Matter, matter everywhere!

So...I think I start every post this way, like I'm in the middle of a conversation and I'm just changing the subject...anyway, back on point! In this final quarter we are teaching matter and space in third grade.  Well outer space it practically teaches itself really because the kids are so into to but matter, I wasn't quite sure what to do!  I found some great units on TpT one from Hope King at Second Grade Shenanigans and another from More Time to Teach.

As A Matter of Fact Unit by Hope King and Matter Unit by More Time to Teach

These are both great and awesome resources be sure to check them out.  I decided to teach a few more things and created my own unit to go along with the other two.  My unit focuses on the properties of liquids and solids and physical and chemical changes.  There are 5 experiments/investigations that will have your students totally excited about matter and science.  You just need a few things from around the house or the local dollar store and it's easy to get started!

Click on the picture above and check it out my TpT store! How TpT helped you teach units/subjects that might be new to you or that you want to spice up a bit?  I know it's totally changed how I teach! It's also been great for my teaching team, I love to share the stuff I make and be a little inspiring :)

in other news...today I had the hardest AND longest run of my life! In total my run was 13.71 miles and I covered I climbed over 500ft in elevation.  I ran a road that had series of "wonderful" hills that pushed me to the brink!  It was a part of town that I really didn't know existed to be honest but in my misery of hill it was quite beautiful as well. You can see parts of two separate lakes on the road.  So in the midst of blogging today, my legs are throbbing and I can hardly walk...but something to look forward to next saturday... it's only a 10 miler, a flat 10 miler! (whoever thought 10 miles would seem like a dream come true!)

Who has 2 thumbs and 30 days left of school?!

This teacher!!! anyway... happy saturday and happy teaching

love erika

8 weeks left! (and a giveway!)

Well... it's that time of the week five for friday...on Saturday!

 This week was my first week back from Spring Break and surprisingly it was a great week!  We only have 8 weeks now until school is out. June 7th here I come! (I'm excited but I'm just gonna cry like a baby the last day! Do you cry the last day too?)

This quarter will be quite exciting in third grade, I'm teaching matter and the solar system! I found a great unit from Hope King at 2nd Grade Shenanigans on Matter.  Check it out here.  We have just done the first couple of activities but my kids we're super excited (which made me super excited too!)

Unfortunately the weather here in Idaho has returned to winter rather than Spring... so that's a big bummer.  I'm totally done with winter and I'd prefer to just move to summer... thank you mother nature!

Today I ran 10 miles in the wind (gusts between 25 to 35 mph!) it was kinda ridiculous to be honest, but I got it done, three years ago I started running and I never thought I would ever be able to run that far ever in my life but it sure feels good.  What do you do to relax, relieve stress? (have I asked this question before? lol!)

Lastly, I got inspired by all the Earth Day stuff on Pinterest (seriously how did I live before Pinterest?!) so I found some cute clipart and made up a new Spin It to Win It just for the occasion.  Here it is! What do you think?  I made a 1st and 2nd Grade that has numbers to 20 and 2 digit addition/subtraction and also a 3rd and 4th Grade version with 3 digit numbers and two different multiplication boards.  First commenter gets their choice of which one they would like!

 Recording sheet for both versions of the game.

 Game board in both the 1st/2nd and 3rd/4th!

Basic Multiplication fact board in 3rd/4th Grade edition!

a productive spring break!

I decided to take a break from the computer but at least I was successful in completely my newest item. I'm excited to use it when I return to school next week.  I've only jsut started using Task Cards but I totally love them.  I think I'll use them for the "Scoot" game. I haven't tried it yet. I'm sure my class will love it!

So here it is! Click on the picture to go to my TpT store!

Here's an example, what do you think?!

Thanks! Ok signing off for awhile-Erika