Goodbye July, Hello August! Yep, school is just around the corner.  Sorry peeps, I had to say it!

This is just a quick post about a few inventive ways to change up using timers in your classroom.  I shared this post on my Facebook page FantasticFirstGrade. The Busy Teacher's post is a quick read with 4 simple games to add to your aresenol.

TheBusyTeacher (Click on the link) Let me know which one was your favorite!

Happy end of July!

Amy Jordan

five for friday linky party May 20th

What a week!!! So much to share with you, so here we go!

What a day I had on Monday! This beautiful young lady turned 19!  We are so proud of all she has accomplished already!  She will be a senior and graduating with her Bachelor's in Dental Hygiene from West Liberty University.  

We were able to take First and Second graders to Seneca Lake Beach for a day full of fun in the sun!!! It didn't cost us any money and the students enjoyed designing and building their sandcastles!  Our Home and School even came and provided lunch to our students!  So blessed to work at a school that cares so much for our students.

Somehow we have been blessed to have a 6'8 child!  He has finally decided to play basketball and has really been working hard at becoming a good player!  He is also a SENIOR and my youngest!  I am going to treasure every moment before it ends.  I tried to share the video but after about 10 minutes of attempt, I gave up and just took a screenshot! I haven't blogged in months so I am rusty! Lol.

+ClassDojo for the win!!! I have been using this wonderful classroom management tool for four years and absolutely love how it has transformed the way I can communicate with parents.  I was able to share all awards given with parents through ClassDojo.

This little girl earned the most Dojo points for the year!  She is such a sweetie!  I only had 7 girls this year and they were absolutely the best group of girls a teacher could have asked for.  

Yesterday was my last day of school! Now time for some relaxation and finding a good book to read!

Have a Fantastic Summer!!

Amy Jordan

Fantastic First Grade

STEAM Lego Possibilities

Happy Wednesday!  It's been a long while since I have taken the time to sit down and post.  I am so excited that I am beginning to get a stash of Lego's for my classroom.  I was blessed to receive some Lego kits through donors choose. Here are a few ideas and examples of ways we have been able to incorporate our Lego's throughout the curriculum.

Students were given the challenge to make hearts from Lego's and building blocks.  When we get back to school, we will learn about the heart. (We are on Snow Day #8)

You may also want to visit Lego Education's website.  There are plenty of ideas.  

I also have a pinterest board full of Lego ideas.

Have a Fantastic rest of the week!

Amy Jordan

My 2015-16 Jungle Classroom

I apologize for being an absentee blogger!  I just haven't been able to take the time to share.  I am taking a few minutes to share my gorgeous classroom with you.  My husband is so talented and helped me design an amazing room this year!  We spent countless hours (literally stayed til 1 in the morning some nights) to get this done.  I am very proud of how good my room looks and my students enjoy being in Mrs. Jordan's Jungle Room!  The best part is how my AWESOME husband made a couch out of school desks for me!  My students love sitting their and reading!  The only way they are allowed on the couch is if they can tie their own shoes.  They must take their shoes off to keep the couch clean.  I only have a few students left that are real close to learning how to tie their shoes!

Have a great Friday all!

Amy Jordan

@fantastic1stgr

Let's do the PHONICS DANCE

Research has demonstrated that a strong understanding of the relationship between letters and sounds is fundamental in learning to read.

The Phonics Dance is a research and brain based literacy program.

 Virginia Dowd is the author/creator of this great program.  You can visit the sight to find more information.  

We use the Phonics Dance videos everyday and it really gets the students excited and they are also able to move around!

Ginny Dowd Phonics Dance Video

Phonics Dance Alphabet

Hunks and Chunks

Here are some pictures of how you could set up your own Phonics Dance bulletin boards check it out on my pinterest board!

Phonics Pinterest Board

I think I am going to have my students illustrate the picture for us instead of using these.  That way it gives them more ownership!  I can't wait for school to start! #BTS15

Have a FANTASTIC day!!

Amy Jordan

@fantastic1stgr

@fantasticfirstgrade on Instagram

#BACK TO SCHOOL SALE @TPT!

Now throw your hands up in the air!

Wave them around like you just don't care! BACK to SCHOOL TPT is BACK!

As I am sure you have seen around all the social media platforms, it's that time again to fill your carts and get those great deals! My store will be 28% off!!!  Check it out and see what good deals there are.

This is my newest product that I have made and will use everyday in my classroom.  I have made differentiated task cards that my students will use during math stations.  These cards will review those important common core standards that all students need to know.  I also added 120s hundred chart task cards for my students to use for partner work.   

I hope everyone finds what they need to make this #2015BTS a great one!!! Happy shopping and have a FANTASTIC year!

Amy Jordan

Fantastic First Grade

My RANDOMNESS! #Tryingtochillax

My RANDOMNESS

We have about 2 weeks before school starts!!!!  I have just heard that my room will be the last to be cleaned.  I totally want to change my room but may have to do it in baby steps throughout school.  I'm just going to have to be openminded and understand that things happen.  Hoping that this never happens again.  I have been in my room deciding to do what I can and try to help the process out somewhat. (Without getting into trouble)

 

We have about only one more week of camping! :(  This is one thing that we absolutely love to do.  Enjoying roasting hot dogs tonight over a campfire.  Roasting marshmallows in a little while.  Yummy!

I received an email from Class Dojo! So excited to be a mentor this year and learn how to incorporate Class Dojo using the new groups!  Have you tried Class Dojo?  I promise you, you will love it.  I may not use every aspect of it, I find that I use whatever works best for my students and parents.  Remember you don't have to incorporate everything that Class Dojo has to offer.  Pick and choose.

I have found a way to go #paperless and can't wait to share with all you FANTASTIC primary teachers.  

Lastly, I think I may have finally found the colors for my bedroom.  It takes me F-O-R-E-V-E-R to pick and choose.  It took me 3 years to find the perfect couches.  We have been remodeling our bedroom for over a year and my hubby is just patiently waiting for me to decide on exactly what colors I want to use.  I don't want to make a mistake because this costs us money and I really don't want to choose colors that I may eventually not like.  That's just how I am.  I hope I am not the only one like this.

Have a FANTASTIC Weekend!

Amy Jordan

Twitter/Periscope @fantastic1sgr

Instagram @fantasticfirstgrade