchased the cutting book at Staples. I found out that Staples price matches - even Amazon shipped prices. I happened to be in Staples one day, so that worked out great - Kumon books for $4 a piece - yes, please...that's actually the same price the consignment store had on them! (While I love Amazon, I was also able to price match my printer ink and more while in Staples that day, so I was one happy camper!)

 

I Can Trace! (Big Skills for Little Hands®)

Big Skills for Little Hands offers a great series to reinforce skills related to cutting, pasting, folding, tracing, drawing, coloring, etc. Caleb loves using scissors and glue, so these activities are going to be great - especially for rainy days indoors....Hey, maybe we'll even get a few snowy days in the south again this year!

A Few Other Thoughts:

When do I do "school" with my little one? Our weeks stay pretty full - with faith-based preschool classes, library storytime, art/music class, swimming lessons, playdates, etc. - so I have to be intentional about making things happen around here.  When given the opportunity, my youngest will still take an extra nap, so Caleb and I are able to do school while Isaac is asleep. For now this works out great~ Each stage will definitely require creativity and adjustment, but homeschool provides us with an incredible amount of flexibility, so we will take things as they come. A wise mentor once told me that teaching requires a gal to constantly prioritize...She was so right. I've carried that advice into motherhood, and it will most definitely serve me well in the homeschooling environment as well.

Where do we "do" school? When building our house, we created a specific homeschool space - complete with a large closet that houses curriculum, supplies, etc. At this pre-school stage, our kitchen table, our minivan, and the great outdoors have served as our classroom. I'm sure that will continue, but I'm excited that our homeschool space will be a great home base for years to come.

Most of my educational supplies/toys have come from yard sales, thrift shops, dollar stores, and consignment sales! You do not have to spend a lot of money to provide great resources for your children. Always be on the lookout - Buy ahead - and you will be amazed at the incredible collection you will be able to build.
*While we do not lend items from our personal collection of resources, we are happy to point others toward where they can find the same great goodies!*

Implementing little academic activities is easy. Plan ahead, and before each week starts, gather your supplies- Scour the playroom, the kitchen, the art cabinet...everywhere! You probably have great resources all around you! No need to be fancy...just intentional.

What works for one family may not work for another! Do your research, consider your children, pray about your decisions, but do not let other [well-meaning] homeschool parents guide the choices that you make for you and your little ones. Educational conferences, teacher stores, social media, etc. can be your worst nightmare, because everyone wants you to know loud.and.clear that what they are doing is the best way and that their children have reached a level of genius that you just can not possibly imagine. Ignore these people. My other piece of advice...be flexible. If something isn't working, it's okay to change it...immediately. You are not a failure and neither is your child. There are so many great options out there, and you will find what works for you!

For ideas for some of the other resources I am incorporating into our preschool fun,

check out my "Preschool Resources" Pinterest Board. Pinterest is full of great ideas, creative inspiration, free printables, etc. It is such a great resource for any family, and we use it often!

Need a gift idea to start the year off right with your little learners?

Check out one of your favorite pins from my blog Pinterest board.

If you missed my blog feature on Back-to-School parties, check it out here:

Super Easy Pepperoni Rolls

Super Easy Pepperoni Rolls

Ingredients:

Crescent Rolls

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Pepperoni

Tomato Sauce (for dipping)

Directions:

From a can of crescent rolls, lay out individual triangles of dough~

On each triangle, layer a few pepperonis and half of a mozzarella cheese stick.

Roll it up & pitch it in the pan.

(Okay, maybe I've been doing a little bit too much patty-cake lately.)

After these little gems bake (follow directions on the crescent roll can), dip them in warm tomato sauce.

Super easy! Definitely a huge hit around here!

For more fun recipes from around our house, check out my blog recipe board on Pinterest~

Back-to-School Parties

Have you heard of Back-to-School Parties? You gather your children, a group of friends and their kiddos, or the entire neighborhood and celebrate back-to-school in a huge way! 

It also serves as a great way for everyone to gather needed supplies for the school year: scissors, rulers, glue, everything!

Check out some of the amazing ideas out there for this:

Photo Credit: One Charming Party
The details about this party, printables, etc. can be found here.

Photo Credit: Kara's Party Ideas
For more details as well as some super adorable up-close pictures of the festivities, visit Kara's blog~

Another great one from Kara's blog~



I love the simplicity of this one from Parties for Pennies~

Do you follow 36th Avenue? What an amazing blog that is always offering incredible ideas, great printables, super creative inspiration, and more! In the spirit of Back-to-School, you will definitely want to check out these adorable back-to-school printables.

Looking for hands-on ideas for the classroom (or homeschool environment), check out:

Out-of-the-Box Spelling and Vocabulary Practice Activities

Be sure to visit my shop on Teachers Pay Teachers. Most of my current uploads would be best

for 2nd-5th grade classrooms, homeschool environments, etc. Happy Browsing!





Flat Stanley Adventures - Plus a Free Download

When I was in the classroom, I absolutely loved giving my students the opportunity to send "Flat Stanley" to a friend or family member. It was so much fun for the students to receive letters, photos, souvenirs, etc. from all around the world.

This past spring, we got to be the recipient of a "Flat Stanley", and it was so much fun!

Here are a few snapshots of our time with Stan~

Flat Stanley loved going for wagon rides...

spending time at the park...

  

 visiting the library...

 gathering for worship at church...

 voting in our local election...

 going to the doctor for a check-up...

 shopping at the grocery store...

eating chicken casserole...

 and visiting the mountains...

Our return package included prints of these photos & more - as well as the following letter:

Dear Friends,

Flat Stanley had a great time visiting with us! We hope you will enjoy the pictures we took of all of the adventures he had.

He loved riding in the wagon in Caleb. We always made sure to remind him to wear his safety belt.

Going to the park was also another favorite of his! You should have seen him swinging on the swings, sliding down the slides, and playing in the sandbox.

Flat Stanley also joined us on a visit to the library, a checkup at the doctor, and a trip to the grocery store.

On Election Day, he headed to the polls with us and voted for his favorite officials.

While visiting with us, we learned that chicken casserole is his favorite meal and he loves to listen to music.

His last days with us were spent on a fun getaway - where we visited some of our family. He loved the fresh air and mountain views.

Thank you for sharing your special friend with us! He was very well behaved and always made sure to use his manners. We are going to miss him!

Your Friends,

David, Elizabeth, Caleb, and Isaac

Visit my Teachers pay Teachers store for a Free Download of a Flat Stanley introduction letter to use in your educational environment.

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