Valentine Word Trees

Valentine’s Day is Coming Soon- Classroom Ideas & Activities for First Grade

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Valentine’s Day Is Coming Soon

Classroom Ideas & Activities for First Grade

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about fun, meaningful classroom celebrations and learning activities that keep students engaged and excited about school!

💗 Whether you teach literacy, math, art, or social-emotional learning, this sweet holiday is a perfect opportunity to blend learning with celebration.

Why Valentine’s Day in the Classroom Matters

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about hearts and candy — it’s a chance to build community, practice kindness, and reinforce important academic skills.

Celebrations like card exchanges, themed literacy centers, and math games help students connect with each other and stay motivated in the middle of winter.

For primary students, this time of year can also be used to:

  • Build reading fluency with holiday-themed passages

  • Practice writing with Valentine messages and poems

  • Reinforce math skills using themed manipulatives and games

  • Foster kindness and social growth through class activities

Sweet Valentine’s Day Activities for Your Classroom

Here are some fun ideas you can add to your lesson plans this February:

❤️ 1. Valentine’s Word Work & Fluency Centers

Turn sight word practice into a holiday activity! Use thematic word trees, matching cards, or fluency passages to make reading practice engaging and relevant.

✍️ 2. Writing Valentine Messages

Have students write short, friendly notes to classmates or family members. This builds sentence writing skills, encourages capitalization and punctuation practice, and helps students learn to express feelings in words.

🎨 3. Art & Craft Projects

Simple crafts like heart collages, friendship bracelets, or class “love chain” displays give students creative outlets and brighten up your classroom for the holiday.

💗 4. Kindness Challenges

Create a kindness calendar for February with daily prompts like “Say something nice to a friend” or “Help someone today.” These activities support social-emotional learning and help students think outside themselves.

Valentine’s Day Games & Math Practice

Use themed manipulatives such as candy hearts or paper hearts to make learning addition, subtraction, and number sense fun and hands-on.

Sorting colors and counting hearts can reinforce early math skills while tying into the holiday theme.

Tips for a Smooth Classroom Celebration

  • Plan your schedule early so you have time to prep printables and materials.

  • Incorporate learning into every activity — celebrations can support reading, math, writing, and SEL.

  • Include a mix of independent, partner, and whole-class activities so every learner stays engaged.

  • Celebrate kindness as much as creativity — Valentine’s Day is a great time to reinforce inclusivity and empathy.

Quick Valentine’s Day Checklist for Teachers

✔ Print themed centers and activities
✔ Prepare Valentine card exchange routines
✔ Plan a class kindness challenge
✔ Set up literacy stations with holiday reading materials
✔ Gather art supplies for crafts
✔ Incorporate thematic math practice

Wrapping Up: Make the Holiday Count!

Valentine’s Day comes every February, but the memories and learning opportunities you build in your classroom can last all year.

With a thoughtful mix of academic practice, creative fun, and kindness activities, this holiday can be both joyful and educational for your students.

Let the countdown begin —

Valentine’s Day is coming soon, and your classroom is ready! 💘

Valentine’s Day Is Coming!

Fun Classroom Activities for Kids:

Valentine Sight Word Reading Fluency Word Trees

Can YOU Make 10? Making 10 Math Strategy Booklets

Can You Make 10? Making 10 Math Strategy Booklets

Be Mine - Place Value Game
                  Be Mine – Place Value Game

Sweet Treats Math facts for Grade 1
           Sweet Treats Math facts for Grade 1

Get your classroom ready for Valentine’s Day with fun learning activities, writing ideas, math games, and kindness projects for kids.

1stgradefireworks 

 

 

 

Vocab Banners for Classrooms That Actually Improve Writing

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Vocabulary Banners Are a Game Changer for Your Classroom

As teachers, we all want classroom tools that are easy to set up, useful for students, and truly support learning — not just decorate a wall.

That’s why vocabulary banners have become a game changer in my classroom literacy routines.

 

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/211317407494866485/

Why Vocabulary Banners Matter

Vocabulary instruction is most effective when students see and use words in meaningful ways over time.

Research shows that visual references like word walls and posters help students interact with academic vocabulary, build word recognition, and solidify understanding during writing and discussion.

In my first-grade classroom, vocabulary banners do exactly that: they provide a high-interest, visual resource that students can easily reference — especially during writing and independent work.

What Makes These Banners Different

Most decorations stay on the wall all year. But the real benefit of vocabulary banners is how I’ve built them to be:

  • Changeable without taking down the string

  • Easy to update each month

  • Clear visual supports for young writers and English learners

Here’s how I do it:

  1. String Up the Banner Once
    I tie strong yarn across my board or window — level, taut, and secured with a triple knot on each end so it stays all year long.

  2. Prepare Vocabulary Cards
    I print and laminate monthly vocabulary cards with big pictures and clear words. These become reference tools for students during writing, discussions, and centers.

  3. Slide Cards on the Line
    Instead of removing the whole string each month, I use a simple hole punch and slit technique at the top of each card so I can slide them on and off easily.

The result? Just swap the cards — not the string — every month. That’s the game changing part.

How Vocabulary Banners Support Learning

These banners aren’t just pretty — they help students in real ways:

✅ Boost Writing Confidence
Students check spelling or word choice independently while writing.

✅ Support English Learners (ELs)
Visual word cards make academic vocabulary more accessible and reduce frustration.

✅ Increase Engagement & Independence
When students use the banners during centers, writing workshop, or small groups, they build ownership of the words and concepts.

Tips for Quick Setup & Use

  • Choose a high-traffic space where students can see the words often.

  • Use visuals with each word — pictures + text help with memory and comprehension.

  • Rotate vocabulary by theme or unit (e.g., seasons, science topics, phonics patterns).

  • Encourage students to refer to banners during writing time instead of asking you for spelling — this builds independence.

Here are  my

  vocabulary banners

And so…

A GAME CHANGER

for me!

 

Final Thoughts

Vocabulary banners changed the way I support literacy in my classroom — and they can do the same for you.

They’re simple, effective, and a powerful visual tool that keeps learning front and center.

Here is the BUNDLE for the WHOLE YEAR!

GAME CHANGER!  DONE!  WAHOO!

 

Wendy

 

 

I lost my “GODDESS” Title this week. Make your substitute lesson plans!

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I Lost My “GODDESS” Title This Week—

Make Your Substitute Lesson Plans!

This week, I officially lost my “GODDESS” teacher title—and honestly? It was bound to happen. You know the feeling: the week when everything that could go off track does, your carefully planned lessons unravel, and you’re left thinking, How did I not see this coming?

That’s when reality hits—lesson plans matter more than we think.

When my son became a teacher.
He told me…
 
I had the IMMUNE system
of a GODDESS!
 
I must admit.
After 26 years teaching  first grade,
I had the “occasional” sniffles..
but I could 
KNOCK OUT THE GERMS!
This week..
I LOST MY TITLE!
The GODDESS was taken out!
Goddess Immune System

When the “Perfect Teacher” Myth Falls Apart

As teachers, we wear a lot of hats.

Some days we feel unstoppable—calm, organized, creative.

Other days?

We’re just trying to make it to dismissal with everyone alive and learning something.

Losing my “GODDESS” status wasn’t about classroom management or student behavior. It was about being underprepared for the unexpected.

A few missing plans turned into:

  • Scrambling for activities

  • Rushed transitions

  • Missed teachable moments

  • Way more stress than necessary

And that’s when I realized—

solid lesson plans aren’t about perfection,

they’re about survival.

This blog post is NOT
about how my immune system
“SUCKED” onto the @#$%^ flu bug.
It is NOT about the 5 days 
I spent in bed!
And…it’s NOT about the 3 days
of work I had to miss, due to a FEVER!
WHAT?  A  FEVER????
 
No. It’s about something we 
ALL should be doing monthly.
Substitute Lesson PLANS!

No teacher plans to be absent—but it happens. Whether it’s a sudden illness, a family emergency, or a much-needed mental health day, having substitute lesson plans ready can make all the difference between a smooth day and total classroom chaos.

If you’ve ever written sub plans at 5 a.m., this post is for you.

Why Substitute Lesson Plans Are Essential

Substitute lesson plans are more than a checklist—they’re a lifeline for both the substitute teacher and your students.

Strong sub plans:

  • Keep students engaged

  • Provide clear expectations

  • Reduce behavior issues

  • Help substitutes feel confident

  • Save you time and stress

When substitutes know exactly what to do, learning continues—even when you’re not there.

What to Include in Substitute Lesson Plans

Effective substitute lesson plans should be simple, clear, and detailed. Here’s what every set of sub plans should include:

📝 Classroom Information

  • Daily schedule

  • Class rules and routines

  • Attention signals

  • Student helpers or leaders

📚 Lesson Activities

  • Easy-to-follow lessons

  • Clear objectives

  • Minimal prep materials

  • Activities that don’t require explanation

👩‍🏫 Behavior & Management Tips

  • Seating chart

  • Behavior system

  • Students who can help

  • Notes on special needs or accommodations

Emergency Substitute Plans: A Must-Have

Emergency substitute plans are your safety net. Keep them ready just in case.

Emergency sub plans should:

  • Be stored in an easy-to-find place

  • Require little to no prep

  • Work for any time of year

  • Include independent or partner work

Digital copies are a bonus—especially for last-minute absences.

Tips for Writing Substitute Lesson Plans That Work

Want your sub plans to actually be followed? Try these tips:

  • Use bullet points

  • Write step-by-step directions

  • Avoid teacher jargon

  • Over-explain expectations

  • Include answer keys when possible

Remember: substitutes don’t know your routines—spell everything out.

Keep Substitute Lesson Plans Ready All Year

Sub plans aren’t a one-time task.

Refresh them each grading period and keep seasonal versions on hand.

Ideas to stay organized:

  • Create a sub binder

  • Store plans digitally

  • Label materials clearly

  • Reuse successful lessons

Prepared teachers sleep better—trust me.

 
Start setting up your lesson plan tub today!
Here are a few pictures of mine.

 

teacher lesson plans
Cute TUB!
Put it in a place and NEVER move it!
Mine is in my window sill.
My teaching partner knows where it is.

 

substitute lesson plans

 

substitute teacher lesson plans
Daily Schedules for MON-FRI.
Minute by minute. Right out of my teacher lesson plan book.
Specials all included.
Don’t forget a yearly yard duty schedule.
Subs know how to read it.

 

word sort papers
Run class sets of papers.
File them for  each day.

 

story maps

 

substitute teacher plans
I use evergreen Social Studies & Science newsletters
 as mini lessons.
   
Great for SUBS.
I can expand when I get back!
Add this to your teacher planner.

 

Math papers
Math review.
THEY ALWAYS NEED REVIEW!

 

Substitute lesson plans
I use ORANGE papers to separate the days.

 

substitute teacher lesson plans
LOVE MY TUB!
 
Now, between my Theraflu,
Tylenol, and Cough syrup
 
I will break this $%#@ flu bug!
 
I WANT MY THRONE BACK!
Me and my new BFF…LYSOL!
 
lysol spray the germs away
 
Put your SUB TUB together..TODAY!
Get those lesson plans done.
For when you are NOT there!

Ready to Simplify Your Substitute Planning?

Having substitute lesson plans ready means you can step away without guilt or panic. Whether it’s planned or unexpected, your classroom will stay on track—and your students will keep learning.

Future you will be thankful.

STEAM

Elementary STEAM Building Projects That Spark Creativity

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We jumped into STEAM—and our students couldn’t stop building!

Hands-on STEAM activities are a powerful way to spark creativity, encourage problem-solving, and build collaboration skills in the elementary classroom.

From simple materials to open-ended challenges, these building experiences help students think critically while having fun.

Why STEAM Matters in the Elementary Classroom

STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math—encourages students to think critically while exploring real-world problems.

In elementary classrooms, STEAM activities                 help students:

  • Develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
  • Practice collaboration and communication
  • Build perseverance and resilience
  • Apply math and science skills in meaningful ways

Best of all, STEAM gives students the freedom to experiment, fail, revise, and try again—all essential skills for lifelong learning.

Has ANYONE seen the Kevin Costner Movie…
FIELD OF DREAMS

Build it and they will come.

Field of Dreams

“Build it and they will come.”

It’s about never giving up.

Keep trying.

When others tell you that YOU are CRAZY…

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!

I  LOVE  THAT!

How We Jumped into STEAM (Without the Stress)

Getting started with STEAM didn’t require fancy tools or expensive kits. We began with simple building challenges and everyday materials:

  • Paper cups and craft sticks

  • Cardboard and recycled materials

  • LEGO® bricks or snap cubes

  • Tape, string, and paper

Each challenge was open-ended, allowing students to explore different solutions rather than follow step-by-step directions.

The Building Challenges Students Loved

Once we introduced STEAM, our students couldn’t wait to build! Some of our favorite challenges included:

🏗 Build the Tallest Structure

Using limited materials, students worked in teams to design and build the tallest structure possible—without it falling over.

🌉 Design a Bridge

Students created bridges that could hold weight while learning about balance, stability, and engineering concepts.

🏠 Create a Structure with a Purpose

Whether it was a house, tower, or animal habitat, students designed structures to meet specific needs.

Each challenge encouraged creativity while naturally reinforcing math and science skills.

Toy blocks

Toy Blocks for kids to build STEAM cities.

Building tools for STEAM

MArshmallows and toothpicks for ENGINEERS!

Math blocks

Math Blocks for STEAM

Lincoln Logs

Lincoln Logs for STEAM

Math Manipulatives

Math Manipulatives to use for STEAM

Cubes

Cubes for STEAM

CUBES!

Legos

Legos for STEAM

The best part? Watching learning happen organically.

Students who struggled with traditional lessons became leaders during STEAM time.

We saw:

  • Increased engagement and focus

  • Rich conversations about design and problem-solving

  • Natural use of math vocabulary

  • Pride in their creations

STEAM allowed every student to shine in their own way.

If you’re ready to jump into STEAM,

here are a few tips that made a big difference:

  • Start small—one challenge at a time

  • Ask guiding questions instead of giving answers

  • Encourage teamwork and discussion

  • Celebrate effort, not just the final product

Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s exploration.

Making STEAM a Classroom Routine

STEAM doesn’t have to be a one-time activity.

It can easily become part of your weekly routine through:

  • Morning tubs or centers

  • Fast finisher activities

  • Small group rotations

  • STEM/STEAM Fridays

The more opportunities students have to build and explore, the more confident they become.

Ready to Jump into STEAM?

When we jumped into STEAM, our students didn’t just complete activities—they built confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills that will last far beyond the classroom.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to engage students while supporting academic growth, STEAM building challenges are a perfect place to start.

✨ Sometimes, all it takes is a few materials, a big question, and the freedom to build.

Here are some classroom resources to help

Follow me on INSTAGRAM

       Follow me on Pinterest

Elementary Classroom Painting Activity & Lesson Ideas for First Grade

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Fun and engaging painting projects for young learners — ideas, inspiration, and classroom tips!

Discover fun and engaging first grade painting activities, step-by-step classroom tips, and creative art ideas to inspire young learners.

How do you work with first graders for a first grade painting activity?

Just hearing the word “paint” used to make me nervous — visions of spilled water, ruined projects, and frantic cleanup would flash through my mind every time. But when I started introducing first grade painting activities in my classroom, I quickly discovered something amazing!

At first, I was worried about what managing 24 energetic six-year-olds with paintbrushes would look like. My inner teacher was asking, “What will I have to deal with?” — but the answer surprised me.

Just hearing the 

“P A I N T”

word.

Sends shivers down my back!

I have nightmares of 

spilled water, ruined paintings,

our janitor YELLING ,

“NO!  STOP! NOT ON THE NEW CARPET!”

 Ok…NOT yelling…but  you know…”NO!”

Every time we paint — and I try to do a painting activity at least once a month — my students amaze me. They are engaged, focused, and proud of their work. What I expected to be chaos turns into calm creativity, with students quietly concentrating on their artwork for    40–45 minutes.

So, I guess

24 …   6-year-olds

sitting at desks, 

painting beautiful pictures

was NOT was I thinking about!

AND

I SHOULD HAVE BEEN!

I admit…it was ALL about ME!

WHAT WILL  I  HAVE  TO “Deal With”?

And you know what?

NOTHING.

Every time we paint

(and I try to do it once a month)

Why Painting Helps First Graders Learn

THEY AMAZE  ME!

These classroom art ideas didn’t just make art time fun — they made it meaningful. Painting gives students a chance to explore color, practice fine motor skills, and express themselves in ways that traditional lessons don’t always allow. And honestly, I wish some of my core lessons were this engaging!

Clean, quiet, detailed, HAPPY!

They worked for about 45 minutes…

TOTALLY  ENGAGED!

(I wish some of MY lessons were SO ENGAGING!)

How We Set up a Successful Painting Activity

I start with my BFF…

PINTEREST!

I have some GREAT pins on my boards.

Check them out!

Fun Painting Ideas & Pinterest Inspiration

Fun Painting Ideas & Variations

This months “painting inspiration”came from

Elyse 

@

PROUD to BE PRIMARY

And now we are…
ALL ready for JANUARY!

First grade students painting classroom art projects.

Here’s a few of ours!

They are sooooo cute!

AND

NO   SPILLS!

I think they are getting the HANG OF IT!

Classroom Tips for Success

Duh…   you mean with

PRACTICE

we get BETTER!?

I wonder what wonderful teacher gave them that ADVICE???

Anyways…

we will PAINT!

And we will PAINT..a  LOT!

We’ve already planned painting themes for the next few months — from snowy landscapes and penguins to nature scenes and even “still life” projects inspired by artists like Monet and Degas. Stay tuned for even more fun and artistic growth!

I’m thinking SNOW, and Penguins, and Nature Scenes.

Maybe some “still life”…    Hmmmm.

Watch out WORLD OF ART…

HERE  WE  COME!

Check out pinterest for more ideas!

Data Collection, again!

Data Collecting sends SHIVERS DOWN MY SPINE!

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Data Collecting!

 

The words that send

SHIVERS

down 

EVERY TEACHER’S

BACK!

WHY? HOW? WHEN?

Relax…take a breath…

go to your “HAPPY PLACE!”

 

Data Collecting is very important in education.

We as educators not only need to deliver
the instruction, but we do have the need
to ensure our students master and apply
the knowledge we are delivering.
 
For me, it was a
CHANGE of  MINDSET.
When I change my lifestyle, I need a WHY?
Why am I doing this? Why is it needed? 
WHY?  WHY?  WHY?
 
BECAUSE.

 

Collecting data is NOT about the numbers.

It’s NOT about “judging” my teaching. It’s
NOT about seeing 
HOW many of my students DID or DID
NOT master a concept.
 
It’s about looking for those SMALL
skills,
those giant holes,
those little tweeks that
are missing FOR THE CHILD! 
What areas are missing…so I can fill
them!
 
IT’S NOT ABOUT ME???
 
NOPE!
 
It’s about the KIDS!
 
Data is to help our kids.
 
OK.   So  HOW?
 
There are a MULTITUDE of  assessments
that you can use. 
In this day and age, I bet your district has
a LONG list of assessments
they want you to use.
USE them!
 
Don’t just give the test & move to the
next lesson.
LOOK  AT  THE  DATA!
 
You might be surprised at what you see!
 
I recently gave a math assessment to my
firsties.
We had spent 4-5 weeks (YES WEEKS) on
place value!
Tens and ones.  Tens and ones.  
OVER  AND  OVER!
 
After my “district” math assessment,
I noticed a trend…
On 5-6 of the tests  ( 25%  of my class..)
they missed 3-4 questions about 
adding ten to a number.
 
WHAT? ADDING TEN IS EASY!
 
We had gone over tens & ones,
tens & ones…   BUT…
 
I “assumed”
…remember what they say about 
ASSUME…
 
that it would be easy for them 
because they understood place value!
 
So…a week later of
SMALL  GROUP   math
  …adding tens to numbers
 
SHAZAM!
 
100%  on the place value review test!
So what if I gave the review test again?
They didn’t get it the first time!
 
It is NOT important that 
OUR numbers
 look good to others!
 
What is important is
DO THE KIDS KNOW IT?
 
Knowledge vs. numbers.
 
WOW!
A New MINDSET!
 
If you are looking for some reading/writing assessments 
to HELP your kiddos…
THIS WILL HELP!
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Activities-Bundle-k-3-2184410

How to Survive WINTER in the Classroom (with KIDS!)

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It’s Here. Ready or Not.

WINTER IS HERE!

It’s ALL about SURVIVAL.

Winter Survival.

Think JUNGLE. Think SWAMP! THINK SNOWSTORM!  EEEKKKKK!!!!

Our of bed
Yes you must get out of bed…YOU are the TEACHER!

You can do it. You are the teacher. 

Now, we here in NORCAL have rain, fog, some snow (in the Sierra mountains)…but YOU ALL have

WINTER SNOW DAYS!

And YOU get a SNOW DAY..and YOU get a SNOW DAY
And YOU get a Snow day!

NOT EVERYONE.

We get to go to school. No recess ( rain ). Short lunch.  BOUNCY KIDS!

So to help out with the teachers who are INDOORS in WINTER with a class full of students who want to be OUTDOORS…

I have put together a WINTER SURVIVAL Guide for YOU!

First and foremost, GET IT READY NOW!

DON’T WAIT! 

( You won’t have time to prep ALL of it the WINTER Day you NEED it! )

Have it ready to pull out and VOILA!  SUPER TEACHER!

Here are a few samples to help:

Baby It's COLD OUTSIDE Winter Centers
Baby It’s COLD OUTSIDE Winter Reading, writing, & word work centers

BABY It’s COLD Outside! Winter Language Arts Centers

WINTER Place Value Snowman
Do You WANT to build a SNOWMAN? Place Value FUN! Winter math craftivity for first and second grade!

Do YOU Want to Build a SNOWMAN? Place Value FUN!

Here are a few more

Winter Survival Products 

to check out!

The ELVES are Working OVERTIME!

Word Trees for Reading Fluency
Word Tree BUNDLE for Fall, WInter, & Spring. Reading Fluency for ALL!

Need some WINTER “HOW-TO?” 🙂 

Here you go!

 

Winter BUNDLE
5 Packet Winter BUNDLE!

5 Packet WINTER BUNDLE

Winter PINTEREST BOARDS 

So..Get READY, Get Set, GO!  

Get Ready for the WINTER SURVIVAL in the classroom!  HURRY! 
Get Ready for WINTER
WINTER Snowman

Breathe. Relax. and Remember…

The sun will come out…EVENTUALLY!  HAHA

 

FREEBIE to help YOU get ready for January

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Holiday-Grammar-Practice-Pages-1578132

Do You want to build a PLACE VALUE Snowman?

Do YOU want to build a SNOWMAN? A Place Value Snowman? YES!

Leave a reply

I know… more FROZEN! And Frozen 2

Sorry if the song will NOW be in your head…

ALL DAY!

So…let’s add some FUN!

DO YOU WANT TO BUILD A SNOWMAN???

I DO! I DO!

My firsties are working on place value.

Struggling a little with the different variations on representing numbers.

So, what is a teacher to do?

BUILD A SNOWMAN!

This packet allows kids to build a snowman

 AT THEIR LEVEL!

Snowballs are available in 

base-ten, expanded notation, math mountains, & ten sticks.

If they are working on building a number in base-ten blocks…

then only use the base-ten blocks snowball.

Want to extend?

Add a “expanded notation” snowball.

Challenge students?

Add a few more….mix them up & have them sort…use as an assessment!

WOW!  All in one!

Here it is!

Check out my PINTEREST BOARDS for MORE GOODIES!

Need MORE for Winter in the Classroom? CLICK  HERE

Have FUN! 

Wendy

Are YOU a HELPER ELF?

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It’s the 
MOST, WONDERFUL 
TIME OF THE YEAR!

 

SANTA  CLAUS  IS COMIN’ TO TOWN!

I work at a low socioeconomic,

Title 1 school.
This time of year can be very hard for some kids.
Some families DON’T celebrate Christmas.
Some families can’t afford gifts.
Some are VERY proud and won’t accept donations.
So…Santa doesn’t come to EVERY house.


via GIPHY

So today..we had  
THE TALK.

THE talk about what December, Christmas, and Santa
are REALLY  about.

GIVING & HELPING!

Today…we  became
HELPER  ELVES!

We talked about 
HOW we can HELP at HOME, 
at SCHOOL, 
and help our FRIENDS!
 
We talked about giving from the “heart”.
Our class meeting was SO enlightening!
My kids were SO engaged.
It was NOT about “ME..ME..ME”.
It was about “What can I do for OTHERS!”
 
Sniff..sniff..made tears of joy come to my eyes!
 
IT WAS AWESOME!
 
And so…
 
Santa, you can come to ROOM 3.
(I have a feeling…he will)
 
But for now..
 
WE WILL BE HELPING YOU,SANTA!
 
WE ARE HELPER ELVES!
 

 

 

 
To help YOU out…
 
I have some 
CHRISTMAS Goodies
for the classroom
in my TPT store.
 
 
Here is a FREEBIE
from my store!
 
MERRY CHRISTMAS, 
Helper ELVES!
 

 

I am a Cookie Exchange CHEATER! And YOU?

I am a COOKIE Exchange CHEATER!

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Bake Cookies? ME?

OK. I admit it. I am a Cookie Exchange CHEATER!

Have you been to a “Cookie Exchange”? 

You bring 1-2 dozen cookies.

You take home a variety of cookies…

as many cookies as you brought.

Here are some of the cookies made from years past:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AUIVybs91IafbDtkvVkRjnAtfnqJIhGchljvrBWewHyUgeExB8-nPHU/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/532409987183578029/

and these

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/532409987183644068/

And so…

those of you who know me…

I don’t bake…

well, I have..

I just don’t ENJOY it!

* I made a batch of persimmon cookies last weekend.

I felt I had to before the persimmons rotted.

YUCK!

Bad BAKER!

I gave them to the chickens!

And so…  What to take to the family cookie exchange?

Make it…..don’t BAKE it!

TA DA!

Enter..

NUTTER  BUTTER  REINDEER!

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/95349717084620212/

Check out my COOKIE Pinterest board for MORE ideas!

And so…

Will it be a Pinterest SUCCESS?

or

A Pinterest FAIL?

Here we go!

Supplies.

Lay out the Nutter Butters.

Break the pretzels into antlers.

Mix powdered sugar into

ROYAL  FROSTING.

(It dries like CEMENT…it holds everything!)

I think ..Pinterest SUCCESS!

The grandkids LOVE them!

So was I a COOKIE EXCHANGE cheater?

Maybe. But you know what?

The smiles & hugs made it ALL worthwhile!

Merry Christmas!