Valentine Thank-you's and a Shout-Out

Whew, today was a busy day! And it was only a minimum day. Every Wednesday we're out at 12:00 so teachers can "collaborate" in the afternoon. Does your school do that? I'd actually rather have the time with my students to get more done. Today they did Math Work Stations and we had math groups. I started them for place value this week, since 5 of my students already took the end a chapter test and got 100%. They're working on some harder activities while everyone else is learning 10 more/10 less than a number and how to count tens and ones. My students just love Math Work Stations and so do I. They're so much better than doing "centers" and I love that they get to play games. They don't know they're doing "work". To them it's play.
We worked on contractions, and I read to them about bald eagles. We listed things they learned about the birds and students wrote about them. I meant to bring them home and show you some. They did great! We do a first grade Patriotic Program at the end of February so it's fun to do these patriotic projects.
Tomorrow I have sub since I'm going to a Common Core workshop. I'm really looking forward to learning more about them. My sub is a retired second grade teacher. Yeah! I thought it would make my sub plans easier, but I was wrong. Oh well, at least they'll be in good hands.
I wanted to say some thank-you's today too.
Thanks to my Valentine Exchange partner, Amy, in New Jersey. I got her gift yesterday in the mail. On Valentine's Day- how perfect. She sent this great collection of pink things. Yummy treats, wonderful smelling lotion and a not pad. I just love it all! Thanks Amy!

Also, did you participate in the Class Valentine Exchange? We did and my students loved making valentine's for their new "friends" in Mrs. Thoreson's 1st grade class in North Dakota and Mrs. Hancock's kindergarten class in Ohio. We got valentine's from both them and I wanted to share these from  Mrs. Hancock's class.

Aren't they adorable? I'm sorry I didn't take pictures of the other ones before sending them home, but they were cute too.

A shout-out to Christina Bainbridge. Did you see her post about her Back-to-Back assessment game? I can't wait to try it! She posted a great video about it on her blog too. Thanks so much, Christina!

Hope you enjoyed your Valentine's Day! Here comes St. Patrick's Day! Does your leprechaun leave green footprints around your classroom?

 Chrissy