Monday, July 29, 2013

Monday Made It and Mentor Texts! Don't you love linky parties?!

It's our favorite time of week where we can see everything our wonderfully talented blogging community has made (thanks to 4th Grade Frolics for hosting!).
I love scrolling through blogs to see what you crazy kids have come up with! You may being asking, "Amanda, what did you make this week??

Well...

Drum roll please...

I made....

A MESS!!! See:

 

Ok, I know, I cheated. However, that's certainly what I made! I went to my new classroom and there was stuff in every nook and cranny! So I pulled EVERYTHING out and sorted it by subject. I know it doesn't look like it, but this is one VERY organized mess  =)  I'm optimistic that I can get most of this put away with another visit or 2 to my classroom.

In other Linky news...

The lovely ladies at Collaboration Cuties are hosting their amazing Mentor Text linky. This week the topic is Social Studies books, and I have 2 books I'm just dying to share!

The first...

Martin's Big Words
This book uses quotes from MLK Jr. himself as well as some narrative to tell his story. It's a simple book that beautifully explains a very complex subject. Good for all ages.
 
The other book is much more light-hearted...
Toot and Puddle
Toot is a traveler. Puddle is a bit of a home-body. Both have a year long adventure as Toot travels the world sending post cards to Puddle back at home. This is a great book to launch a discussion about geography and map skills. It's also oozing with potential letter-writing activities and a character lesson about how friends don't always like the same things. Some of my darlings have gotten into spats because their friend doesn't want to slide and would rather swing. Talk about drama!
 
THIS JUST IN: Apparently Toot and Puddle have their own TV show. I discovered this while searching for the cover art for the book. It looks like youtube has several episodes uploaded. Well that's just dandy!

6 comments:

  1. Amanda, you can totally get that done in a visit or two! You will feel SO great knowing what you have and where it is. I think only other teachers can look at that room and know you feel better already because it is "organized!" Love that Toot and Puddle book,too! :)
    Carolyn
    Kindergarten: Holding Hands and Sticking Together

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  2. I have that same mess in my room and it is an eye sore! Hoping to have it all sorted by Wednesday. Gah!

    ~Amy
    http://middleschoolminions.blogspot.com

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  3. Hi I've just nominated you for a Liebster Award, for new bloggers. Go to my blog for more details. : )

    Felicia
    http://spunkysprogs.blogspot.com/

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  4. Hey Amanda!
    I sort of laughed at the picture (sorry!!)! Sometimes you have to make a mess to make it organized! You'll get through it all! Don't worry!!

    I love Martin's Big Words! What a great book! And I haven't read Toot and Puddle but just the title makes me giggle so it must be cute!!

    Thanks so much for linking up!
    Amanda
    Collaboration Cuties

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  5. Haha! I can manage your kind of made it, but I'm sure you'll have it ready in no time! I haven't read Toot and Puddle, but it looks cute. Will your new kids write me letters? I liked being a celebrity!

    Don't Let the Teacher Stay Up Late
    Follow me on Bloglovin!

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  6. Your mess made me laugh (sorry!) I know the feeling! That's what my classroom will look like in a few days!

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