I love me some crafts! At Christmas, crafts are ALMOST expected and that gives me a green light at school to craft  away!  So of course, I am linking up with Ashley from Just Reed!

We went with a Reindeer theme this year!  I have to say ALL of the products were Pinterest inspired.  If I can find the original pinner, I will link it below.  If not, feel free to browse Pinterest for inspiration as there are many variations!

Thumbprint cards were a HUGE hit! Each student made a thumbprint for each family member.  They loved sharing about their family while creating these cards! Inside they wrote: Wishing you a Won"deer"ful Christmas!  So cute!

 

Reindeer portraits are my all time FAVORITE project!  We completed the teacher directed drawing together and then I called small groups over to trace the drawing in black Sharpie marker and then to paint.  I framed them in plastic frames and the kids were OVER THE TOP!  You can see the original pin HERE!

 

I have to say, I was caught up in all the crafty fun that I decided to make Reindeer water bottles for out party. It was quick and easy added excitement to the snack table!

And last but not least, the kids made their own reindeer mix snack bags. (Sorry about the blurry picture!)  I went with no tracers and gave step by step directions.  The students created their own reindeer bags.  I love how each one was just a little different and special!  This was a perfect time filler on the morning of the party!

 

So reindeer crafts are a wrap for this year! Don't forget to head on over to Just Reed to see other cute Christmas craftivities:)

Today is the first day of Christmas vacation for me and I have left sunny Florida for snowy Rhode Island and couldn't be happier:)

This week was a whirl win of Christmas craftivities and my students and I have a wonderful time. We ended out week with a Polar Express pajama parade, movie, hot chocolate, cookies and a bell from Santa himself!  After lunch we moved into party mode and celebrated with all things Rudolph!

 

 

 

The sweetest, most touching moments is when students bring a homemade gift or card in for me!  They are so excited and they crowd around to share a small piece of themselves with me! If you are struggling to come up with a teacher gift idea, head on over and check out Teachers Pay Teachers Gift Cards in several denominations! 

 

 

(You can click on the picture to purchase one from TpT.  You will need to log in to view this page)

 

I am linking up with Laura Chandler at Corkboard Connections and many other teacher bloggers in a TpT Gift Certificate Giveaway!  Each blog will be giving away a TpT gift certificate!! 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Remember your favorite teachers and teammates and spread JOY with a Teacher Pay Teachers Gift Certificate! When someone asks what YOU want, be sure to tell them a Teachers Pay Teachers Gift card too!

 

 

My firstes are working on place value this week, but are really struggling with number order and place value.  I started on Monday with a place value activity during math centers, but decided I needed to put the brakes on today!  We needed to back up and work some more on place value whole group!

 

So, I pulled my December Center cards and had my firsties pull out their dry erase boards.  Each child got a different card so it was a great way for me to see who truly understood the activity.  After a quick check, the cards were passed clockwise and we started again!  So much more fun than a worksheet!!

 

So my question on this not so "Wordless" Wednesday is "What are some activities that you do to replace worksheets?"