Enter to Win TPT $ for Back to School!

Check out JD's Rockin' Readers to enter a giveaway for two $25 TPT gift certificates!! We all like us some TPT $$$! Not to mention, back to school is just around the corner so why not try to win some $$ to help ease our way back from summer fun!

Grab Your Toolbox! Part II

Do you still have your toolbox because I have some MORE great tools for you?! Okay, well, maybe just a notepad, snipping tool, or your laptop to save these!

So for Part II I am sharing some websites you can use to level your library.

As mentioned yesterday, let me preface this all by saying no tool is exhaustive in its capabilities. Some books simply aren't found by any of them. However, having some leveled is far better than none! Also, websites have differing abilities, too.

1. Scholastic Book Wizard [complementary to app mentioned yesterday]
2. AR Book Find [we use this in my classroom A LOT to find AR quiz #s, too]
3. Level Books Database
4. PALS Equivalencies
5. Barnes & Noble Lexile Search
6. Lexile Text Measure
7. Lexile to Grade Correspondence
8. Readability [provides text statistics and leveling information]
9. Readability Calculators
10. AtoZTeacherstuff Leveled Book Database
11. Reading Level Conversion Guide

Now this site would be great to share with parents: Find Your Child's Reading Level.

I hope these help you as you head back into your classroom and set up your library. You may have leveled some, but I know I start to accumulate new books and want to level those as quickly as possible. How do you level yours? I use a white dot to write the AR quiz # and colored dots that match the dots on my book baskets by RL. It works, but it isn't perfect. :)

Grab Your Toolbox! Part I

Grab your toolbox because I have some great tools for you! Okay, well, maybe just a notepad, snipping tool, or your iPhone!

But first, what do you use for your book leveling needs? There are so many resources out there and it can get a bit frustrating when you don't know which to use. So, using my tech teacher background, (ha ha, really?) okay, using my I've-tried-every-freakin'-app/site-known-to-man background, I am sharing here! I want to save your sanity! Yep, you can thank me later! ;)

So for Part I (Part II will be tomorrow) I will start with the apps because they are great for leveling quickly when you're running around your classroom trying to set up and organize your library relaxing and organizing your class library.

Oh but wait, let me preface this all by saying no tool is exhaustive in its capabilities. Some books simply aren't found by any of them. However, having some leveled is far better than none!

Some iOS apps:

Book Leveler: This is a FREE app. It found SOME books, but you had to add your own book level. I didn't care for this aspect, but they say this is for you to level based "on your own classroom experience". My thinking is, if I can level them on my own, why would I need the app? Again, this is my opinion. BUT, you can see a summary, the author, and other pertinent information that you may find useful.

Scholastic Book Wizard Mobile: This is a great app! It had about 80% of the books I scanned in there. It provided 4 different types of book levels, and you can create lists (think: keeping track of books in your library you already have). It gives you the title, cover image, author, interest level, and then the reading levels by GLE, GRL, Lexile, and DRA. Did I mention this app is FREE?

Level It Books: This is another great app! It had most of my books I scanned. Just like the Scholastic app, it provides the GLE, GRL, Lexile, and DRA level of the books. Additionally, you can make wish lists or keep track of your library. A  book of the day is featured which  may pique your interest in new literature. This app is $3.99.

Book Retriever: This is an app that's more affordable than the last (it's only $0.99) and provides more leveling information (think: GRE, GRL, Lexile, DRA, Reading Recovery, Accelerated Reader) and allows for you to have students check in/check out books. But a pitfall is that bulk upload doesn't show the title  names and you would have to hunt for it and editing once it is in your library list is minimum. However, there's more information, most books scanned, and the check out feature is helpful!

Literacy Leveler: This app is another pricey one ($3.99) and provides only GRL, DRA, and Lexile which can be limited to others using other levels. This leveler, however, had information on every book I scanned (I tested 40 different ones for this post, not my entire library) and even books the other apps didn't get were in this one. That is definitely a bonus and makes this price tag more worth it. Please note that their database focuses on K-8. This was specifically stated so I wanted to mention it. :)



Now this isn't truly for leveling, but it is worth mentioning.

Classroom Organizer: This is another Free app. A feature I have used from it for a while is that the library of books you scan can be exported as an Excel spreadsheet. *angels singing* This helps when you want to keep a more comprehensive list on your computer for quick searching, adding of details, etc. You can also scan the books for check out and check in when students borrow them, too.

Grab your phone and explore!

What do you use to level your books? How do you organize them in your library?

Posh Primary is out of the dark ages...

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I am finally out of the dark ages! What do I mean? I am now on FACEBOOK! Okay, so I have had my personal one for years, but I didn't have a Facebook page for this blog. I mean, I am still trying to move everything from the old blog to here and well, as you can see, very time consuming or you'd see 5 years' worth of posts in the archive! Since my old blog wasn't on blogger, it isn't as simple as I had hoped. So anyway, back to my "no longer in the dark ages" post. Ha!

So, I found that I spend so much time connecting on FB that I may as well be over there with my blog offering freebies, planning having giveaways, and connecting. I mean, I try the Instagram thing (follow me @anarmywife4life) which after the Blog Hoppin' Scavenger Hunt I will definitely be revising the username, but I digress. I try Instagram, but since I am a talker, sometimes I simply need to talk, with words, and not take a picture. Not to mention, I am, as my son says, "jelly" of all these cute pictures. Every picture I take, no matter the app, looks, well, like a picture. Then I see these teachers so fun, and social, and every picture looks cutesy. I mean, can't there be an app for cutesy-ing my pics? Ugh. So, the written word, like FB allows, will be for me!

Maybe my age is showing? But 33 isn't too old yet, is it?

Clipart, Clip Art, We all {LOVE} cute!

I really want to let you know about an awesome teacher and graphics artist, Susanna, at Whimsy Workshop. She makes the most adorable clip art, offers it at 50% for the first 24 hours, and makes some wonderful primary resources! Seriously, she made my first year back in 1st grade so much easier (is it ever really easy??). I've personally purchased her Secret Sight Words, Secret Sentences, Phonics Code Bundle, both Sight Word Zoo Writing Bundles (they're now bundled together HERE), Phonics Poetry Read and Write,...and more. I can attest to her thoroughness, the quality, and the sky high engagement from her activities. So what are you waiting for? Be sure to check out her store: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Whimsy-Workshop-Teaching

No, this isn't an affiliate link, she didn't ask me to post this, nor is it for anything other than to highlight a true friend and her amazing abilities. If I ever go to Canada to meet my extended family, there will be a stop to see Susanna in BC!

Oh, and I didn't even mention the clip art I have purchased (and won on her FB page!). I just bought the most adorable Community Helpers set from her and made my first TPT mini unit. I have made tons of units for my classes over the years, but her graphics make these so much better and the first of TPT standards for me to post. So while you're checking out Susanna, be sure to stop by my store, too, and see some of her clip art in action!

Have a sensational Saturday!

Free Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Kit (K-1st)

Smile! Say Cheese!

Ewww! 

Ain't nobody got time for that! ;) {I know you're singing that line right now!}

We all love pearly whites, don't we? Well, our students deserve the very best, too! That's why I had to be sure and share this program. I have never heard of it before, but so glad I did!

Visit the Colgate site, and if you're a kindergarten or first grade teacher, you can request a FREE Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Kit for your classroom. The registration form is short and sweet. You'll be pleasantly surprised in February 2015 when you will then receive a video, posters, storybooks, curriculum, parent take-homes, and Colgate Kid’s toothbrush and toothpaste samples for each student!

Signs You're A Teacher on Summer Break

I have probably seen this post a few GAZILLION times now on Facebook. LOL Notice, I'm having to get my first grade words back in to use. :) Anyway, I smiled through this entire thing because of how true it is! If you need to smile, and you're still on summer break [you know you might not want to read this if you're back to work for the new school year], AND you haven't already read it/seen it, then click the picture below.

Have you heard? Designer Looks Giveaway!

I know we all enjoy a great giveaway. Add Creative Teaching Press in there and a giveaway titled "Designer Looks" and you know you've got a giveaway you HAVE to check out!

Do you see that? 10 people will win $200 worth of Creative Teaching Press items! Ooohhhh....let the dreams begin! Let's see, if I could spend $200 I would definitely get any of this for my black, white, and red motif to accent my pirate/chevron/polka dot theme:

http://www.creativeteaching.com/products/bw-chevron-border

http://www.creativeteaching.com/products/bw-calendar-set

http://www.creativeteaching.com/products/bw-incentive-chart

http://www.creativeteaching.com/products/bw-months-of-the-year

http://www.creativeteaching.com/products/doodles-dots-border

Got to have adorable letters!!!

http://www.creativeteaching.com/products/fancy-black-4-designer-letters

http://www.creativeteaching.com/products/red-designer-numbers

Teaching military children who are highly mobile means we don't have a particular culture characteristic of the area, but rather a wide array of cultural representations. It is vital that I embrace that and these characters would help me put that honor on display!

http://www.creativeteaching.com/products/multicultural-people-10-jumbo-designer-cut-outs

I turn my kiddos into scientists from head to toe - goggles, gloves, lab coats, clipboards, etc. and this would help spruce up our science area and the importance of science in the real world!!

http://www.creativeteaching.com/products/science-lab-6-designer-cut-outs

Then to really help them decorate their interactive notebooks I would have to get them these science stickers...24 sets of them at that!

http://www.creativeteaching.com/products/science-lab-stickers

I love using speech bubbles to emphasize reading concepts, strategies, or even things I repeatedly say. The best way? Using the kids' quotes!

http://www.creativeteaching.com/products/speech-bubbles-10-jumbo-designer-cut-outs

http://www.creativeteaching.com/products/fancy-fish-6-designer-cut-outs

I make a HUGE deal out of birthdays, too. Oftentimes, my students are celebrating while a parent is deployed, at training, or on TDY (temporary duty assignment away from the home) so I do what I can to make it extra special for them. I know these things would be just perfect!

To display:

http://www.creativeteaching.com/products/happy-birthday-bulletin-board-set

And to treat them....

http://www.creativeteaching.com/products/happy-birthday-crowns

http://www.creativeteaching.com/products/birthday-candles-bookmarks

http://www.creativeteaching.com/products/its-my-birthday-star-badges

http://www.creativeteaching.com/products/poppin-patterns-happy-birthday-scratch-n-sniff-stickers-cotton-candy

http://www.creativeteaching.com/products/stick-kids-happy-birthday-award

...and to help us start our first unit of math off right for the year which is a data unit, I'd have to get these awesome books!

http://www.creativeteaching.com/products/we-can-make-graphs-6-pack

Be sure to check out the Designer Looks Giveaway HERE.

State Sales Tax Holiday Dates Are Here!

It's that time of year again! I really get excited when I see the Back-to-School supply aisles, ads, commercials, and more. I know, I know. It is early July, but I love fresh school supplies. I always have since I was a little girl. Dorky?! So be it!

With the Back to School shopping season here you know that means sales tax holidays, too. Here's a list of 2014 Sales Tax Holiday shopping dates by state in the USA! You can visit the Federation of Tax Administrators Tax Admin Site to find out exactly what’s on your state’s tax free list and what all it includes.

ALABAMA  - August 1-3
ARKANSAS - August 2-3
CONNECTICUT – August 17-23
FLORIDA – August 1-3
GEORGIA - August 1-2
IOWA - August 1-2
MARYLAND - August 10-16
MISSISSIPPI - July 25-26
MISSOURI - August 1-3
NEW MEXICO - August 1-3
OKLAHOMA - August 1-3
SOUTH CAROLINA - August 1-3
TENNESSEE - August 1-3
TEXAS - August 8-10
VIRGINIA - August 1-3

Veterans Day

It is almost that time...Veterans Day. A day to honor those who have served and continue to serve. Since I teach on a military base, my military munchkins know what military life is all about. We decided to make Miss Kindergarten Love's adorable Soldier Boy & Girl Craftivity. You can find it HERE. The, since we get the grade level hallway bulletin board for November, I jumped at sharing our appreciation for our service members - their parents!

Here are a few pics of our bulletin board.

 

 

And just like all of their parents, my little military munchkins serve, too.

 

The Military Child’s Creed

inspired by the US Army Soldier’s Creed

I am an American Military Child.
I am a Warrior in my own right, and a member of a Military Family.

I serve with my Military Parent, who serves the people of the United States.

I will always place the mission first: to stand beside, behind, and with my Family.

I will never accept defeat.

I will never quit.
I will not leave a fellow military-brat hurting. 

I will stand beside them.

I am disciplined, but young; physically and mentally tough, but vulnerable. 

I will ask for help when I need it!

I am adaptable and I am resilient.

I stand ready to say “Good-bye”, whisper  ”I miss You” , and shout “Welcome Home”.

I am a representative of the American Military Family and the American way of life.

I am an American Military Child.



 

-I cannot find the origins of The Military Child's Creed. I did not write it nor claim to have written it.

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Educational Apps!

Have you seen the list of apps Verizon has compiled and collaborated with for discounts for educators and parents? I love me some bargains. Better yet, I love me some bargain apps. :)

Click HERE for the deals for iPads!

Click HERE for the deals for Android devices!

Last day...enter soon!

It is the last day for the awesome giveaway going on right now!

Think you already entered? Well, they added a last minute basket worth $800!!!!!! Go check them out now! Click on the image above to enter for all 18 baskets!

How to Leave a Clickable Link in a Blog's Comment Section

I have had a few of you venture to my page and ask how to comment on blog posts and 
leave your blog's address under your name as a clickable link. Want to learn how so that 
it takes people directly to your blog? It's easy peasy lemon squeezy. 

Type your comments and add your name. On the next line you want to type
<a href="URL of target site">anchor text</a>

The word "anchor text" is a description (the title of your blog) and is what will be displayed. 

For example, my blog should be typed as:
<a href="http://poshprimary.blogspot.com">Posh Primary</a>
and will display as Posh Primary 

If you want to display your URL and have it clickable just type
<a href="http://poshprimary.blogspot.com">http://poshprimary.blogspot.com</a>
And it will display http://poshprimary.blogspot.com

Told you it was easy peasy lemon squeezy! Leave me a comment and try it out.

Pen Pals - do you dare?

I have done pen pals and postcard pals every single year I have been a classroom teacher...except this year. However, I am jumping in again this upcoming school year with my fabulous firsties because I know how much it means to my kiddos. I mean, I teach military children who sometimes feel as if they don't have roots anywhere to really call home or they are in transition and missing friends. They feel so very special when they get mail from their pen pals. They actually look forward to writing their pen pals and it makes letter writing a breeze!

So have you ever wondered how to get matched up? Well, the fabulous Kelley at Teacher Idea Factory has arranged this....

Source: Teacher Idea Factory

Kelley has created a quick form for you to fill out by Sunday, August 4th. Then she will take everyone's responses and match us up with a pen pal that meets our specifications! How awesome is that? How fabulous is she??!!

So, if you are looking for an amazing writing opportunity to engage and challenge your students' minds, check out Kelley's post.

Farley's BIG Giveaway!!

Did you see who Farley teamed up with to offer all of us teachers a chance at $100 to spend?!
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SCHOOL OUTFITTERS!!

Source: Oh' Boy 4th Grade

She is trying to decide how to spend her $100 and now School Outfitters is offering us all the chance to spend $100 in their store, too. So visit Farley at Oh' Boy 4th Grade to enter her fabulous giveaway!

Free Classroom Subscription to ABCmouse

All U.S. and Canadian teachers can get a FREE classroom subscription (with up to 40 licenses) to ABCmouse.com. Also, for a very limited time, preschool and private school teachers can get a free subscription, too!

Source: ABCmouse.com

Go grab yours up now! This is great for PK-2nd grade teachers. While the site is dedicated to prekindergarten through kindergarten, it is a great site to use with struggling learners in first and second grades, too.

Moving Back to First Grade!

Well, I am so excited to announce that I am moving back to...

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...first grade! Not only will I be back on the first grade team, but I will be GLC (Grade Level Chair/Grade Level Coordinator). I am up for the challenge! Our team is different, even after just 1 school year (remember I looped with my class from 1st to 2nd?!), as 1 moved to Houston, 1 retired, and 1 is moving to 4th. Luckily, all those on this team were already at my school so I already know my entire team! It will be a GREAT year!

Aussie Pouch Chair Covers Giveaway!

Have you heard of Aussie Pouch Chair Covers? They are covers for your students' chairs with pickets to hold journals, just right books, folders, supplies, and more!

Source: Aussie Pouch Co.

Well, Ashley over at Just Reed is having a HUGE giveaway! The winner will receive a class set of up to 30 of these chair covers! That is like a $300 value! They are available in several colors, too. Be sure to check out Ashley's blog post HERE.

Teacher Rewards...Can I get a heck yeah!!!?

Okay, so as many know, I absolutely LOVE to find great deals, discounts, coupon and promotion codes, etc. If there is a deal to be made, I am trying to make it. :) With that said, there are a lot of teacher reward clubs/cards/offers, etc. out there and I just learned of a new one. It may not be new to you, but it sure was to me.

Jo-Ann Fabric (where I can pick up the new polka dot or pirate fabric I need) now has a Teacher Rewards program! You can visit Jo-Ann Fabric's Teacher Rewards sign-up HERE. You will receive your Teacher Rewards card in about 3-4 weeks (still before school starts for some of us!!) and you will be emailed a 20% off coupon. Yes, please!!