Natalie's Sabbatical

sabbatical [suh-bat-i-kuh l] - any extended period of leave from one's customary work, especially for rest, to acquire new skills or training, etc.

Guess what??  I had my baby!  She is perfection.  I have been spending the last few months acquiring new skills {aka becoming a Mom}.  I am sad I missed some fun months of teaching materials, but there's always this next year to share them!

As for today I wanted to give all the Teachers and Moms out there encouragement to end the school year strong!  As Mr. Hardman finishes his last two weeks of teaching, I'm remembering how difficult it was/is to keep the students engaged when all they can think about is sleeping in, going on vacation, or fun filled summer nights.  Heck, I remember thinking about those things too!  I remember our principal would describe the end of the school year as an entire class trying to go down a playground slide together...and the teacher is at the front with feet and arms wedged into the slide to keep everyone from letting all productivity/responsibility/attention go.  Be strong teachers!  This same analogy can be made for Moms and their children.  I can't imagine trying to get kids up/ready/out the door {on time} when all you want to do is sleep in as well!  Be strong Moms!

Here are a few things that might help the last bit of school more bearable.  Good luck!

Pre-K - 2

Super cute and fun activity packs! {Pirates, Camping, Toy Story, & more!}  They are geared for Pre-K children, but with such fun themes, a 2nd grader can still find most of the activities fun as they finish up the school year!  Get these FREE packs at Over the Big Moon.


Teach students how to say 'onomatopoeia'.  Then teach them what it means.  Then let them make up short scenes using onomatopoeia words to be acted out in small groups or in front of the class!  Here is a video that will help in solidifying this awesome literary element!

3 - 6

Set and Krypto are great games that students love!  I bought I set of each for my family and I can't wait to play with my kiddos someday!  Even better could be some kind of tournament in your class/grade/family.
**BONUS! You can play Set online here.

Sidewalk Chalk Yearly Review.  Have students use sidewalk chalk to write out math problems, vocabulary definitions, and show art techniques.  Students can solve each other's work or after some time to work you can walk around and review what's been done by everyone.

Keep going!  Summer is almost here with a whole bunch of other fun and educational activities!

JNatalie