Thursday, June 27, 2013

Fourth of July with Throwback Thursday

Hi everyone. It's hard to believe, but it's been almost 2 weeks since I've been out of school. I'm loving every moment of summer break. We actually have a short summer this year. I'll be back to school mid-August.

It's funny, but as soon as the school year is over, I immediately start thinking about back to school and all the things I want to change and try. Do you do that, too?

Next year will be a year of change. Our {most wonderful} principal retired this past year, and we will find out {hopefully} by the end of June who will be our new principal. We implemented the Common Core standards in writing last year. This coming year, we're fully implementing the Common Core Standards. Change is good, right?

Today, I'm linking with Cara Carroll at the First Grade Parade for Throwback Thursday. Such a fantastic and fun idea!


With Fourth of July around the corner, I thought I'd throwback to some red, white, and blue ideas from my post last Fourth of July.

It actually was made up of two posts: Fourth of July part 1 and Fourth of July part 2.

I'm a quilter. Here's a block from my friendship flag quilt.

A group of us made quilt blocks and shared them with each other to make a flag quilt.

I incorporate quilting {lots of great quilting literature books - The Quilt Story by Tony Johnston is one of my favorite} into lessons throughout the year. 

I just love this book.

Quilting Through the Year by Paula Symonds
I always start the school year out making the paper quilt that's on the front cover. I'll have to take a picture of ours this coming year. The faces have so much character. Just plain cute. The paper quilt projects in the book incorporate social studies, math, and art. They also have patterns for various grade levels.

A Fourth of July paper quilt project.

{free download}

A sample.


Or how about a Fourth of July game?





For more Throwback Thursday ideas, click here.

And I hope you have a Happy Fourth of July.


Friday, June 7, 2013

Clipart Challenge


Several fabulous clipartists and bloggers have come together for an amazing Clipart Challenge hosted by Primary Possibilities!  Each blogger is featuring a clipartist and a product they made using that artist's images!  This is a great way to discover new clipart creators for your summer creations.   So keep reading and following the linky at the bottom to head on to the next post!  You may even pick up some freebies along the way!
 I am excited to feature {I'm a BIG fan!}:

Johnston Kindergarten Corner and Digital Clipart


Bobbi Johnston is a kindergarten teacher and also a graphic artist. Her background is in digital design. Isn't that a wonderful combination? I think it's such an invaluable pairing. Think of the endless possibilities for helping children understand new concepts with the aid of drawings and visuals {that you can do yourself}.

I can't wait to show you some of her amazing clipart {and some of my favorites}:

Camping Clipart Package

Farm Clipart

Beach Clipart

Circle Time Children Clipart

Classroom Furniture Set 2

Spring Critters Clipart

These are just a snapshot of what she has available in her store. Click on the pictures to purchase and see more of her adorable graphics.

Not only is she a graphic artist, but she's also a children's author and illustrator. All I can say is, "WOW!"

She's the author and illustrator of these books:

Worry Wart Willy Goes to School by Bobbi Johnston

Nighty-Night Snuggle Bug by Bobbi Johnston

Brave Little Soldiers by Bobbi Johnston

Click on the picture and titles for more information about her books.

I thoroughly enjoyed creating a product that features clipart from Johnston Kindergarten Corner and Digital Clipart. I chose Cute Lemonade Clipart. And they are precisely that - So CUTE, great quality, and so many amazing graphics are included!

Lemonade Math Activities and Centers

Lemonade Math Activities and Centers includes math activities and centers for first and second graders. Lemonade, lemons, lemonade stand, and summer themed activities are all fun ways for children to practice math skills.

A glimpse of some of the centers:

Lemony Slices missing addends and sums

Summer"time" Lemonade telling time to the hour and half hour

Sippin' on Lemonade missing subtrahends and differences

Lemonade for Sale money sort and count

Don't you just love the graphics?

I'm so glad Bobbi Johnston is sharing her talent by selling her digital clipart on Teachers Pay Teachers®. You can visit Johnston Kindergarten Corner and Digital Clipart here to purchase and see more of her wonderful clipart.

Follow the link below to find additional awesome clipartists.



Loading InLinkz ...