Made it Monday GiveAway and Freebie!

My old library box finally bit the dust. I have used an old scholastic box that book orders came in for years. It really held up well, but I wanted to clean up my act a little bit and have a spiffier place for students to return their books to. I found this bright yellow crate and bought some cute ribbon to weave into the holes in the box to give it a put together look. I hope this helps my Owlets remember to bring their books in each week so that they can check out more.

 I've tried to convince them to put their library books away in their backpack instead of down, but...You know what happens! I'm hoping this little incentive will help them remember, too! If they return their books on time five weeks in a row, they can pick a pencil out of my special pencil box! I have some great Smencils that I keep picking up on clearance, so this might do the trick. Would you like a punch card, too? click HERE for your own set! Two punch card sets are included.

Here is a little something that was pretty easy to make! Carson Dellosa asked if I would preview these...

These thinking mats are making it easy for me to set up math centers to get the school year started. Everything I need to make the center isn in this box except the dry erase marker. They are all aligned to CCS standards. Fifteen thinking mats help students to develop critical thinking skills that will deepen their mathematical abilities. Colorful, durable, fun engaging are some of the adjectives I would use to describe these mats. The mats have a learning guide with reproducibles for each learning mat holding students accountable for their work. Did I say fun? I meant to because I played with a couple of them today. Here is a great video showing them in use...

 This is probably my favorite mat! It looks so yummy!
Be sure to wipe of the dry erase marker after each use...I had to scrub hard when I left it on
for two days...Whoops! It DID come off!

If I wasn't sold on these I wouldn't give one away! I think these are great resources for classrooms. Though they are designed for 2nd grade they would be an excellent tool for the advanced 1st grader or the 3rd grader who may need some extra practice. Would you like one for yourself or a friend? I'm offering this as well as a winner's choice from my store and a 10 giftcard to Starbucks...I love my coffee!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 I made one more thing today. I feel a little funny about it, but I also want to do what  is best for my students. If you think this is totally inappropriate, please unfollow me! I wanted to sign up for DonorsChoose. I can't participate . . . I teach in a parochial school. DonorsChoose is only for public schools. I've always taught in a faith based school and LOVE it! I have always had students that come from families that struggle to make ends meet. My church is always ready to help families in need who are seeking faith-based education for their kids...One of the reasons I love my church family. I put a donation button over on the right along with a picture of the chairs and desks I would LOVE to have. Thank you, Karen! I headed over and found a group that will sponsor ANY school!!  I'm saving my change and empty bottles to try to make my dream come true. I don't think I can do it by myself! If you would like to donate, I would deeply appreciate it! I've been chuckled at by my family, but I know that if I don't ask, I won't get anything! Thanks for listening and stopping by!