My web site finds for the week - Science and Math

I will keep this post short and simple tonight!  I know we've all been super busy getting back in the swing of things.  I feel like I go from 0 to 60 in no time flat, and I craaave those lazy summer days that feel so far away...

But I digress.

And here's my website finds for today:

The first has to do with math.  We are moving our way through place value and  have covered 5.NBT.1, 5.NBT.2, 5.NBT.3, and are starting 5.NBT.4 this week.  I've got the "back to school cold" which left me flat on the couch yesterday.  I can't be out of school, and we all know that most times it's easier to drag ourselves into school than to write sub plans.  SO, I was perusing the Internet looking for activities for my morning math block, and found this site:

East Peoria Elementary School District 86 

They have done such a nice job compiling all math standards for grades K-8 (I haven't checked out the other subject areas yet, but I'm sure they're fantastic too!) with activities and games.  They even have it organized by CCSS standards.  WOW!  

My kids loved the variety of games, and they met all differentiated levels of my learners.  They loved the Fruit Shoot, Decimals of the Carribean, and the football game.  The students had a fun review of the standards we've covered so far and they were entertained.  Success!!  

My second website is a fun one from Nasa.  We are studying the moon in science class currently.  They always ask, every year, "What is really on the dark side of the moon?  And I say, "Darkness!" and proceed to explain why we only see one side of the moon from our position on earth.  I found this video from NASA that shows the complete rotation of the moon here.

It's short and sweet, but it allows the students to see the dark side of the moon!

Speaking of the moon... have you visited Mr. Parr's YouTube site?  It's AH mazing and has so many videos that teach science concepts.  Here's a few for your enjoyment all about the moon! 

That's all for tonight!  

Making the classroom "homier" and a {freebie}

We have to make our rooms cozy and a place we love because come September, we spend almost MORE time in there than in our homes.  

So, to start, I drafted up some kid-spirational quotes for framing.

I picked these cute little frames up at Wal Mart (3 for $4.47).  They are 5 x 7, so I made my pictures formatted for a 5 x 7 page.

If you'd like a copy, they are here.
You can also grab them for free at my TpT store here.

Here's the final product:

What are some ways you make your room cozy?

September currently

I love September! I love the leaves that start to turn and the chill in the air...perfect for roasting marshmallows around a fire pit.  So I'm excited to link up with Farley at Oh Boy Fourth Grade for her currently September.

The first three are pretty self-explanatory, but let me tell you about my wanting!  My cousin and his wife had their first daughter on Saturday, Natalie Grace.  And let me tell you, she is precious!!  I visited her yesterday in the hospital and immediately fell in love.  Head over heels.  I can't get enough of the little lovebug!  Here she is: 

As for needing....I need some relaxation! I know, that's what summer is for, but it has been a rollercoaster summer. Amongst other things, the last crazy event of this summer is that my brother in law is getting married this weekend (I can't believe it's this weekend!) so we are traveling to the Cape for the festivities! I am looking forward to it, but there's always something magical about having a weekend that has absolutely no plans!!! I'm waiting for that!

And as for me... I want to set up one night a week that is just for a date night. It's so important and we've been slacking! So whether it's a movie date, dinner, or just being together, we're going to set aside 1 night for us!  Any clever date ideas?  I also want to hit the gym at least twice a week and MAKE myself go.  I feel so much better after (I just need to remember that).  Lastly, I want some me time.  Read a book, go for a walk, catch up on a dvr.  All of those are lovely and I don't get to do them as much as I want to.

So, how is your life currently? Link up!