Spring has finally sprung in Northern Michigan and to welcome it and bring some color to my hallway, I had my students create these bright, fun and shapely bugs. While it was super simple, it also was a great way to reinforce shapes, practice scissor skills and discuss … [Read more...]
Astrobrights Brings Color To Your New Year Snow Friends!
January in Michigan can be downright drab and dreary. It's cold it's snowy and really really white! There's only one way to combat the lack of color, and that's by utilizing every Astorbrights® advantage that I can muster. A gang of brightly clothed snow friends seemed to be … [Read more...]
Monsterously Fun Bulletin Board
I have a bit of a problem when it comes to creating a Welcome bulletin board each fall for my kinder friends. I don't really have a traditional bulletin board. I have this series of long windows that face into the hall outside my room. That's my bulletin board. And . . . it's … [Read more...]
Send Them Off For The Summer with a School’s Out Freebie and Summer Review Packet
The end of the school year is quickly approaching in Michigan. I'm scrambling to complete all those last-minute projects on top of assessing, scheduling a couple of walking field trips and planning our annual kindergarten field day. What better time to offer a time-saving … [Read more...]
March Fine Motor Morning Work Stations
Here in Mrs. McGuire's class, we have St. Patrick's Day, leprechauns and all things green on our minds. That's why this month's morning work will have a bit of an Irish flavor to them. Luckily, my kinders indulge me and love all the mystery and intrigue that comes along with … [Read more...]
January Sensory Fun!
How many are too many sensory bins to have going at one time? Hmmm . . . that's really good question. But since I have never met a sensory table or bin I didn't like, I am probably not the best person to ask. I can tell you, however, that I have four going right now in my own … [Read more...]
New Years Reflections
So it's January 1st and time to take stock of the last year. While others like to make resolutions, I think I would just like to count my blessings and take a cue from my teaching partner Kerri and instead of a resolution, pick a word . . . a word that will be my 'go to' word … [Read more...]
November Stitch Fix To The Rescue and A Giveaway
Ok, so I'm like three fixes behind. But, I can honestly say that since September 28, I haven't had moment to step into a store and shop for myself. Granted, I am not someone who enjoys shopping in the first place, but with MacKale in and out of the hospital and home … [Read more...]
Building A BrightMinds Team
Have you ever had one of those experiences that leaves you reeling, your mind running a hundred miles a minute and your adrenaline at an all-time high? It's a game changer. It alters your outlook and your thinking and the way you will go about your business for days and, … [Read more...]
Mad Science Monday: Exploding Chalk Rockets
THE PLAN It's the same thing every summer. "Mom, can we do a science experiment today?" But "today" is everyday in the McGuire house. These boys can NEVER get enough. This summer though, I thought I'd better have a plan. So together, the boys and I have designated one day a … [Read more...]
