“Giftedness is not what you do or how hard you work. It is who you are. You think differently. You experience life intensely. You care about injustice. You seek meaning. You appreciate and strive for the exquisite. You are painfully sensitive. You are extremely complex. You cherish integrity. Your truth-telling has gotten you in trouble. Should 98% of the population find you odd, seek the company of those who love you just the way you are. You are not broken. You do not need to be fixed. You are utterly fascinating. Trust yourself!”

Linda Silverman~Gifted Development Center Denver


Friday 8 August 2014

Fifth Grade Fanatics Back To School Blog Hop


I shudder to think that back to school is less than a month away...but if you are like me, you probably never stop thinking about school in one way or another.   I am really excited to join in with other amazing 5th grade teachers to offer this Back to School Blog Hop!

I have come to realize that the first days of school are crucial for success throughout the rest of the year.  I like to have a really FUN first week, and let the kids know that I am not the scary, strict person they think I am going to be (well, maybe not AS scary or strict!)

I love to give gifts to my students!  Everyone says I spoil my class.  I would have to say I agree!  Each year I really enjoy creating my Back to School Survival Kit for students.  The faces on the students when they walk into the room and see this special gift always warm my heart!  Many of them cannot believe that they can KEEP the survival kit.


My family knows I start early to collect the materials necessary to create these kits.  I scour dollar stores to find everything I need.  When I am feeling the pinch financially, I put the materials in a cute paper bag.

Other years I have used plastic pencil boxes when I could find them for a good price.  I have seen a lot of them this year for a dollar or less.  Staples here in Canada has some really good quality ones.

This past year I started using pencil pouches.  I love that I can put everything on the list in the pouch and then have the message peeking out from the clear window.  I got mine in a variety of colours from my local Dollar Tree.

You can download my new and improved Back to School Survival Kit for Students by clicking on the image of the printable above.  

You can see more great Back to School tips by clicking on the image below to hop to the next blogger Elementary Teacher Files.




Our group of bloggers has a great pack of goodies to send to one lucky winner to help your year get off with a bang! 


Enter below:




Freebie Fridays





7 comments:

  1. I absolutely love that back to school gift and the message you give the children - so thoughtful and a great way to start the year!
    Growing Little Learners

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Pixie Anne! I LOVE giving this gift to my students each year. I like to change it up though, keeping it fresh keeps it fun for me. I appreciate you taking the time to leave such a sweet comment. Thanks!
      Sidney

      Delete
  2. I think it's great that you spoil your kids-it shows you care! I can't help it either! What a nice welcome to your class to see a "gift" waiting for them! I bet they brag to everyone about getting a present on the first day of school! Thanks for sharing and linking up my friend!
    Joanne
    Head Over Heels For Teaching

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for visiting Joanne....I always love it when I see your smile! Hope your summer has been going swimmingly...I have three more weeks til I have to go back! EEK! Can't wait to see what else you have up your sleeve for the coming year!

      Delete
  3. I do a welcome bag too. I just found a really cute post for a gift for parents too, it's called parent vitamins and goes with M&M's. One thing that I use pencil pouches for is our chapter books and sticky notes. They are the perfect size!

    It's a pleasure to be part of this hop with you!

    Rachel
    Mrs O Knows

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOVE the idea of using pencil pouches for sticky notes! I am going to remember that...I wish I had known earlier...I would have put a package of sticky notes on my printable! I think I will "stick" them in there anyhow! Thanks for the great suggestion!
      Sidney

      Delete
  4. I love the idea of getting them a pencil pouch! They can hold so many goodies! I think I'll keep that in mind when they start to go on sale and keep them for another year!

    ReplyDelete