This week marked one of my favorite days of the month… the day my latest shipment from Stitch Fix arrived. I am completely addicted to this online styling service and my 13th fix did not disappoint! I’m sure that you want to see all of the styles that were included in my November fix, so let’s dive right in!

The first item in my fix was a Dante Striped Boat Neck Knit Top from Three Dots ($88). This wasn’t your average knit top. It was soft, surprisingly warm, and more like a lightweight sweater than a traditional top.

I paired the knit top with skinny jeans and my hunter boots. The teal green color was so pretty and the sweater was so cozy; it suddenly made me feel excited for Christmas. I wanted to wear this boat neck top and go cut down a Christmas tree!

The top was a lovely color and I loved pairing it with different accessories, but it was just a little short for my taste. I found myself wishing that its as about two inches longer. Sadly, this item had to be returned to Stitch Fix.

The next item in my fix was an off-white Kathy Striped Fit & Flare Dress from Pixley ($68) with black stripes. At first I wasn’t sure about the off-white color, but I I have a weakness for fit & flare dresses so I was intrigued to try it on.

I’m so happy I gave it a try because this dress was adorable! It fit perfectly, was trim throughout the waste, and the fabric was heavy enough to have some structure. I loved the 3/4 length sleeves. I am always cold in the fall and winter and the slightly longer sleeves can make a big difference in my comfort level.

Not only was this dress beautiful in front, it was also quite stunning in the back. I love how the zipper closure came to a V in the back. This subtle detail was super-feminine and made the entire dress look extra stylish.

Since I do get cold so easily at this time of year, I added a black and silver scarf for a little extra warmth. It looked beautiful with the striped dress.

Next up was an Eston Button-Up Sleeveless Blouse from Collective Concepts ($54). I don’t own many gold garments and I really wanted to add this to my wardrobe so I started digging for anything in my closet that would pair well with it.

I pulled out a black and white cheetah print top and black dress pants. It was fun to add a pop of a pretty jeweled tone to the black and white pieces.

The next item in my fix was the Emilia Plaid Print Pencil Skirt from 41Hawthorn ($64). Although the color was listed as orange, this plaid also had hints of teal, blue, and purple in it.

I kept on the gold blouse,  and added the skirt with my tall brown boots and a brown cardigan. This outfit was perfect for fall and SO much fun.

The exact same ensemble also dressed up nicely when I swapped my brown boots for a pair of black heels.

The skirt was a little too big around the waist and I was disappointed to discover that it wasn’t lined. Although it was fun to play dress up, the skirt was on my list of items to return to Stitch Fix.

The fifth and final item in my fix this week was a navy blue Benson 3/4 Ruched Sleeve Blazer from 41Hawthorn ($78). My stylist had noticed a few blazers on my pinterest style board and thought I would like to try this on. She was correct! I don’t own any blazers and was excited to dress up with this one.

Since I was already dressed up, I added the blazer to my gold top and plaid pencil skirt ensemble. This was a very “professional” ensemble that (as a kindergarten teacher) I honestly cannot envision myself ever wearing in real life; but it was fun to try on in my apartment anyway.

I cannot say enough good things about this blazer. The fabric was excellent quality and the color was so rich. My favorite detail, however was the lining. I’m such a sucker for beautiful lining in outerwear. Its not a detail that many people see when you are wearing a jacket, but it’s always fun with someone catches a glimpse of an unexpectedly cute lining on the inside of a jacket. This navy blue blazer was lined with blue and white stripes. I loved it!

At some point, I had to stop pretending to be the kind of woman who makes her living in a high-powered office and come back to reality. I really wanted to keep the blazer so I had to find something in my closet that could justify my decision to keep the jacket. Occasionally, Rob and I get dressed up for special dinner plans and the navy blazer was the perfect accent piece for an otherwise simple abstract floral dress in my closet. Paired with black tights and black patent heels, this was the perfect “date night” outfit!

I am so, SO happy I found a reason to keep the blazer!

How Stitch Fix Works

Stitch Fix is an online styling service for women. Once you create an account, you can create a free style profile online. The style profile is your chance to share your sizes, measurements, and fashion tastes with your personal stylist. You can also tell your stylist what kind of clothes you are looking for. Maybe you’re a new mom that just needs some every day items to make you feel pretty again or perhaps you’re a career woman that wants to add some fashion-forward career items to your closet. Maybe you have a big vacation coming up and you want to look fabulous while you are out of town. If you are a busy woman that loves new clothes but has no time to shop, YOU NEED STITCH FIX!

Once you are ready, you can go ahead an schedule your first shipment. Your personal stylist will review your online style profile and personally select five items JUST FOR YOU. You can receive fixes as often as every 2-3 weeks or only when you have a special event coming up. Most customers opt to receive a new fix once a month. Each time you receive a fix, you will be charged a $20 Styling Fee. The fee includes free shipping and free returns. Once you receive your items in the mail, you have 3 days to try them on in the comfort of your own home. Keep what you want, check out online, and return all unwanted items in the pre-paid shipping envelope that is included in your fix. If you choose to keep any of the items in your fix, your $20 styling fee is deducted from the price of the clothes. According to Stitch Fix’s FAQs, the average price point of their items is $55. If you choose to keep ALL of the items in your fix, Stitch Fix offers a 25% buy all discount, which means that you can save 25% on your entire purchase. That is SUCH an amazing deal.

If you’re new to Stitch Fix, please sign up using my referral link (included throughout this post). I receive a small commission when you sign up that I use to fund my own fixes so I can keep sharing this type of post with all of you. 

Enter to WIN a Stitch Fix Gift Card

Now that you have seen my newest clothes from Stitch Fix, it’s your turn to try and WIN a $20 Stitch Fix gift card! It is enough to pay for your styling fee so you can try out Stitch Fix risk-free. Use the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win! a Rafflecopter giveaway

My friend Marsha from A Differentiated Kindergarten is also giving away a $20 Stitch Fix gift card. Make sure you stop by for a second chance to win!

How to Get the Best Clothes from Stitch Fix

Kinder Craze fans always love the fashions I receive from Stitch Fix and want to know how I consistently receive so many great pieces that are perfect for my style. I’m sharing all of my secrets for getting an amazing fix on Crazy Together (my personal blog). Stop by, take notes and get ready for beautiful clothes to come your way!

Give the Gift of Stitch Fix

The holidays are coming and I’m sure you know a busy woman that wants to be more stylish that would enjoy a shipment from Stitch Fix. My own mother gave up on purchasing clothes for me years ago because I am so particular about my style and sizes. If you know a busy woman or someone with very specific fashion tastes, give her a Stitch Fix gift card and leave the shopping to the experts!

I teach kindergarten in a Catholic school and every year on December 6 all of the classrooms in my school prepare for Saint Nicholas to visit. Students decorate a shoe or stocking of some type that will hold a special S. Nicholas Day treat on the morning of December 7. Last year, my students colored this simple Waiting for St. Nicholas sneaker and taped the shoe to their locker. When students arrived at school the next morning, a candy cane treat from St. Nicholas was waiting for them!

This coloring page is very versatile. It can be left on each student’s desk, in their cubbies or attached to student lockers. It also prints two per page to save you valuable time and conserve paper. I printed my shoes on white cardstock to offer more support for the candy canes. I also cut a slit along the top of the shoe to create a little pocket for each candy cane.

You can download this Waiting or St. Nicholas shoe coloring page for FREE from my TpT store. If you can use it in your classroom, I would greatly appreciate it if you could quickly leave some feedback after downloading the page.

Saint Nicholas Toy

You can also purchase this adorable St. Nicholas action figure from Playmobile on Amazon. What a fantastic and inexpensive “treat” for St. Nicholas to leave in someone’s shoe this year. Thank you to my friend Julie for the great suggestion!

Books that Teach About Saint Nicholas

If you need some pictures books for your classroom that tell the story of St. Nicholas, here are a few selections from Amazon.

Click any of the titles below to shop on Amazon:
A Special St. Nicholas Day
The Legend of St. Nicholas
Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend
The Miracle of Saint Nicholas

It’s Thanksgiving! Time for family, feasting and getting ready to save BIG! Everyone loves a great deal and my TpT store will be marked down for three incredible days of savings. The fun starts tomorrow with Black Friday sales. My entire TpT store will be marked down 20% so you can pick up the classroom essentials that have been on your wish list that you just can’t wait another moment to purchase.

You definitely want to stop back in my TpT shop on Cyber Monday and Tuesday for the big site wide sale on Teachers Pay Teachers. All of my products will be marked down 20%, but you will be able to save an EXTRA 10% on your entire order when you use discount code TPTCYBER at checkout.

Wondering what you stock up on? Here are some of my top-selling (and all-time favorite items from my TpT shop).

Santa’s Super Special Magic Reindeer Food Kit

Arrange a special delivery from Santa direct to your classroom with this adorable reindeer food kit. The kit includes a printable letter from Santa that gives instructions for the students on how to make the reindeer food (just a little rolled oats and magic glitter).The kit also includes printable labels with instructions for families to attach to bags of reindeer food that you make in the classroom.

Here are some photos from last year’s Reindeer Food making fun in my classroom. The kids had a blast!

Classroom Library Labels

Christmas break is a perfect time to think ahead for the new year and get your classroom library off to a fresh start. My Classroom Library Labels, available in the {Black Series} and the {White Series} have been a best-seller on TpT and are the perfect way to organize your library in a beautiful way! If you’ve been eyeing these on TpT, now is the time to grab them while they’re on sale!

Interactive Sight Word Readers

Do you use Interactive Sight Word Readers in your classroom? The best bargain on these best-selling books is to purchase a bundle! The original Bundle of Books contains 100 of these fabulous emergent readers.

The Bundle of Books, Part 2 is the sequel to this best-selling bundle. With 73 books, this bundle continues to grow and is a great bargain.

Both bundles are on sale for Black Friday, as well as Cyber Monday and Tuesday. Purchase a bundle during the sale for a MEGA value!

The post Big Savings for Black Friday and Cyber Monday appeared first on Kinder Craze: A Kindergarten Teaching Blog.

The Christmas season is upon us and everyone is working on their holiday shopping lists. Before you buy that apple mug or school themed Christmas ornament for your child’s teacher, you may want to make a few minor adjustments to your list and purchase a more practical item that he or she could really use for Christmas this year.

It’s a common fact that most teachers purchase classroom supplies out of their own pocket. Yes, schools provide many teachers with some basic supplies or a small stipend for classroom expenses, but that money is long-gone by the first day of school and all subsequent supplies come straight from the teacher’s personal budget.

The best part? Many of these items are available on Amazon Prime so you can shop in your pajamas and enjoy free shipping!

Glue sticks

There is something about young children and glue sticks… they go through a ton of them! Chances are, your child’s teacher is running very low on glue sticks from all of the holiday projects. This box of 30 glue sticks is the perfect way to replenish her classroom supply.

Dry Erase Markers

These are a classroom essential! Show your child’s teacher that she is extra special with this 16-pack of Expo dry erase markers. It includes so many great colors!

Skinny Dry Erase Markers

If the traditional (fat) style of dry erase markers are perfect for teachers, the skinny markers are essential for students. I started with a few dozen brand new markers this past fall. Many of those markers are now nearly dry and the tips are all smashed it. This tale is all-too-common in classrooms right now. Give your teacher the gift of fresh new dry erase markers!

Crayons

It’s hard to find a good deal on Crayola Crayons that comes anywhere near the 25 cent deals that are popular during back to school season. I found this great 6 box pack of 24 count crayons on Amazon for less than $7.50. It’s not 25 cents each, but it’s a great deal!

Dot markers

I use these Do-A-Dot-Art markers all the time in my kindergarten classroom. They are wonderful, but at $15 for a box of 6, they are expensive for a teacher’s budget. I would be so thankful to receive a box of these as a Christmas gift!

Papermate Flair Pens

These are seriously every teacher’s dream pen. Papermate Flair Pens write beautifully and come in such vivid colors. If they are not your child’s teacher’s favorite pens, it’s just because she hasn’t discovered them yet!

Sharpie Fine Print Markers

Sharpie markers are a classroom staple. They are permanent and write on virtually any surface. Most teachers carry around the standard black variety of Sharpies, but I have a great affection for color and I highly recommend this 24 pack of markers.

Tempera Paint

Early childhood teachers go through a lot of paint in the classroom. Buy a few bottles of Crayola Tempera Paints in your child’s favorite colors as a Christmas gift.

Pencils

Every classroom is like the Bermuda Triangle for pencils. They come into the room, then are never seen again. I personally suspect that some children eat the pencils (eraser and all). Regardless of what happens to pencils in the classroom, the fact of the matter is that teachers always need more of them. Spare your teacher some of that expense and add a pack to her Christmas gift.

Cardstock

White cardstock is one of my classroom essentials. I go through about 500 sheets of it every year. It’s not cheap but it’s the perfect material for so many wonderful paper crafts. Any teacher would be THRILLED to get a package of bright white cardstock as a Christmas gift.

Tape

Papers rip in the classroom ALL THE TIME and teachers go through a lot of tape. Replacement rolls are inexpensive and make for very happy teachers!

Clear Contact Paper

This is, hands-down, one of my most essential classroom supplies. I use Clear Contact Paper on seasonal window decorations and to attach student nametags to their desks. 

Thermal Laminating Sheets

Elementary teachers laminate a lot of papers. Help your child’s teacher laminate to her little heart’s desire with the gift of thermal laminating pouches . Replenish her supply so she never runs out!

Thermal Laminator

Most teachers already own a thermal laminator, but they really deserve to own two: one for the classroom and one at home. Buy a second laminator for an extra special teacher so she can laminate at home while she watches TV!

Clorox Wipes

Classrooms are germy places and teachers do a lot of disinfecting in an effort to keep everyone happy and healthy. Buy your teacher a pack (or three) or Clorox wipes. It’s a gift for the teacher AND your child!

Kleenex

Speaking of germs, runny noses are a regular occurrence in the classroom. Many teachers replenish they own classroom tissuesupplies throughout the school year. Help your child’s teacher out this Christmas and send some extra boxes of Kleenex her way.

Sandwich Bags

Teachers use Ziploc bags for everything. The sandwich size bags are cheap and just the right size for a myriad of classroom supplies. Tuck a pack of these into your teacher’s stocking and she will know she was on Santa’s nice list! While you’re at it, you may also want to pick up a box of snack, quart, or gallon size bags too.

Parents, what are you planning to get for your child’s teacher for Christmas this year?

Teachers, what would you add to the list?

The post What Your Child’s Teacher Could Really Use for Christmas appeared first on Kinder Craze: A Kindergarten Teaching Blog.

The holidays are upon us and I know how much you invest in your classroom, especially during the month of December. Making the holidays special for the children of your classroom is a BIG job. Planning, decorating, taking care of your daily Elf visitor … it all takes so much time, energy, heart and soul. This Christmas season, one lucky classroom teacher will win a classroom essential of her dreams … a new laser printer! I am so honored to team up with 14 other bloggers to deliver some treats and deliver some gifts that you REALLY want as a teacher in our Christmas for the Classroom Giveaway.

I firmly believe that every teacher DESERVES access to a laser printer. The print quality is astounding and the price per page is so much more affordable than an inkjet printer. This summer I took the plunge and finally invested in a laser printer for my apartment. Oh my word, I am continually amazed by the gorgeous print quality. You know how much I adore my {Black Series} line of products. The output from my printer truly looks professional grade. The best part? I have printed dozens and dozens of pages with a black background and I still have not exhausted the toner cartridge that came with my printer. It has throated being “low” for months and keeps on happily printing for me.

Most teachers, however, never take the leap and purchase one for themselves because it’s a hefty initial investment. Not anymore! One lucky teacher will win an HP Laser Printer for her classroom (or home!). Use the Rafflecopter below for your chance to WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Do-A-Dot Marker Giveaway

In addition to the laser printer, I am also giving away a set of Do-A-Dot Markers. At $15 for just one pack, I know how much these can hurt your personal budget for the sake of your classroom. Use the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win this essential item for your own classroom!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enter to WIN More Supplies for the Classroom

If the chance to win a laser printer and a pack of dot markers wasn’t excitement enough, I have good news! Fourteen other bloggers are all giving away essential classroom supplies during the Christmas for the Classroom Giveaway. Use the linky below to hop around and enter as many giveaways as you want for your chance to win more great classroom prizes.

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The post Christmas for the Classroom Giveaway appeared first on Kinder Craze: A Kindergarten Teaching Blog.

The Christmas countdown is on! If you are looking for some great stories about Santa to share in the classroom with your students (or at home with your children), here is a list of 25 books about Santa to get you started.

	Auntie Claus Auntie Claus is just another eccentric New Yorker–or is she? Young Sophie has often wondered about her unusual great-aunt, Auntie Claus. She lives in penthouse 25C at the Bing Cherry Hotel and is so curioso! After all, Auntie Claus serves Christmas cookies all year long and her tree is always the best-decorated in the city. And then there’s her annual “business trip,” right around the holidays. This year Sophie is determined to get to the bottom of Auntie Claus’s mysterious ways. Put on your mittens and bundle up for an adventure beyond your wildest dreams. Ho, ho, ho! Find it on Amazon.
	Bear Stays Up For Christmas Bear’s friends are determined to keep Bear awake for Christmas! So they wake Bear up and have him help them find a Christmas tree, bake cakes, hang up stockings, and sing Christmas songs. Bear stays up — by discovering that giving is one of the best Christmas presents! How a SURPRISE visit from someone very special gives Bear and his friends a Christmas to remember makes an enchanting holiday story for young readers. With Karma Wilson’s memorable text and Jane Chapman’s glowing illustrations, Bear Stays Up for Christmas is a book to cherish throughout the year. Find it on Amazon.
	A Cookie for Santa In this clever twist on the Night Before Christmas story, a gingerbread boy cookie is carefully crafted and placed on a plate. He was made special to serve as Santa’s nighttime snack, a homemade thank-you for all the presents he will deliver. The cookie wonders if he is brave enough to face up to his holiday duty. But instead of spending the evening contemplating his fate, the gingerbread boy finds himself facing two rambunctious puppies experiencing their very first Christmas. Their mischief includes a tug-of-war with presents, leaving a big mess. And it’s up to the gingerbread boy to save the day…and Christmas! Find it on Amazon.
	Dear Santa Claus A determined little girl puts Santa through his paces — and exchanges several removable messages — in this sweet Christmas story full of holiday surprises. Find it on Amazon.
	Dream Snow It’s December 24th, and the old farmer settles down for a winter’s nap, wondering how Christmas can come when there is no snow! It is in his dream that he imagines a snowstorm coming and covering him and his animals—named One, Two, Three, Four and Five—in a snowy blanket. But when the farmer awakens, he finds that it has really snowed outside, and now he remembers something! Putting on his red suit, he goes outside, puts some gifts under the tree for his animals, and presses a button near a Christmas tree, creating a most surprising musical treat for children everywhere. Find it on Amazon.
	Here Comes Santa: A Mini Holiday Pop Up It’s Christmas Eve, and Santa Claus is ready to deliver toys and goodies to all of the lucky girls and boys. Join Santa in this fantastic mini pop-up as he guides his trusty reindeer through a sleepy town to bring cheer and laughter to all on Christmas Day! This paper-over-board book has a pop-up on each spread. The book has a foil-stamped cover and is packaged in a resealable polybag with a sell sheet. Find it on Amazon.
	How Santa Got His Job When Santa was young and needed a job, no one was looking for a man in a red suit to deliver gifts on Christmas. So Santa tried just about everything — from a chimney sweep to a postman to a circus performer. But none of these worked out. It wasn’t until he met a group of elves who helped him use all his special talents, that Santa was able to find his dream job. Find it on Amazon.
	Hurry, Santa When his alarm clock fails to go off, Santa oversleeps on Christmas Eve and then encounters a series of disasters that threaten to prevent him from delivering his presents on time. Find it on Amazon.
	Twas The Night Before Christmas Gold Medal Winner 2012 Moonbeam Children’s Book Award Best Holiday Book. 1st place winner for the Global International Best Christian Children’s Book. This colorful and bright edition was created for young readers in mind. Attracting global media attention, The BBC, The View, The Colbert Report, New York Post, Huffington Post and many others for what the Kirkus Review calls a legitimate editing of the reference to the pipe and wreath of smoke for the first time in the history of this the most famous poem in the English language. This is the edition that is credited with having Santa stop smoking after 189 years and for taking a small bite out of history. The public health sector, parents, educators and grandparents have applauded and welcomed the addition of this child friendly edition. Find it on Amazon.
	Olive, the Other Reindeer Olive is merrily preparing for Christmas when suddenly she realizes “Olive… the other Reindeer… I thought I was a dog. Hmmm, I must be a Reindeer!” So she quickly hops aboard the polar express and heads to the North Pole. And while Santa and the other reindeer are a bit surprised that a dog wants to join the their team, in the end Olive and her unusual reindeer skills are just what Santa and his veteran reindeer team need. Colorful graphic illustrations accompany this zany dog story from the well-known author and artist team, Vivian and J.otto Seibold. Adorable Olive and her hilarious adventures are sure to make anyone’s Christmas merry. Find it on Amazon.
	The Polar Express For twenty years, The Polar Express has been a worldwide bestseller and Christmas classic. A perfect keepsake for any family, this beautiful edition can be handed down to each new generation of readers. In 1986 The Polar Express was awarded the prestigious Caldecott Medal and hit the New York Times bestseller list. Since that time, more than six and a half million copies have been sold, and every December it faithfully reappears on national bestseller lists. In 2004, The Polar Express became a blockbuster holiday movie. The DVD release in 2005 assures, that like the book, the movie will become a holiday classic. Find it on Amazon.
	Santa, Are You Ready? The clock is nearing Christmas Eve and boys and girls around the world are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus, but the jolly little man has a problem — he can’t find his clothes and boots! Can Mrs. Claus help to get him out the door in time to make his annual flight? Find it on Amazon.
	Santa Claustrophobia Santa is in trouble again when Doc Holiday, therapist to the holiday stars, diagnoses him with a severe case of Santa Claustrophobia. The Doc takes it on himself to gather up the rest of the holiday stars to fill in for Santa while the big guy recuperates in Aruba. The challenges become immediately apparent as the Easter Bunny paints all of the toys in pastels, Lincoln and Washington fight over who should run things, Columbus insists he must sail West to go East to make the deliveries, and the April Fool manages to do everything wrong! Christmas is out of control, and it becomes clear to Doc Holiday that there’s only one person who can set things right. Find it on Amazon.
	Santa’s Book of Names Illustrated throughout with stunning watercolor nightscapes of snowy winter scenes, Santa’s Book of Names depicts all the warmth and spirit of this special time of year in a story about a young boy who learns to read with Santa’s help. David McPhail’s inspirational holiday story emphasizes the importance of literacy while reminding readers that with patience and practice, you can achieve just about anything. Find it on Amazon.
	Santa Claus and the Three Bears Papa Bear, Mama Bear, and Baby Bear weren’t expecting any company when they went for a walk on Christmas Eve, but that’s exactly what they got! Debut author Maria Modugno teams up with award-winning artists Jane and Brooke Dyer to deliver a festive twist on Goldilocks and the Three Bears, with Santa Claus stepping in as the cheerful intruder. With sparkling prose and splendid watercolor paintings, this delicious holiday treat glows with warmth and humor that will delight readers page after page. Find it on Amazon.
	Santa Claus: The Magical World of Father Christmas Come visit the magical world of Santa Claus! This enchanting book whisks children to the North Pole. Kids can enjoy a glimpse of Santa’s house; his workshop, where all the toys are built; Elf Village; and, of course, the mailroom, where all the letters from good girls and boys get sorted. Every secret is revealed, from how Santa chooses and trains his reindeer to how his sleigh spans the globe fast enough to bring gifts to everyone in time for Christmas morn. Find it on Amazon.
	Santa Claus: The World’s #1 Toy Expert He knows because he’s the world’s number one kid and toy and gift expert, and he works long, long hours the whole year through, taking notes, compiling his research, thinking and testing and changing his mind. Then, at last, he gets it all figured out, and on Christmas morning, he makes magic happen. Find it on Amazon.
	Santa Gets Stuck (Sparkly Christmas) Santa’s been eating a few too many mince pies and gets stuck in a chimney! This title helps you to follow Santa’s hilarious diet and exercise regime – which includes pulling his own sleigh – and find out if he manages to fit into his suit again in time for Christmas Eve. This is a sparkly, foily, festive treat with a fabulous Santa press-out tree decoration on the last page. No stocking should be without this book! Find it on Amazon.
	Santa’s Birthday Gift If your child or grandchild has ever wondered where Santa fits in with the traditional Christmas story, now you can read them Santa’s Birthday Gift. Finally, a book that ties two holiday traditions into one inspirational tale of wonder – as Santa brings gifts to baby Jesus. The cleverly-written, rhyming book reveals Santa’s adventure from toymaker to star follower — right into the heart of Bethlehem where he meets Baby Jesus in the manger. Delivering toys to a king is a touching experience for both Santa and readers alike, as they discover where the tradition began — Santa makes a promise to Jesus to bring gifts to good boys and girls each year on Jesus’ birthday. Find it on Amazon.
	Santa’s Stuck This playful picture book answers the age-old question: Just how does Santa shimmy up and down chimneys? Not very easily sometimes! When the rotund fellow with a sweet tooth overdoes it on the snacks, he gets stuck inside a chimney. The reindeer on the roof try pulling him out, to no avail. A dog, a cat, and some kittens try pushing from below, with no luck. It takes a tiny, ingenious mouse to come up with the way to POP! Santa out so that Christmas can go on. Good show—ho, ho, ho! Find it on Amazon.
	Who Will Guide My Sleigh Tonight? Santa has a big job, and needs some help. He was looking for a team. Who would he get? Tigers? …too rough! Mice? … too weak! Giraffes? … too tall! Read this delightful book to all your children old and new. They’ll all love it. Find it on Amazon.
	Who Will Help Santa this Year? “When Santa needs help in his workshop, he tries everything from dragons and fairies to unicorns, with hilarious results. Will he find the perfect helpers in time for Christmas? From well-known author Jerry Pallotta and talented illustrator David Biedrzycki comes this charming companion to “Who Will Guide My Sleigh Tonight?” Find it on Amazon.
	The Year Without Santa Claus Santa has woken up on the wrong side of the bed. He’s got a crick in his neck, a cold in his nose, and aches in his fingers and all ten toes. So Santa decides to take his first vacation in one thousand years. The Elves, the reindeer, the Gnomes, and, most of all, the children around the world are upset when they find out. But then one six-year old boy comes to Santa’s rescue, and children everywhere band together to give Santa a Christmas he’ll never forget! Find it on Amazon.
	Santa’s New Jet Santa’s reindeer won’t be able to fly on Christmas Eve. They’re too out of shape. Fortunately the elves build Santa a fancy jet in time to deliver all the gifts. But the new jet crash-lands on rooftops and doesn’t have a light as bright as Rudolph’s nose. What’s more, Blitzen’s not on board to help choose which toys to give each child. Santa is in need of some serious help this Christmas! Find it on Amazon.
	The Great Reindeer Rebellion Oh, no! There’s trouble brewing in the North Pole: Santa’s reindeer have gone on strike and he’s auditioning other animals to take their place. But when the cats abandon station to chase some mice and the elephants fall through the roof, what’s Santa to do? Will his eight trusty reindeer ever fly again? This playful take on “The Night Before Christmas” gives kids a fun behind-the-scenes peek into Santa’s workshop. Find it on Amazon.

The post 25 Books About Santa appeared first on Kinder Craze: A Kindergarten Teaching Blog.

For the past several years, I have done a directed drawing lesson with my students as their parent Christmas gifts. The children paint their drawings with watercolors and I frame the completed art projects in inexpensive frames from the dollar store before wrapping them up and sending them home. I have created the same Christmas tree paintings with my students for a few years in a row, so this year I created a modified version of that drawing – one with a few presents added under the tree.

Launching this art project always takes a little time. The children spend a few days practicing the drawing on personal whiteboards. I give a “drawing lesson” on my whiteboard and the children attempt to follow the steps on their own boards. This is a great opportunity for my kindergarten students to experiment with proper proportions and build their confidence. I have a firm “no erasing allowed” rule when we do the actual drawing and it’s important for my students to practice and experiment with the shapes and sizes a few times before creating the final project.

When it is time for the final draft, I hand each child a 6.5″ x 9″ piece of white cardstock. I trim an inch from each side of the paper ahead of time so that I can mount it onto a piece of colored cardstock (in this case black cardstock) to give the painting a little extra pop.

Just like the drawing lessons, I guide students step by step through the process of creating their final drawing. The children all draw with a pencil, then trace over all of their pencil lines with black crayon. This adds a bold touch to the artwork, and the wax serves as a natural barrier to prevent the watercolor paints from bleeding into each other. I encourage the children to push down kind of hard with the crayon while they trace.

Once all of the lines have been traced, we are ready to paint! We add watercolors as a whole group and I give step by step directions. In this case, we started with red to paint all of the ribbons and stockings. From there, we added green paint on the Christmas tree and painted the walls yellow.

The gifts and ornaments on the tree were painted last. Students were able to select some of their own colors for these accents, but were still given guidance about which colors might look best. We painted the present that was the farthest away from the Christmas tree green and it was a great moment to introduce the artistic concept of balancing colors.

Once the paintings were complete and had adequate time to dry, I used spray adhesive to mount each painting onto an 8.5×11″ piece of black cardstock.  Then, each mounted painting was placed inside of a frame and ready to gift wrap. I usually shop for frames at the dollar store, but a classroom parent donated these clear acrylic frames for the class.

I love how stunning each child’s painting turned out, my students loved the chance to be an artist, and I am certain that their parents will treasure the artwork for many years to come!

This year’s paintings aren’t just beautiful… they are also the perfect compliment to Christmas parent gift paintings from previous years. If any of my students have an older sibling that created a watercolor Christmas tree in the past, this year’s painting will look beautiful beside the first painting without appearing to be a copy.

The post Christmas Parent Gift Idea for Kindergarten appeared first on Kinder Craze: A Kindergarten Teaching Blog.

Can you believe there are only a few weeks left of 2014? As I reflect back on the year, only one word comes to mind: BLESSED. My 2014 has been filled with so many blessings and so much joy, I am joining the fun with Hadar from Miss Kindergarten, Kristin from A Teeny Tiny Teacher, and Tracie from Dragonflies in First to share my top 14 moments of 2014.

ONE – I Got Engaged

This list is not in chronological order. The absolute biggest moment of my year happened on April 25th when Rob (aka the love of my life) asked me to marry him! I have been so blessed to have him in my life and now we are busy planning our upcoming wedding in June of 2015!

I’ve been keeping a very big secret… I’m engaged! #engaged #gettingmarried #bridetobe #wedding #weddingbells #diamonds #rosegold #engagement #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram

A photo posted by Maria Manore (@kindercraze) on Apr 4, 2014 at 4:38pm PDT

TWO – Telling my Students about My Engagement

Once Rob and I were engaged, I immediately began brainstorming ways to share the good news with my kindergarten students. That conversation was easily one of my top-10 classroom moments of all time. 

THREE – Stitch Fix Obsession

I became completely obsessed with Stitch Fix – the online styling service for women. I never have time to shop and Stitch Fix has been such a lifesaver for me. Thanks to my personal stylist, I am always well-dressed and I still have plenty of time to blog and share ideas with you! You can see all of my Stitch Fix styles here. 

FOUR – Going Debt Free with Dave Ramsey

As soon as Rob and I began to plan our future together, we began to discuss much more than our upcoming wedding. Instead, our financial future became our first priority and figuring out a plan to rid ourselves of $180k in student loan debt. Needless to say, it has been quite an adventure. Rob and I began Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University home study program over the summer and completed nine weeks of lessons in about a month’s time. We are so thankful for the program because it helped us devise a plan and paved the road for our financial future. You can read more about our journey out of debt here. During the time of our home study, our date nights became a bit more subdued. This scene became a regular occurrence as we learned and worked together. 

Not your typical date night… #daveramsey #babysteps #marriageprep #soexcited

A photo posted by Maria Manore (@kindercraze) on Jun 6, 2014 at 7:43pm PDT

FIVE – Sherlock Holmes Exhibit

Last winter, Rob and I hit the road and went to check out the traveling Sherlock Holmes exhibit at COSI in Columbus, Ohio. We are both huge fans of the Masterpiece Classic Sherlock series that runs on PBS and we couldn’t let the opportunity to experience Sherlock Holmes in an interactive way pass us by. The trip was a total blast and we loved putting clues together to solve the mystery

SIX – Trip to Boston

I actually took several trips this past year. My second big trip of the year was a road trip to Boston with my new fiancé, Rob. We headed out east to visit a friend of Rob’s from college. It was great to be in such an amazing city, but the highlight of my trip was definitely meeting Kristen from A Day in First Grade. Kristen and I have been internet friends for some time and it was great to finally meet her in real life!

Just said goodbye to my wonderful blogging friend @adayinfirstgrade. What a fabulous time we had! #capecod #vacation #blogging #bloggergirl #bloggingbuddies #igblogger #teachersofinstagram #teachersfollowteachers A photo posted by Maria Manore (@kindercraze) on Jun 6, 2014 at 10:54am PDT

SEVEN – I realized I was a #Girlboss

After seeing all of my favorite IG friends (outside of the teacher world) sharing photos of their new favorite read, #GIRLBOSS, I knew I had to check it out. I listened to the audiobook in my car over the summer and I was immediately entranced. Listening to Sophia Amoruso’s store unfold while I drove through town was such a revelation. The book was such an inspiring read and so motivating for any female entrepreneur. I highly recommend it!

EIGHT – Viva Las Vegas

I went to Vegas this summer for SDE’s national I Teach K conference and the first-ever Teachers Pay Teachers seller conference. I learned so much while I was in Vegas, but the best part was having an opportunity to meet so many amazing blogging friends at one time. The trip was an absolute whirlwind but oh-so-amazing.

While I was in Vegas, I also had a chance to meet Paul Edelman, the founder of TpT. I was so happy to grab a quick photo with him in between all the big events of the trip.  

NINE – BlogHer Conference

Right after the big TpT Vegas extravaganza, I headed back out west with Rob to attend BlogHer in San Jose. I’m sure you have already figured out how much I love Kinder Craze. Blogging has brought so much joy into my life and I am always looking for ways to help Kinder Craze work better for YOU. BlogHer was the perfect mix of business and pleasure and it was wonderful to have my future hubby as my sidekick for the trip. He has officially been brought on board behind the scenes of Kinder Craze and he spent his days in San Jose attending conference sessions too. We made new friends, heard some really wonderful keynote presentations, and had a blast at the closing party!

 

Day 2 at BlogHer with my love. Learning so much! #blogher14 #bloggergirl #selfiebration #kindercraze #crazytogether

A photo posted by Maria Manore (@kindercraze) on Jul 7, 2014 at 10:47am PDT

TEN – Launching Crazy Together

Right after I began my summer vacation in June, I decided to take a giant leap forward and start a personal blog. The enthusiastic response of my fans to learning the details about my engagement and upcoming wedding was bewildering to me. Rob and I had spoken extensively about what we were comfortable sharing about our journey and we decided to start Crazy Together, a lifestyle blog about our experiences through wedding preparation and everyday life. It took several months to lay the groundwork and complete my vision of how I wanted the new blog to look and feel, but it has been an amazing ride in the few short months since Crazy Together first launched. It has also been wonderful to work side-by-side with Rob and share my blogging passion with someone I love so much.

ELEVEN – Kinder Craze Makeover

Crazy Together wasn’t my only blog endeavor this year. Kinder Craze also got a HUGE upgrade. I migrated from Blogger to WordPress, purchased a new blog domain (kindercraze.com instead of the former kindercrazeblog.com), and dropped the hyphen from Kinder Craze. I also worked extensively with a designer to create a new look for Kinder Craze that would coordinate with my sister site, Crazy Together. It has been quite a journey for my beloved teaching blog, but I couldn’t possibly be more thrilled or proud of where the blog stands today. Just in case you forgot the old look of Kinder Craze, here’s a little flashback…

TWELVE – Michigan Catholic Feature

I was so blessed to be featured on the front page of The Michigan Catholic magazine during their back to school issue this fall. I teach kindergarten at a Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Detroit and the magazine wrote a HUGE feature article about my the success of Kinder Craze and my role as a classroom teacher. It was one of those amazing moments that serves as a reminder for how truly blessed I am.

THIRTEEN – Meeting Ben Folds

True story: Rob and I ventured out to see the symphony twice in one week. Both experiences were amazing, but the second concert was extra special because Ben Folds performed with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. The concert itself left me in awe (Ben is so talented), but the very best part happened after the concert when Rob and I actually met Ben Folds.

Oh, you know, just hanging out with Ben Folds #nobigdeal #benfolds #datenight

A photo posted by Maria Manore (@kindercraze) on Oct 10, 2014 at 7:12pm PDT

FOURTEEN – Family

Number fourteen isn’t exactly an event, it’s more of a general sentiment. FAMILY. Rob and I have so much to look forward to and share with our family. With weddings and babies on the way, there is SO much to be thankful for. I love each and every one of these people so much and cannot wait to share the joys of 2015 with all of them!

The post My Top 14 in 2014 #bestyearever appeared first on Kinder Craze: A Kindergarten Teaching Blog.

My latest shipment from Stitch Fix arrived earlier this week and it was another really great fix. My stylist, Layla figured out that I love versatile separates that I can easily mix and match with other basic pieces to create interesting and fresh outfits. I love how I could incorporate so many items from previous fixes just a few basic accessories to create entirely new looks. But I’m getting ahead of myself, let’s dig right in to my fix. Don’t forget to read all the way to the bottom of this post because I’m giving away a Stitch Fix gift card!

At first glance, I was happy to see so many great layering pieces for the winter. From the leopard print to the rich eggplant colored jacket, I knew I was in for a treat!

The first item I reached for was a black Jamie Button Down Cotton Shirt from Market and Spruce ($54). I have been pinning lots of great styles with collars and sweaters to my style board on Pinterest. In my pins, I have been begging for a few shirts that have a collar. Layla must have read all of my pleas because this black shirt is just my style. It’s basic and casual and can easily be dressed up or down with the right shoes and accessories.

I chose to add a black and gray chevron infinity scarf from Charming Charlie (a Christmas gift from one of my students) and wear the Sophie skinny jeans from Kensie that came in my previous fix. People always ask about my brown boots. They are Enzo Angiolini brand from a few years ago. Similar boots can be found here.

I love how this outfit is perfectly stylish yet casual.

The next item in my fix was burgundy Aston Funnel-Collar Puffer Jacket from Andrew Marc ($148). I have seen lots of puffed coats but have always been a bit hesitant to embrace the style for myself.

One of the purposes of Stitch Fix is to encourage its clients to step beyond their style comfort levels, so I tried on the coat to see how it looked. I kind of fell in love. The coat is surprisingly lightweight (I hate wearing bulky coats) but because it is filled with down feathers, it’s surprisingly warm. A lightweight coat that’s warm and stylish is right up my alley. This puffer coat was a keeper for sure.

Next up, was a Davis Leopard Print Button-Up Cardigan from Ellison ($68). I have a small obsession with leopard print and I adore this style of cardigan. I wanted to have some fun mixing prints so I wore the black chevron blouse that was included in my previous fix.

The outfit was fun, but it was a little TOO much leopard print. I felt like it aged me about 20 years and it doesn’t fit the classic style that I usually try to achieve in my fixes. Sadly, this cardigan was destined to be returned.

Next up was the Kaylie Solid French Terry Blazer from Tart ($128). At first glance, I wasn’t sure about the fabric and I was concerned that it would look too casual and a little frumpy on me. I was wrong! The blazer fit perfectly and looked very classy. The terry fabric offered a slightly relaxed style so I could easily dress it down and wear it with denim.

I wore the jacket with the same chevron blouse that came in my previous fix. With a black statement necklace, the resulting look was so chic!

I wanted to experiment with prints a bit to try and dress the blazer down just a bit more, so I added the same black and gray chevron infinity scarf to the ensamble. BOOM! This is my very favorite look from the entire fix, making the blazer a definite keeper!

Last up was Renesme Geo Print Faux Wrap Dress from 41Hawthorn ($78). I had been sent a pink version of this dress in my 8th fix. It fit perfectly the first time, but was a little too pink for my taste. Layla really wanted to tempt me with the black and blue print. She has been sending so many gorgeous dresses my way over the past several months, I knew I had to give this one a chance.

The dress was lovely and it fit like a glove. It looked perfect with black tights and black patent leather pumps. I don’t usually feel comfortable wearing a v-neck. In fact, my Stitch Fix style profile specifically says “no v-necks, please” but this was another instance of my stylish pushing me beyond my comfort level. I absolutely adored this dress but I have ZERO occasions coming up in the winter months that would require me to get dressed up. As much as I loved this dress, I decided to return it. Keeping the dress would have been wasteful on my part.

The Breakdown

After careful consideration, I decided to keep three of the five items from this month’s fix. Here is a list of what I kept and decided to send back.

Jamie Button Down Cotton Shirt from Market and Spruce, $54, KEEP
Aston Funnel-Collar Puffer Jacket from Andrew Marc, $148, KEEP
Davis Leopard Print Button-Up Cardigan from Ellison, $68, RETURN
Kaylie Solid French Terry Blazer from Tart, $128, KEEP
Renesme Geo Print Faux Wrap Dress from 41Hawthorn, $78, RETURN

Sign Up for Stitch Fix

Just in case you haven’t heard of Stitch Fix before today, let me give you a quick synopsis of this amazing service. Getting started is easy. Just sign up at stitchfix.com and create a FREE style profile. This is your opportunity to share your sizes and styles that inspire you with your personal stylist.

When you are ready, you can schedule your first fix. For a $20 styling fee, you will be matched with a personal stylist that will review your style profile and hand pick five items that she thinks will be perfect for you and mail them direct to your door. Shipping is free. Once your fix arrives, you have three days to try the items on in the comfort of your home with your existing wardrobe, shoes and accessories. Keep the items you want, check out online, and return any unwanted items in the shipping envelope that is included in your box. Returns are free too! If you decide to keep any of the items in your fix, your $20 styling fee is deducted from the cost of your clothes. If you keep everything in your fix, you automatically save 25% on your entire order! Stitch Fix truly is the most convenient way to purchase new clothes.

If you are ready to sign up for Stitch Fix and complete your FREE style profile, please consider signing up with my referral link. I receive a small commission each time someone signs up using my link, which I use to offset the costs of these posts and allows me to continue sharing Stitch Fix reviews and photos on the blog.

Stitch Fix Giveaway

I’m giving away a $20 Stitch Fix gift card. That’s enough to wave your styling fee so you can enjoy a shipment from your own personal stylist risk-free!

Use the rafflecopter below for your chance to win!

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More chances to WIN

My friends Marsha from A Differentiated Kindergarten and Mary from Sharing Kindergarten are both giving away $20 Stitch Fix gift cards on their blogs too!
Click the blog buttons below for more chances to win.

HOW TO GET THE BEST CLOTHES FROM STITCH FIX

Kinder Craze fans always love the fashions I receive from Stitch Fix and want to know how I consistently receive so many great pieces that are perfect for my style. I shared all of my secrets for getting an amazing fix on Crazy Together (my personal blog). Stop by, take notes and get ready for beautiful clothes to come your way!

The post Stitch Fix #15 Review and Giveaway appeared first on Kinder Craze: A Kindergarten Teaching Blog.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is coming up soon! (This year we will honor Dr. King on Monday, January 19). It’s important to teach young children about the impact Martin Luther King, Jr. had on our lives today. What better way to teach about this great man than with high quality children’s books? This list of 20 picture books is a great place to start.

	Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Life of Fairness Martin Luther King, Jr. dreamed about a day when people would not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. This book introduces young readers to a man who fully believed in fairness. Find it on Amazon.
	My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. What was it like growing up as a son of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? This picture book memoir,My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther King III, provides insight into one of history’s most fascinating families and into a special bond between father and son. Martin Luther King III was one of those four little children mentioned in Martin Luther King’s groundbreaking “I Have a Dream” speech. In this memoir, Martin Luther King Jr.’s son gives an intimate look at the man and the father behind the civil rights leader. Mr. King’s remembrances show both his warm, loving family and a momentous time in American history. Find it on Amazon.
	A Lesson for Martin Luther King, Jr. Young Martin Luther King Jr. is having some problems with his best friend, Bobby. First, they are going to different schools this year. Next, Bobby’s dad is not letting his son play with Martin. When Martin learns why, he is confused and hurt — but he learns a lesson that he will never forget. Find it on Amazon.
	Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King, Jr. This book is beautifully-rendered study of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, told in simple, straightforward language for even the youngest of readers to understand. Pinkney’s scratchboard and oil pastel illustrations convey both the strength and gentleness of King’s character. Both text and art carry his central message of peace and brotherhood among all people. Find it on Amazon.
	Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This picture-book biography is an excellent and accessible introduction for young readers to learn about one of the world’s most influential leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Doreen Rappaport weaves the immortal words of Dr. King into a captivating narrative to tell the story of his life. With stunning art by acclaimed illustrator Bryan Collier, Martin’s Big Words is an unforgettable portrait of a man whose dream changed America-and the world-forever. Find it on Amazon.
	My First Biography: Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a great man. His words changed the way people thought, and his actions spurred them on to change the world. With simple, lyrical text and bold, kid-friendly illustrations, this book introduces Dr. King to the youngest readers and inspires them to change the world. Find it on Amazon.
	I Have a Dream From Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s daughter, Dr. Bernice A. King: “My father’s dream continues to live on from generation to generation, and this beautiful and powerful illustrated edition of his world-changing “I Have a Dream” speech brings his inspiring message of freedom, equality, and peace to the youngest among us—those who will one day carry his dream forward for everyone.” The themes of equality and freedom for all are not only relevant today, 50 years later, but also provide young readers with an important introduction to our nation’s past. Included with the book is an audio CD of the speech. Find it on Amazon.
	Martin Luther King, Jr. Day A basic overview of Martin Luther King Jr. Day for emergent readers. Color photographs reflect the short, easy-to-understand sentences that improve vocabulary and comprehension. Find it on Amazon.
	Martin Luther King, Jr. and the March on Washington On August 28, 1963, more than 250,000 people came to the nation’s capital. They came by plane, by bus, by car–even on roller-skates–to speak out against segregation and to demand equal rights for everyone. They also came to hear the words of a very special leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. Told with a wonderful immediacy, this book captures the spirit of this landmark day in American history and brings Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech to vivid life for young children. Find it on Amazon.
	Robin Hill School: Martin Luther King, Jr. When Mrs. Conner’s class learns about a great man, they discover their own dreams and hopes for a better world! Find it on Amazon.
	Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Microphone When Digby and his sister Hannah discover Martin Luther King Jr.’s microphone at Mr. Rummages antique stall, they find that the proprietor has a lot to teach them about the civil rights leader. Find it on Amazon.
	Meet Martin Luther King, Jr. This title is suitable for ages 4 to 8 years. Beginning with King`s childhood and following his life through his ” I Have a Dream Speech” and subsequent death, this book reveals (in age-appropriate language) how King ended segregation in America and influenced the way we live our lives today. Find it on Amazon.
	Rookie Biographies: Martin Luther King, Jr. Simple, engaging text and vivid photographs introduce young learners to the most important and influential men and women in history. From presidents, to civil rights leaders, to visionary artists, young readers will learn about how these individuals worked to attain their goals and accomplished what few others have. Find it on Amazon.
	Martin’s Dream In 1963 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech that proclaimed that it was time – long overdue – for all men to be treated as equals. Today his beliefs are more important than ever, and author Jane Kurtz explains Dr. King’s words in language even the youngest reader can understand. Find it on Amazon.
	Martin Luther King, Jr.: Young Man with a Dream One of the most popular series ever published for young Americans, these classics have been praised alike by parents, teachers, and librarians. With these lively, inspiring, fictionalized biographies — easily read by children of eight and up — today’s youngster is swept right into history. Find it on Amazon.
	Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Martin Luther King Jr. believed everyone was equal. He worked hard to peacefully change laws and unite people. Lets celebrate him on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Find it on Amazon.
	Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.? Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was only 25 when he helped organize the Montgomery Bus Boycott and was soon organizing black people across the country in support of the right to vote, desegregation, and other basic civil rights. Maintaining nonviolent and peaceful tactics even when his life was threatened, King was also an advocate for the poor and spoke out against racial and economic injustice until his death from an assassin’s bullet in 1968. With clearly written text that explains this tumultuous time in history and 80 black-and-white illustrations, this Who Was? celebrates the vision and the legacy of a remarkable man. Find it on Amazon.
	Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with Mrs. Park’s Class The students in Mrs. Park’s class prepare to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. ‘s Day by thinking about the values he taught. Contains an informative section on Martin Luther King, Jr. Find it on Amazon.
	Martin Luther King, Jr. Day What are the seven symbols of Kwanzaa? Why do we celebrate Groundhog Day? These all new, modern holiday books give readers the inside scoop on how some of our favorite holidays came to be and how we celebrate them today— from Christmas to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Find it on Amazon.
	A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr. A brief, illustrated, biography of the Baptist minister and civil rights leader whose philosophy and practice of nonviolent civil disobedience helped American blacks win many battles for equal rights. Find it on Amazon.

How do you teach about Martin Luther King, Jr. in your classroom?

The post Books about Martin Luther King Jr. appeared first on Kinder Craze: A Kindergarten Teaching Blog.

Next week, the nation will celebrate the birthday of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. In addition to reading some of my favorite picture books about the real-life American hero, I will have my students work to complete their own emergent reader about MLK. My Interactive Sight Word Readers have become a weekly staple in classrooms across the country and I created two different books that are the perfect supplement to your social studies lessons about Martin Luther King, Jr.

Here Is Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Here” is one of my kindergarten student’s sight words next week so we they will work on the Interactive Sight Word Reader, Here is Martin Luther King Jr.

The cover the book features the word “here” in big, bold text. Students can color the word as they begin to familiarize themselves with how to spell “here.”

Once the cover is complete; children will work to cut out, unscramble and glue letters to spell “here” onto each page of the emergent reader. It’s wonderful fine motor practice and really requires students to think about the spelling of the word while they work. My kindergarteners love to color the booklet when they are done.

This Interactive Sight Word Reader is wonderful for the kindergarten classroom because it provides a simple narrative of MLK’s life in a way that is easy for young children to understand.

Each page in the book features predictable text so students can enjoy reading the story again and again with minimal assistance. It’s perfect for any classroom’s study of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Click to purchase on TpT.

What Would Martin Luther King Say?

That’s not the only great Interactive Sight Word Reader in my TpT store to feature Dr. King! I also created a booklet titled “What Would Martin Luther King Say?” Just like all my other readers, the title of this book displays the featured sight word (say) in bold letters for students to color.

After completing the cover, students will proceed to add the word “say” to complete the sentences on each page of the book.

Each Interactive Sight Word Reader is special and unique. For this book, I included an interesting text feature on each page – speech bubbles! What better way to start a discussion about MLK’s message than by reading those words directly from his mouth?

Each page of this book brings Dr. King’s message to the minds of young readers and predictable text allows kindergarten students to read with confidence. Purchase What Would Martin Luther King Say? from my TpT store. 

Integrate language arts into your social studies lesson plans next week using one (or both) of my Interactive Sight Word Readers featuring Martin Luther King, Jr. Purchase “What Would Martin Luther King Say?” and “Here is Martin Luther King, Jr. “. Each book sells for only $1 in my TpT store.

Save Big… Buy the Bundle

Don’t you just LOVE a good bargain?  If you answered “yes”, I have great news! Both of my Martin Luther King Interactive Sight Word Readers are available in my newest bundle… the Bundle of Books, Part 2. The bundle currently contains 78 books, but it will have 100 books when it is complete. And the entire bundle is priced at 50% off what the books inside would sell for individually. If you bought my original Bundle of Books, you know that the price will rise as more books are added. BUT, if you buy early, you will get all additional books added after your purchase for FREE… you will just need to download the latest version of the file. You know it’s a great deal. What are you waiting for? Purchase the Bundle of Books, Part 2 today!

The post Interactive Readers for Martin Luther King Day appeared first on Kinder Craze: A Kindergarten Teaching Blog.

The holidays are upon us and I know how much you invest in your classroom, especially during the month of December. Making the holidays special for the children of your classroom is a BIG job. Planning, decorating, taking care of your daily Elf visitor … it all takes so much time, energy, heart and soul. This Christmas season, one lucky classroom teacher will win a classroom essential of her dreams … a new laser printer! I am so honored to team up with 14 other bloggers to deliver some treats and deliver some gifts that you REALLY want as a teacher in our Christmas for the Classroom Giveaway.

I firmly believe that every teacher DESERVES access to a laser printer. The print quality is astounding and the price per page is so much more affordable than an inkjet printer. This summer I took the plunge and finally invested in a laser printer for my apartment. Oh my word, I am continually amazed by the gorgeous print quality. You know how much I adore my {Black Series} line of products. The output from my printer truly looks professional grade. The best part? I have printed dozens and dozens of pages with a black background and I still have not exhausted the toner cartridge that came with my printer. It has throated being “low” for months and keeps on happily printing for me.

Most teachers, however, never take the leap and purchase one for themselves because it’s a hefty initial investment. Not anymore! One lucky teacher will win an HP Laser Printer for her classroom (or home!). Use the Rafflecopter below for your chance to WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Do-A-Dot Marker Giveaway

In addition to the laser printer, I am also giving away a set of Do-A-Dot Markers. At $15 for just one pack, I know how much these can hurt your personal budget for the sake of your classroom. Use the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win this essential item for your own classroom!

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Enter to WIN More Supplies for the Classroom

If the chance to win a laser printer and a pack of dot markers wasn’t excitement enough, I have good news! Fourteen other bloggers are all giving away essential classroom supplies during the Christmas for the Classroom Giveaway. Use the linky below to hop around and enter as many giveaways as you want for your chance to win more great classroom prizes.

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The post Christmas for the Classroom Giveaway appeared first on Kinder Craze: A Kindergarten Teaching Blog.

My school has Open House on Sunday and I needed a seasonal project for my students that required minimal prep, yet would look fabulous on the walls outside my classroom. Since we’ve finally been getting a little snow in Michigan, my students created these adorable catching snowflake art collages.

I dug deep into my paper supply and pulled out the brightest and prettiest colors of construction paper and scrapbook paper to help my students create these adorable self-portraits. I positively love how they match my classroom colors. Things have been really busy at school lately and I needed to prep this project in a hurry. I am SO thankful for my good friend Lyndsey from A Year of Many Firsts for creating a super-easy FREE template for this craft, after she saw the idea on Artsonia.

I aways love adding sweet details to any project and I wanted to make these catching snowflake crafts extra special, so I decided to add a little snow glitter. Unlike your typical glitter, this is bits of randomly chopped iridescent plastic. It’s lightweight, but the pieces are larger than regular glitter.

To prepare the artwork, I quickly sprayed a light layer of my favorite adhesive spray on the artwork. I then added a quick sprinkling of the glitter.

The finished craft was completely adorable.

I love the personality that emerged from each child’s project. The snowflake collages really tell a story about the each child that created them.

(The above photo was taken before I had a chance to add glitter). Lyndsey’s freebie included a template for the face, shoulders, and mouth. My students cut out their own teeth and tongue. They each created a scarf with three strips of scrapbook paper, and added yarn for hair.

I love, love, LOVE how adorable the completed collages look in the hallway outside my classroom, beside the paper plate snowflakes that my students also created.

Now I’m all set for Open House! I know the parents will be just as impressed by my students artistic talents as I was.

The post Catching Snowflakes on your Tongue Winter Craft appeared first on Kinder Craze: A Kindergarten Teaching Blog.

Catholic Schools Week is upon us (Lutheran Schools Week is here as well) and I am SO excited to share a freebie with you today that fans of my classroom have been begging for – an adorable, personalized prayer to print, frame and place in your classroom prayer space. I originally created this simple little print as a quick prayer and decor item for my classroom in the fall of 2013. When I revealed my new classroom design on the blog, several fans caught sight of my little print and wondered if it was for sale. I am happy to a share a free editable version of the prayer with you today!

The Story Behind the Print

The best inspiration is drawn from our personal experiences and this little printable prayer has quite a story behind it! In the spring of 2013, my parish purchased a new building to house our beloved St. Mary School. We were in desperate need of a new building and this was the answer to our prayers! Unfortunately, while the building was functional at one time, it was not move-in ready and there seemed to be infinite hurdles standing in the way of us officially opening our doors by August of the same year. Dozens of contractors and countless volunteers were in our school round the clock that summer desperate to get everything ready for students.

Something you would only see in a Catholic School!

A photo posted by Maria Manore (@kindercraze) on Jul 3, 2013 at 10:28am PDT

Behind the scenes, my parish pastor, principal and custodial engineer tirelessly worked their way through a seemlingly-endless bureaucratic maze of red tape and phone calls to school authorities in Lansing. I’m telling you, it was awful and incredibly stressful for the three of them.  Especially when it was announced that we would not be able to open our doors in time for the first day of school. Instead, we held our first two days of school off-site at our former building (which had no furniture or supplies.) I think the day administration realized that it was simply not possible to open our school on time was one of the most heartbreaking moments in their careers. They had done everything right to create a safe environment for the students and followed all state protocols in a timely manner, but circumstances were simply beyond their control.

Needless to say, our three fearless leaders did not give up in the face of adversity. They just worked harder to get everything accomplished in a timely manner (and probably placed a few sternly worded phone calls as well). On our third day of school, the students finally stepped foot into their new school and classrooms.

That is why each morning when my students gather for prayer; we take a moment to pray for Father Mike, Mrs. Miscavish and Mr. Mario; in addition to our wonderful school.

You can download a FREE editable version of this prayer to print and frame for your own classroom from my TpT store. More photos of my kindergarten classroom can be found in this blog post and information about my picture frames can be found here.

My students love gathering for prayer together in the morning and we never skip our little “God Bless” prayer. I have even heard stories from parents of some children reciting this little prayer chant before they go to bed at night. How precious is that?!?

Happy Catholic Schools Week, everyone!

The post Free Editable Classroom Print for Catholic Schools Week appeared first on Kinder Craze: A Kindergarten Teaching Blog.

One of the biggest challenges for classroom teachers is providing effective classroom management. One thing I have noticed from observing highly effective teachers is that nearly all of them use “tried and true” phrases to manage their classrooms throughout the course of the day. These expressions are easy to remember, effective, and FUN!

I have recently begun to collect and share some of my very favorite teacher expressions on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr. Today I am rounding up all of the quotes I shared throughout the month of January and I am excited to share the collection with you.

Solving the Tattle Tale Issue

Why, why, WHY do young children love tattling on each other so much? Unfortunately, tattling just comes along with the territory of being a teacher; but the more you listen to tattles, the more persistently children do it. If you send a clear message that children need to worry about their own problems and not the misbehaviors of their friends, it will cut the tattles WAY down in the classroom. I do not indulge classroom tattles and as a result, I have very few “classroom informants” this year. This expression sends a very clear message that each student’s personal responsibilities are enough for them to be concerned about.

Hand-Delivered Trash from the Floor

Although it’s pretty low on the classroom disruption scale, children bringing garbage from the floor to their teacher is a problem. When a child brings their teacher a staple they find on the floor (or any other bit of trash) It reflects a lack of personal responsibility and critical thinking. Sometimes it just seems easier for the teacher to accept whatever garbage comes your way and throw it away herself. But if we want children to become more independent, we need to stop solving the most trivial problems for them. Each time a kindergarten student brings me the latest speck of trash from the floor, I look at them and say “I’m not a garbage collector.”

This sends two messages.
1) That whatever they brought me is garbage and belongs in the trash and
2) That throwing away their garbage is not part of my job.

Nowadays, I hardly ever receive any bits of paper, old stickers or staples that children find on the floor. They deal with these items themselves.

Reminding Students of their Responsibilities

The teacher’s job in the classroom is pretty clear. Her job title says it all: she teaches. (Or he teaches, if the teacher is a male.) For students, their job in the classroom may not be so clear. Some children may not realize or may forget that they are in school for a purpose: to learn. Children love to play and talk and be silly with their friends. Often, a simple reminder that they do, in fact, have a job within the classroom (to learn) is all it takes to get him or her on track.

A Job Title is Different from a Name

Now that we’ve established what your job is (teacher), what your job isn’t (garbage collector) and what a student’s job is (to learn). Let’s talk about the difference between a name and a job. Sometimes the little ones need someone to very clearly explain this difference. This #KinderCatchPhrase hits the nail right on the head!

Don’t Forget to Write Your Name

Students forgetting to write their names on assignments is a problem across ALL grade levels. From kindergarten to high school, educators are constantly reminding forgetful students to write their names (and teaching the consequences of what happens when you forget). This little chant serves as a great reminder for students when they begin. Often, children internalize reciting this chant as part of their routine and they say it out loud without the teacher to prompt them!

Proper Behavior When Taking a Test

FACT: Young children often struggle with self control.
FACT: Young children are proud of the knowledge they possess.
FACT: Young children like to help their friends.

All of these facts can be quite problematic for a teacher during test time in the classroom. You know all-too-well the problems that can arise while testing young children. Students who know the answer often say it aloud instead of silently recording it on their paper. Or, when a child knows the answer and sees that a friend beside them does not, the first child leans over to “help” their friend do well on the test. Sigh. This classroom expression helps to resolve both of those issues.

How to Get Your Students’ Attention

I am a firm believer that teachers should NEVER have to raise their voices in the classroom. Teachers can only effectively raise their voice in the classroom one time. The first time it happens, is is shocking and gets attention because the class doesn’t know how to react to a teacher that yells. Each subsequent time that the teacher raises his/her voice, it becomes slightly less effective; until it becomes so much of a norm that the students no longer react or care. Instead of yelling to get your class’ attention, teach your children the chant: “Macaroni and cheese… everybody freeze!” It’s clever, it rhymes, it involves a favorite food of nearly every child and the children know that they need to freeze and listen.

Remind Students to Listen

Once you have your students’ attention, don’t let go of it! Remind your class that they really need to listen to what you are about to say.

Stop Tying Shoelaces

Your job is to teach, not to enable students. It’s ok to stop doing everything for the children that you teach. After all, you are doing more than filling their heads with facts and procedures – you are teaching your students to become more independent. Stop tying shoes and zipping coats. If a child needs help, make them responsible for finding a solution. Encourage your students to ask three friends for help before seeking help from the teacher. This sends a message that you do care enough to help, but their friends are excellent helpers, too. Young children love having an opportunity to be a “classroom expert.” Let the shoe-tying expert help with this task – it will actually motivate more students to become experts and it will allow you to keep your attention on more important things, like the safety of the children in your care.

Encourage Problem Solving

Tying shoelaces isn’t the only common problem that children can easily solve for themselves. It’s ok to stop solving every trivial problem for your students. It’s even ok to stop solving some medium-sized problems for them. When a child has a problem, instead of rushing in to impose your solution, take a step back and as the child “How are you going to solve that problem?” It’s a wonderful way to foster independence and critical thinking. Plus, you just might be surprised by the thoughtful and creative solutions that result.

Stop Poking the Teacher!

Let’s talk about one small (but gigantically annoying) classroom occurrence: poking the teacher to get her attention. Don’t get me started! I am a person that greatly values my personal space. I’m quick to give a hug in need, and I don’t mind if a student touches my shoes while we gather for circle time but I really need the teacher-poking to stop. I love this expression because it reminds students that it’s just not ok to stick your finger at someone to get their attention.

Follow Kinder Craze on Social Media

Want to see more phrases for effective classroom management? Just follow Kinder Craze on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr. I share a few of my favorites each week. Just search for the hashtag #kindercatchphrase

You can also check back at the end of February for the latest round up on the blog. Become a subscriber to have the latest blog posts delivered right to your inbox!

The post Classroom Management Phrases for Teachers January Roundup appeared first on Kinder Craze: A Kindergarten Teaching Blog.

It’s that time again! My latest box from Stitch Fix arrived last week and I am SO excited to show you what was inside with my 17th Stitch Fix review on the blog. My personal stylist, Layla, selected five beautiful items just for me and the convenience of having those items shipped directly to my door is invaluable. If you’re already a Stitch Fix customer, be sure to pin your favorite pieces to your style board on Pinterest to show your stylist which items you would like to see in your next fix. Make sure you scroll all the way to the bottom of the post for your chance to win a Stitch Fix gift card.

The first item in my February fix was the Mulliken Raglan Striped Knit Shirt from Olive & Oak ($48). This top was made of jersey and I am not usually much of a jersey fabric girl. I find it too clingy and I typically prefer to wear tops with a little more structure. I wasn’t an instant fan of the fabric but I adored the sophisticated playfulness of the mixed stripes and pop of color around the neck.

I tried the top on with my Kensie skinny jeans and I fell absolutely in love! It looked great with my ballerina pink Tieks.

I also LOVED how well this ensemble coordinated with my new Paloma Leather Clutch from Popbasic. It has a rose gold zipper that added the perfect touch of chic to an already fabulous outfit.

The entire outfit was perfect. Now I just need spring to hurry up and get here so I can start wearing cute flats and lightweight knit shirts again!

The next item in my fix was the Kimmey Woven Trench Coat from Tulle ($88). I loved the slate gray color and the print. I am also slightly obsessed with outerwear so I was especially excited wait to try this piece on.

I wanted to play up my feminine side so I wore a blush pink blouse underneath the jacket. The trench was very cute, but a little boxy for my taste.

The back view of the trench was positively adorable.
It made me sad to return this item.

The next piece was a black pair of Emer High Waisted Tall Trouser pants from Margaret M ($98). I actually received a size medium of these pants in my previous fix. They fit well, but were a touch too big around the waist and I wanted to see if a small would be a better fit.

Unfortunately, the small was a little TOO small. I could fit into them, but since the pants don’t have a button or a zipper, they were a little too tight for comfort. Fortunately, they did fit well enough for me to snap a few photos.

Next up was a Rilo Graphic Printed Tab-Sleeve Blouse from Collective Concepts ($68). I already own a similar blouse with houndstooth print, so I was excited to try this blouse on as well. I love having chic tops with long sleeves to wear in the winter.

The blouse fit perfectly and looked effortlessly polished with my tailored Emer High Waisted pants.

Finally, a Haldis Roll-Tab Henley Blouse from Skies are Blue ($58) was included in my fix. The navy blue color was rich and simply gorgeous. 

I initially paired the blouse with the black pants that I already had on. This would be a great outfit for me to wear in the classroom. It was comfortable but also looked polished and professional.

Since Layla had already awakened my Spring Fever with the raglan striped top and the gray trench coat, I decided to embrace the feeling and try the blouse with a pair of white capri pants and gold sandals. LOVE! Now I really need spring to arrive. My capri pants are a few years old and a little big on me. Hopefully Layla will send some cute spring pants in my next fix to go with my new blouse and striped top.

PS – my Paloma Leather Clutch also looked fabulous with this outfit!

And there you have it!
Five beautiful garments hand-picked by my personal stylist at Stitch Fix!

The Breakdown

Here is a quick list of what I decided to keep, and what I opted to return.

Mulliken Raglan Striped Knit Shirt from Olive & Oak ($48), KEEP
Kimmey Woven Trench Coat from Tulle ($88), RETURN
Emer High Waisted Tall Trouser pants from Margaret M ($98), RETURN
Rilo Graphic Printed Tab-Sleeve Blouse from Collective Concepts ($68), RETURN
Haldis Roll-Tab Henley Blouse from Skies are Blue ($58), KEEP

Try Stitch Fix for Yourself

Now that you have seen some of the fashions hand-picked by my personal stylist at Stitch Fix, try the service for yourself. You can create an online style profile for FREE. The process takes about 10 minutes and gives your stylist a chance to learn about your sizes, personal style and fashion preferences. There is no obligation to purchase anything. When you are ready, you can arrange for your first fix. For a $20 styling fee you will be matched with a personal stylist that will select five items that she thinks will be perfect for you. SHIPPING IS FREE.

Once the items arrive, you have three days to try the clothes on in the comfort of your home. Keep the items you love, check out online, and use the pre-paid shipping envelope that’s included in your fix to return any items that didn’t work for you. RETURNS ARE FREE. It’s that simple. If you choose to purchase any of the items from your fix, the $20 styling fee is automatically deducted from the cost of your clothes and you can save 25% on your entire purchase if you choose to buy everything in your fix.

If you are considering signing up for the first time, I would greatly appreciate it for you to sign up using my referral link. I make a small commission that allows me to continue sharing this type of blog post with all of you!

Stitch Fix Giveaway

I love Stitch Fix so much, I want to share the joy with a Kinder Craze fan! I’m giving away a $20 Stitch Fix gift card. Use the rafflecopter below for your chance to WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Another Chance to WIN!

My friend Marsha from A Differentiated Kindergarten is also giving away a Stitch Fix gift card. Stop by for another chance to win!

The post My 17th Stitch Fix Review and Giveaway appeared first on Kinder Craze: A Kindergarten Teaching Blog.

Valentine’s Day is approaching and love is in the air! Not just for families and couples, but for classroom teachers too! In honor of Valentine’s Day I am partnering with some of my favorite teacher bloggers to bring you a very special treat! We are hosting an iPad Air Giveaway. How amazing is that? We are also giving away lots of tech goodies, such as iTunes gift cards, portable phone chargers, Amazon gift cards, even an Osmo. I know you are probably very excited so let’s get right to it!

The Grand Prize winner will receive a 16GB iPad Air 2. You can use the iPad at home or bring it into your classroom. There are SO many wonderful apps that make your job as a teacher easier (let alone all of the amazing educational apps out there for students to use). If you’re looking for an extensive collection of educational apps, follow my iPad Apps for Teachers Pinterest board.

Follow Maria Manore (Kinder-Craze)’s board iPad Apps for Teachers on Pinterest.

Ready to try and win that iPad Air 2? Use the Rafflecopter below for your chance to score big this Valentine’s Day!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

As an added bonus, I am also giving away a portable phone charger (it can also be used an an iPad charger if you find yourself in need). Use the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win a portable charger! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

There are so many more great tech prizes up for grabs in this giveaway.

Click any of the links below for more chances to win!

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Happy Valentine’s Day from Kinder Craze!

The post Love is in the Air – iPad Air Giveaway appeared first on Kinder Craze: A Kindergarten Teaching Blog.

Have you heard the news? Staples now offers an expanded teacher supply section at Staples.com to help educators easily access classroom necessities with just a click of the mouse. They offer SO much online – everything from globes, to musical instruments, physical education supplies, even storage solutions! Then of course, there is their wide assortment of stickers and classroom decor.

To help spread the word about the Education supplies available online, Staples sent me a (not so) little classroom supply kit with some truly wonderful decor resources. I received borders for every season, along with lots of other goodies. Take a peek at just a FEW of the goodies that came my way.

Borders and Decor Galore

Let’s face it: bulletin boards come with the territory of being a classroom teacher. If you change your borders seasonally, you can now purchase a wide variety of themed and seasonal borders at Staples.com.

Personally, I’m a huge fan of borders that match my classroom decor and be kept up all year long. Of course they carry those items too! Sometimes my heart just leaps when it sees solid colored scalloped border. I love the potential that they carry with the ability to match any pattern or design.

And then there are the gorgeous glitter borders which offer all of the shiny goodness of glitter without any of the mess!

Of course, no bulletin board would be complete without lettering. I also received several packs of pop out letters from Barker Creek – in polka dots, chevron and classic solids.

I also received 4″ EZ Letters from Carson Dellosa in Red, Yellow, and Blue. Between teaching, blogging, and wedding planning; I don’t have a lot of time to spare. These pre-cut letters are PERFECT for my classroom needs.

As a final touch, several packs of Colorful Cut-Outs from Carson Dellosa were also sent my way – snowflakes, pumpkins and fall leaves.

The first grade students in the classroom next to mine recently wrote stories about building a snowman and their teacher used some of my new goodies to decorate the bulletin board. I LOVE how cute it turned out and she loved those pre-cut blue letters!

There is also a funny little glass display case in the hallway outside of my classroom. The other kindergarten teacher and I never quite know what to do with the case. It’s not big enough for student work and we don’t get a lot of traffic to our classrooms at the very end of the hall.

Staples also sent a Carson Dellosa Winter Mini Bulletin Board set my way and it was the perfect set for decorating that space.

I think it turned out pretty great, don’t you?

 Organize Your Papers in Style

The paper goods for teachers available at Staples.com are so much more than borders, lettering, and bulletin board decor. They also carry an extensive collection of stylish folders, nametags and coordinating papers from Barker Creek. From animal print, to flowers, geometric, polka dots and chevron; there is a style to fit every teacher’s taste. Filing student work never looked so good!

I think the items I loved the most in my teacher care package from Staples was the assortment of coordinating chevron papers, double sided accents and charts from Barker Creek. They are so trendy and sophisticated. Love!

Earn Teacher Rewards When You Shop

Each time you shop at Staples.com, you can SAVE with the Staples Teacher Rewards program. I love this program because it gives participating educators 5% back in Staples Rewards. Teachers also receive free shipping from Staples.com and earn 10% back on teaching and art supplies.

Enter to Win A $75 Classroom Kit from Staples

Now that you have seen a little preview of the amazing teacher supply selection available on Staples.com, you could win a Classroom Kit (valued at $75) of your own. Use the Rafflecopter for your chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you so much to Staples for sponsoring this amazing giveaway and for offering a newly expanded educational section! 

The post Staples Classroom Supply Giveaway appeared first on Kinder Craze.

Chinese New Year is coming and I have the perfect, simple craft for your students to make in the classroom in celebration of this annual event: paper lanterns! When I taught first grade, we celebrated Chinese New Year in the classroom and this was one of my favorite crafts to make during our China study.

The best part of this paper lantern craft is how few supplies it requires. All you really need is 12×18 sheets of red construction paper, a ruler, a pencil, and a stapler. I like the idea of decorating the paper ahead of time with yellow tempera paint and cookie cutters shaped like stars (mine were included in this pack of 101 cookie cutter shapes) because it references the flag of China.

To begin, I prep each sheet of paper ahead of time by folding them in half (taco style). I then use a pencil and a ruler to draw parallel lines that are 1″ apart and extend from the fold to 1.5″ away from the edge of the paper.

I know that it may seem a bit confusing so here is a quick diagram that should clarify how to draw the lines on the construction paper.

Once the lines are drawn with a pencil, the paper can be opened and the stars can be stamped onto the paper.

After the paint has dried fully, refold the construction paper and cut with scissors along each of the lines previously marked with a pencil.

The completed paper will look like this.

As a final step, reopen the construction paper and form it into a tall and skinny roll. Overlap the edges by 1 inch and staple the ends together at the top and bottom of the paper.

When your lantern looks like this, you are nearly finished!

As a final step, take a 2×12″ strip of red construction paper and form a loop along the top of the lantern so you can easily carry or hang it in the classroom.

And there you have it – a simple Chinese lantern paper craft.
It’s the perfect decoration to create and hang in the classroom while your students celebrate the Chinese New Year!

The post Easy Lantern Craft for Chinese New Year appeared first on Kinder Craze.

Seasoned elementary teachers really do have the BEST expressions that they use in the classroom to manage their students. I shared some of my favorite quotes from teachers on the blog last month and Kinder Craze fans begged me to keep sharing the quotes on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Tumblr. Today, I am thrilled to share my February roundup of #kindercatchphrase expressions from classroom teachers!

Take notes on your favorite expressions or pin them to you Classroom Management Pinterest board. This month’s quotes are a nice mix of straightforward, direct expressions and lighthearted jokes to get your point across.

Getting Your Students’ Attention in 3 Seconds

I use the 1,2,3… eyes on my expression in my classroom on a regular basis. I have also heard a really great follow-up quote for students to say: “1,2… eyes on you!”. If you discover that your students need a way to respond before you have their complete attention, this could easily become a very fun echo chant. Whatever gets their attention!

You Don’t Have to Be the Only Source of Knowledge

Students LOVE asking questions to their teachers. The more trivial questions you give attention to and answer, the more questions students will continue to ask. Even when their peers can help to answer the question. Even when the same student that asked the question knows the answer! Instead of enabling the cycle, it’s ok to stop and tell students to find out some information for themselves. Encourage them to ask their friends or find a resource that can help. The “what’s for lunch?” will never go away if you continue to answer it daily. Post a copy of the lunch calendar at a height that your students can read so they can try and figure it out for themselves. Most likely, someone in the class knows enough about the first letter of words to figure out what’s for lunch and I’m guessing that trying to read the menu will become a highly engaging and entertaining activity for the children in your class.

If all else fails, simply remind the class why you don’t know what’s for lunch – because you didn’t cook that day!

Toys are for Play, Tools are for Work

Hands-on experiences are a critical facet of how children learn and it is SO important to provide young students with as many concrete materials as possible when introducing new skills or concepts. Unfortunately, children will treat any new materials as toys unless you properly demonstrate and teach how to use the materials. It’s important to clearly convey the difference between tools and toys so that students use all materials responsibly. It’s also equally important to provide your students with at least a few minutes to “explore” the tools in their own way. Basically, this means to let the children play with the tools, but I never use the word “play”. I give a quick minute for the children to use the tools however they want on the first day they are introduced, before I demonstrate how to use the tools properly. After the first day, I give exploration time to students after they complete the assigned task. If a child opts to play with the tools when he/she should be working, that child loses the opportunity to “explore” with his/her tool at the end of the activity.

Speak in Terms the Students Understand

Young children can be quite egocentric and may not understand how their behaviors affect others. Most, however, have a firm grasp on the concept of taking turns. Next time a student interrupts you during instruction, try speaking to him or her in simple, direct language that the child can understand: “It’s my turn to talk.” Many teachers follow this up by saying, “and it’s your turn to listen.” The second statement isn’t necessary but it might help drive the point home.

Remind Children to Act with Love

Many educators build classroom community by encouraging students to fill each other’s buckets by acting in a caring and loving way. I adore the classroom expression “do your part to fill a heart” as a simple reminder for children to act with love. No need to mention the bucket, your students will still get the message.

Encourage Children to Become Problem Solvers

The ability to solve problems is one of the greatest tasks we are charged with developing in our students. Opportunities arise every single day in all classrooms for educators to encourage critical thinking skills. Often, lessons can be learned from behavioral choices that our students make. Taking a few moments to speak with children that make poor choices about alternative solutions to the problems they faced offers a meaningful way to encourage critical thinking and help the students learn from their actions.

It’s Not Safe to Tip in Chairs

Tipping backward in chairs may not be a safe choice, but many students do it every day. It doesn’t matter how many times the teacher explains why tipping backwards is not a safe choice (you know, because of the whole “you could fall backward and hit your head on the floor and then we would have to take you to the hospital to get stitches” thing), some students continue the behavior every single day. Sometimes the teacher just needs the behavior to stop and doesn’t need to waste her breath explaining why for the 300th time. Instead, just keep it simple with a very direct reminder to keep all four chair legs on the floor.

Sometimes Teachers Drop Things

When a student drops something on the floor, it could sit there for DAYS before someone takes note and picks it up. When a teacher drops something, the entire class scrambles to pick it up. Sometimes children even argue about who gets to pick up the dropped item. At other times, there is no discussion, just a barrage of arms and heads getting bumped. Unless you are 9 months pregnant, it’s much easier to pick the dropped item up yourself. No arguments, no bumped heads. Consider making a new classroom rule and using this expression each time you accidentally let an item fall to the floor.

Remind Children to Walk in School

As adults, we don’t have much interest in running around. We walk from point A to point B and we are perfectly content to do so. Young children are just the opposite. Traveling from one location to another is so much more enjoyable when you run to get there. The first time I heard the expression “walking is the speed limit” from the physical education teacher at my school, I was hooked! I love this statement because it has a playful, easygoing way of reminding students of a very basic rule that they have already heard a million times before.

When Working and Talking Don’t Mix

Collaborative learning is a vital part of any child’s educational experience and collaboration requires student discussion while they work. Some classroom tasks, however, are independent and require students to stay focused on the task at hand so that vital time is not wasted. During those moments, it’s ok to remind students to save their conversations for later and devote more of their attention to their assignments. “More working, less talking” serves as a great reminder for students during those moments.

Follow Kinder Craze on Social Media

My #kindercatchphrase expressions have been reader favorites on all of my social media channels. Stay in-the-know and see the latest phrases to help you with classroom management as they are released. Just follow Kinder Craze on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr. I share a few of my favorites each week. All previous posts are easy to find: just search for the hashtag #kindercatchphrase

You can also check back at the end of March for the latest round up on the blog. Become a subscriber to have the latest blog posts delivered right to your inbox!

The post Classroom Management Phrases for Teachers February Roundup appeared first on Kinder Craze.