Cursive Monsters!

There is something about the end of the year that always gets me so behind with blogging! I think its the First Communion preparation, end of the year testing and constant events that keeps me buzzing around! I'm definitely going to have to do some catch up posts this summer!

 

But for now... check out these silly cursive monsters that we created during our end off the year rotations last week! As you can see, students used cursive and symmetry to create unique monsters! It's a great way to practice writing your name but can be used for any word! In the past we've made Cursive Vocabulary Monsters and had our monsters shouting out the definitions of our words! No matter what form, my kids just love them! In case you want to try them, I've listed the steps below.

Step 1: Fold one piece of computer paper "hot dog" style in half.

Step 2: Use a pencil to write your name as big as you can above the folded line in cursive.

Step 3: Sharpie your name and refold the paper.

Step 4: Take folded paper to the window and use a pencil to trace your cursive word on the back.

Step 5: Sharpie this new side, so that you have two symmetrical sides!

Step 6: Open it up, color it and add some fun eyes and/or embellishments!

There you have it! A cursive monster! Super easy and they all turn out so different. You can see the yellow monster below was written on the wrong side and still looks awesome! They're just a fun way to practice those handwriting skills, and keep the creative juices flowing as the year winds down! :)

Last Week of School

Every teacher knows that the last week of school is almost always the craziest. Between cleaning/tearing apart the classroom, fitting in those last second standards, finishing up projects and saying goodbye to your students, it's a surprise that we get it all done. 

This year was especially hard. I had to tell my students that I was moving back to California. Like the typical girl that I am, I totally cried. I told myself I wasn't going to, but when you say goodbye, and the kids start crying, which starts the parents crying... you can't help but join in. 

Before leaving though, I gave my students the below packets. At such a struggling school, I wanted the kids to remember that no matter how difficult their every day life and no matter how much they struggle... they are important, they are special and they can keep shining bright. 

Each Packet contained...

1. A Bible Coloring Book (bought at the Dollar Tree)
2. A summer activity, reading strategy and practice packet
3. A laminated picture of the class
4. A Butterfinger (since 24 out of my 25 kids had never had one)
5. And one of my favorite quotes ever...

For as much love and learning that this class gave me, it was a meager end of the year gift. Nonetheless I hope that I left them with more than just a Butterfinger and summer work. I hope they left with lots of memories, some self motivation and all the necessary skills to blow their future teachers out of the water!

 Gonna miss this crazy bunch of kiddos!