Ideas, Ideas, Ideas!

Three days of Common Core Training- check! Today was our last day AND we got out over an hour early. Woohoo! It was a good training, but I'm glad it's done. I'm excited though because I got some great ideas, not just for my classroom, but also for you! My mind is filled with lots of things I can make for TpT that go right along with Common Core. Yippee! I'm excited and can't wait to get started. In fact, I haven't waited! I came home, made dinner, and got right to work. I'm gonna share a preview with you, but I think the thing I am most excited about is going to wait a week. I'm being featured next weekend on Marie's blog, and I think I'll include this little freebie at that time. :) Thanks to The Hands-On Teacher in First for being so fabulous!
So Common Core is majorly into Phonics. Guess what?! Me too! I think it is SOOO important and I'm glad it's being pushed. I did not do my typical Phonics instruction this year, and I think it showed. So, I am back in action, full force. There was a lot of talk in class the last few days about Phonics programs. What do you use in your classroom? What do you like about it? Dislike? I really like Johnny Can Spell. We also do 95% Group, which I wasn't sure about at first, but I really see the benefits now, especially when mixed with more Phonics instruction in the classroom. Now on to the preview! Thanks to my table-mates: Jessi, Pam, and Miriam for helping refine the idea and being a great team to work with this week. We didn't know each other before, but I'm glad I got to know them. Hi, Girls! :) So, we were doing a spelling activity today and part of it was to skywrite the word, which means to write the word with your finger in the air. I do that a lot, but the comment was made that it is better to keep your arm straight out in front of you, rather than bent at the elbow by the side of your head. I believe that is because you can see what you are spelling, so it makes a connection with your brain. I think most of us, at least most that I have seen, always just bend at the elbow and do it close to our bodies. As we were talking about it, I said, it's like writing with a sparkler. The idea kept growing and I decided I am going to make Spelling Sparklers for my classroom. Awesome! it will help remind the kids to keep their arm straight, let them see what they are spelling, and it's fun! I'm going to make a paper version for everyone to use and a "souped" up version for them to use in small groups. I like the idea so much that my husband has practically convinced me to make the product and sell it for real. I'm really thinking about it. I think it is a great tool. We'll see. :) can you tell I'm excited?! Soooo, get ready because this baby will be ready for you next week. I know my kiddos will love it, and I'm sure yours will too. Anything to make spelling fun!

Check back next week and you might get this little gem for free! :)

Be fun and fabulous!

~Mrs. Sweeney