How to create an easy Countdown Clock for your blog or webpage!

I recently wanted to add a countdown clock to a blog post of mine so I began the Google search.  Don't you just love Google?!  Anything you could possibly want to know, just a few clicks away.  Except for Chuck Norris.  Google can tell us everything except for where Chuck Norris is hiding.  Don't believe me? Try it.  Go to the Google homepage and ask "where is Chuck Norris".  Or save yourself some typing and click {HERE}.  Told ya so. :)

Back to the countdown clock...I found an VERY easy and free clock at Counting Down To...  There is the option to upgrade (pay) and change the color of your clock, but if you are fine with gray, don't bother.  You can choose to register or just start creating your clock.

1st- Name the event, enter the date, and choose your timezone.

2nd- Click embed

{The advanced options are for paying customers only.  You can change the text & background color, as well as the format.  Free clocks look like the one above.}

Copy the HTML code, go to your post draft, click HTML, and paste the code into your blog post. 

That's it!!  You have a countdown clock! Click {HERE} to see mine.  If you add a countdown clock in a blog post or webpage, I'd love to see it-leave a link to it in the comment section.

Psssstt...I have exciting news!!!

Phew.  The year is slowly winding down.  I have 5 school days and 2 hours left with children, but who's counting...

HTTP://COUNTINGDOWNTO.COM

I also have a new and exciting change happening next year.............  Are you ready for the news?

I am moving out of the classroom and into the library!!!  

This change has been quite the journey.  I have always loved reading and was a bit fascinated with books & the library as a child.  I had a wonderful reading teacher in middle school and I wanted to be just like her.    Fast forward a few years-I earned my BS in Early Childhood Education, taught kindergarten for 3 years, then went to 2nd grade.  I absolutely loved teaching 2nd graders.  They can work independently, read well, and are still sweet and love their teacher.  Most of them anyways...... 

So, about 5 years ago, I had that class.  You know the class.  The class you never forget.  The class that drove me to drink apply to grad school, in search of an escape.  As I looked through the list of degrees, Library Science jumped out at me.  Books, reading, and the library, everyday?!  A chance to instill a love of reading in lots of children?!  Teaching a new set of little faces every 30 minutes?!  YES PLEASE!  

Two long years later, I had my degree.  As luck would have it, my school librarian was planning on retiring after 2 more years.  I waited patiently, praying all things would work out.  Guess what?  They did!  She is retiring in 5 days and 2 hours, (but who's counting, right?) and I am anxiously waiting to move down the hall!  

I teach in a small, rural, Title 1 school and I love it.  We are a happy little family with a wonderful principal and great things happening everyday.  I wouldn't want to work anywhere else.

Now that you know what's going on in my world, I need your help.  What should I do with my blog? It's called Fun in 1st Grade.  I won't be 1st grade much longer... Obviously, I will not be writing about science experiments or math activities anymore.  I will, on the other hand, have lots to say about books, reading, and  Common Core.  (I'm a Common Core Coach for the state dept.)  Do I start a new blog and let this one drift off into cyberspace?  Change the name and the focus?  Write 2 blogs (that just might kill me!).  Please give me your input in the poll below and leave your suggestions in the comments!!  I am counting on you guys to help me!!

New Teacher Blog Tuesday & Freebies!

Welcome to Fun in 1^st Grade’s New Teacher Blog Tuesday!  If this is your first time, here’s what happens- Each Tuesday, I feature two bloggers who are new to the blogging world.  You get to learn a little about them and pick up a freebie or two! If you would like to be featured, email me at dml8609@gmail.com

Today’s first blogger is Ashley from

1.             Name of blog and link:

“FlyingHigh in First Grade” 

2.          Tell us about your blog and why you started it.

I started my blog to share my ideas and as a way to document the learning that was going on in my classroom year after year. I also wanted get ideas from other bloggers and meet teachers from all around!

3.            Tell us a little about your teaching background.

I have been teaching for five years.  I taught 4^th for 2 years and then my principal surprised me and moved me to 1^st for my 3^rd year of teaching. At first I wasn’t very happy to find out about the move, but in the long run I am so glad I got moved! I love first grade.

4.            What songs are included on the soundtrack to your life?

One of my favorite groups is Hillsong. They are the best at worship songs! My all time favorite lately is “God is Able”. My husband and I are trying to have a baby and we have hit a few road bumps along the way. The road is going to be a bit longer than we had hoped, but “God is able, he is on your side”. We will soon have a baby of our own, one day!

5.           What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?

The year my husband and I got married he decided to train for a half marathon. I decided that the next year I was going to train with him. We started in July and I was on the verge of tears after every run for the first month. I was so slow and felt like I was dying! Even after just a mile or two. I kept with it and it got easier and easier and I ran my first half marathon in December of 2010. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done! It took me a LONG time to finish, but I did it! And then I ran another in March 2012 and cut 20 minutes off my previous time. I am not a runner and still don’t consider myself a runner even after 2 half marathons, but for all those out there that think they’d never be able to do it, you can! I’m a living testimony that you can!

6.           What’s your favorite TV show?

This is the hardest question! I have lots of favs, but my NEW fav is “The Following” on FOX with Kevin Bacon. It’s about a serial killer who escaped from jail and he has a following of crazies that do his bidding! i.e. killing people! My husband and I are hooked!

7.           What is your favorite item of clothing and why?

My favorite piece of clothing is my denim chambray shirt. I can wear it with pretty much anything! It’s my go to for most outfits.

8.           Number of candles that appeared on your last birthday cake?

My last birthday was in March and I had 27 candles on it.

9.           What was the last book you read? What are you going to read next?

I can’t believe I’m even admitting this, but this book that I last read was about the color grey. I’m sure you now know what book it is J My next book on the list is the 2^nd in that series. Haven’t had a lot of time to read, but hopefully this summer I will!

10.        What was the last thing that you ate that you really shouldn’t of?

I love eating what I’m not supposed to! I am a sucker for cream cheese and I actually just finished off a whole block of it covered in raspberry chipotle sauce with wheat thins. Don’t worry, I had someone helping me eat it J But still, I probably should haven’t eaten it at all.

11.         Give us some links- Twitter, Pinterest, Teacher’s Pay Teachers, Facebook, a free teaching item etc.

TpT- http://teacherspayteachers.com/store/Ashley-Sanderson

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/FlyingHighInFirst

Free Item- http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/teacher-management-binder-covers

Sara is our next blogger and she is from

1.             Name of blog and link:  First GradeFuntastic

2.          Tell us about your blog and why you started it.

I started a personal blog about my family life.  It was fun to do and kept people up to date on my babies at the time.  Last year I stumbled upon some teacher blogs and found so many awesome ideas.  I thought that it would be fun to have a teaching blog to share my ideas and link up with other teachers who had so many wonderful ideas.

3.            Tell us a little about your teaching background.

I was a lead teacher in an infant room right out of college.  I then made the shift to teaching in a classroom.  I was a kindergarten teacher my first year of teaching.  I then looped with my first class to 1^st grade.  I was given the opportunity to pilot all day kindergarten so went back to kindergarten.  I loved it so much! BUT first grade is where I have landed.  I have been teaching for the past 10 years in first grade.  I love all the learning that takes place in first grade.

1.             What songs are included on the soundtrack to your life?

You Make Me Smile: Uncle Kracker (In my job, I have so many kids and people that make me smile daily).

I Won’t Give Up On You: Jason Mraz (I use this song on parent information night…just letting them know I will give 100% and won’t give up on their children)

We Are Young:  Fun. 

One Day At a Time: Jeannie Seely

These are the four songs I teach all my classes…they are upbeat and teach so much about having dreams and about life.  J

Rainbow Connection: Kermit (Love this song about dreaming)

I Love: Tom T. Hall (Favorite Childhood song)
What A Wonderful World: Louis Armstrong

Somewhere Over the Rainbow:  Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

2.          What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?

My cousin gave my mom a kidney last summer.  It was so hard giving them hugs as they were going to the operating room.  I was so scared that I would NEVER see my mom again and I was scared that something would go wrong with my cousin who did the most selfless thing that one could do.  It was a risky surgery and they are BOTH doing well today. 

3.           What’s your favorite TV show?

Right now…Duck Dynasty.  It is the one show that my WHOLE family loves.  We all sit and watch it together and laugh until our stomachs’ hurt. 

4.           What is your favorite item of clothing and why?

I’m not going to lie…my Forever Lazy.  It has been a cold winter and I looked forward to coming home and putting it on!  It was perfect for staying warm and snuggling up with my boys.

5.           Number of candles that appeared on your last birthday cake?

40!!!!  Yikes!

6.           What was the last book you read? What are you going to read next?

I want to read: Six Years by Harlan Coben

My Last Book Read:  Dream Class by Michael Linsen

7.           What was the last thing that you ate that you really shouldn’t of?

Plain M&M’s that I melted in the microwave.

8.           Give us some links- Twitter, Pinterest, Teacher’s Pay Teachers, Facebook, a free teaching item etc.

Twitter (I just got started with this):  https://twitter.com/sconnell72

Teacher’s Pay Teachers: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Sara-Connell

Free Resource: 

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Compound-Words-Spring-Freebie

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Life-Cycle-of-a-Chicken-Word-Wall-Words

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Teaching-Guided-Reading-Parent-Information-Night-Mad-Gab

Thanks for stopping by!! 

'Tis the Season for Memories!

   There are just some times in your life when your camera phone just won't do.  Don't get me wrong- I use my iPhone camera all the time; It's quick, easy, and always with me.  But when I want a really good shot, for my blog or a frame, I reach for my "real" camera.  I have a Canon EOS Rebel T3 that I absolutely love!  I am constantly amazed at how beautiful the photos are!  The Rebel is the nicest camera I've ever owned and I was pleasantly surprised with how easy it was to learn how to use it.  I am by no means a photographer, but you'd never know it with some of the pictures I have!
   The spring seems to be a time when everyone is taking pictures.  Maybe it's because everything is blooming and colors are popping up all around us.  Maybe you have a graduate graduating.  Perhaps you want to capture memories of several generations on Mother's or Father's Day.  Whatever the reason, Best Buy can help you.  They have a wide range of DSL cameras, action camcorders, and compact cameras with long zoom, low light, and wifi to fit your preference and need.  Like I said, I love my Rebel.  You can even bring in your old camera and trade it in for a Best Buy gift card!  What could be better than that?  Best Buy currently has a great selection of cameras at great prices, just click {HERE}.
   Once you get those perfect shots, you are gong to need a frame.  Best Buy has a great selection of digital frames {HERE}.  Want to save an additional 25% on your digital frame? Best Buy shared a special coupon with me to pass on to my wonderful readers!  Click {HERE} to receive this discount.  Free shipping is available on all cameras at bestbuy.com and with Best Buy's low price guarentee, you're definitely going to get a deal!
   I don't endorse products or shops that I don't like, so rest assured, you'll be happy with your Best Buy purchase!  Go on over and check out their cameras and digital frame discounts before your next photo opp presents itself!

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free

New Teacher Blog Tuesday!

Our first blogger I’d like to welcome is Becky from

1.             Name of blog and link:  Compassionate Teacher

http://compassionate-teacher.blogspot.com/

2.          Tell us about your blog and why you started it.

I started my blog for a variety of reasons.  My best friend Jessica from Joy in the Journey got me started reading teaching blogs.  I soon became addicted.  I loved getting fresh ideas and great freebies.  I began to contemplate sharing my own ideas and teaching adventures.  I have always enjoyed journaling about my experiences, so I decided to take the plunge and start a blog.  On a different note, I am an advocate for an organization called Compassion International.  Compassion is dedicated to releasing children from poverty.  I thought that a blog could be a good way to raise awareness and support to help children in need.

3.            Tell us a little about your teaching background.

        I am a second year first grade teacher.  Growing up, I thought I wanted to be a gourmet chef or an interior designer, but deep down I think I always knew I would be a teacher.  I have always loved working with kids as a babysitter, camp counselor, teacher etc.  In college, I enjoyed many different field experiences working with all grade levels from K-8.  Even though I enjoyed working with every grade level, my heart now belongs in first.  I love teaching first grade!

4.            What songs are included on the soundtrack to your life?

Casting Crowns: “Come to the Well”- I feel like this song was written for me.  It reminds me to leave all the cares of the world behind and just to rely on Christ for everything.

Tobymac: “Steal My Show”- I absolutely love the music and lyrics to this song.  I want God to “steal my classroom,” meaning that I want Him to get all the glory for all I do as a teacher.

Matthew West: “Do Something” -  This song challenges me and everyone not just to sit around and wonder why there is poverty and injustice in the world, but to get up and do something about it.

5.           What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?

    I would have to say that moving from Ohio to New Jersey by myself right after college to start my first year of teaching was pretty hard and intense.  Looking back though, I am so thankful God gave me the courage to do it because I love where I live and teach and have an amazing group of friends here now.

6.           What’s your favorite TV show?  This is a tough one!  I am addicted to way too many shows.  I would have to say Revolution or The Biggest Loser.

7.           Are you a Times New Roman or DJ Inkers kind of girl/guy and why?

Probably Times New Roman, although I am breaking away from that now that I have discovered how many cute fonts there are in the world.

8.           Number of candles that appeared on your last birthday cake? 23 (soon to be 24 in April)

9.           What was the last book you read? Kisses from Katie- This is an INCREDIBLE true story of a 22 year old girl who lives in Uganda and cares for those in need there.

10.        What chore do you absolutely hate doing? Sweeping!  I hate the annoying line of dirt at the edge of the dust pan.  It never goes away!

11.         Give us some links- Twitter, Pinterest, Teacher’s Pay Teachers, Facebook, a free teaching item etc.

·        Free Character Study Graphic Organizers: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8oEApArT5jdekoySTkydUZNcGM/edit?usp=sharing

·        All About Book Freebie: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8oEApArT5jdMFFOS294bFVQUUU/edit?usp=sharing

Our next blogger is Sara from

1.      Name of blog and link: Adventures In Fourth Grade Reading

                                        

2.   Tell us about your blog and why you started it.

         I started the blog as a way to connect with other teachers.  There are so many great resources out there, I wanted a way to connect with others.  I also wanted to be able to share what worked (and what didn’t) in my classroom.  I also was in the process of applying for a writing program in my area, and wanted to document the process.

3.     Tell us a little about your teaching background.

        When I say I’ve taught at least one day in EVERY grade, I’m not making it up!  haha!  When I graduated from college, I subbed in the district where I went to school.  While there, I did a long term position for a PreK with disabilities class.  After that, I made the jump to coach a high school swim team.  While employed as a coach, I filled several teaching positions in the school.  I then moved (again!) to a preschool/daycare/kindergarten where I was a Kindergarten enrichment teacher for several years.  (*whew!  Looking back just makes me tired!)  I worked there for about 4 years.  I then decided to make the BIG move from New Jersey to Tennessee!  A huge change, but one of the best decisions I’ve made!  I’ve worked at the same school since I moved here, four years ago.  I started filling in with two interim positions, which turned into a permanent teaching position.  I am currently teaching fourth grade for the third year.  This is my first year in fourth grade reading and I LOVE it!

4.     What songs are included on the soundtrack to your life?

        Oh goodness.  Music is such an important part of my life.  This is probably the hardest question on this questionnaire!

        Swim by Jack’s Mannequin

        Don’t Come Easy by Matt Wertz

        Zak and Sara by Ben Folds

        Sara Smile by Hall and Oates.  (Bet you can’t guess why I chose this one!  haha!)

5.    What’s the hardest thing you've ever done?

        Moving 14 hours away from my family was the hardest, but yet one of the best things I've ever done!  (Plus-I’m hoping they'll be on their way down here in the next few years!)

6.    What’s your favorite TV show?

        Being Human

        Chicago Fire

        Criminal Minds

7.    Are you a Times New Roman or DJ Inkers kind of girl/guy and why?

        DJ Inkers, for sure!  I like to march to the beat of my own drum.  I like to mix it up on everything I hand out! 

8.    Number of candles that appeared on your last birthday cake?

        30.  Woah.  Thank goodness my friends didn't really put 30 on it!  :)

9.    What was the last book you read?

        I’m currently reading Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi.  It’s the second book in the Under The Never Sky series.  It’s great.  I find that I read a lot of YA lit for several reasons.  First of all, I think it’s important to know what my kids are reading.  Second, I’d rather my reading be an escape than a serious topic!

10.  What chore do you absolutely hate doing?

        Dusting.  Hands down, it’s my least favorite chore.

11.  Give us some links- Twitter, Pinterest, Teacher’s Pay Teachers, Facebook, a free teaching item etc.

        Twitter:  SSheehan9

If you would like to be featured, email me at dml8609@gmail.com!

Fabulous Feedback Linky Party

I love reading feedback left on my TpT products!  It brightens my day to read about how something I created helped you in your classroom!  I am linking up with Christina at *Bunting, Books, and Bainbridge* to share with you some of the best feedback I've gotten.  If you see your name and feedback, you may choose any item from my shop.  Just email me your name and what you'd like!

*Click on the image to see that item on TpT*

*Border from The 3am Teacher*

Now get to shopping, because there are some great sales going on at Teachers Pay Teachers!

Here are a few suggestions:

*Leave feedback for items you buy.  You will receive credits that you can apply toward future purchases.

*Check with your favorite sellers and see if they are having a sale.

*Follow shops you like to receive notification of new products.

*Always contact the seller if you have a problem before leaving negative feedback.  

Giveaway Winners and 1 More Treat!

My blogiversary giveaway has ended and the winners have been notified!  If you are curious, click {HERE} to see who they were.  Thanks to all who entered and shared the giveaway.  If you didn't win...I have one more chance for you!  Pick Your Plum has donated a $25 box of goodies to giveaway to one lucky girl or gal.  This giveaway only lasts for 24 hours and you must enter on Facebook!  Click {HERE} to get there.

Thanks for being wonderful readers!  Have a happy Thursday!

New Teacher Blog Tuesday

Our first blogger today is April from

1.             Name of blog and link: A Day in the Life: An Educator’s Journey

2.          Tell us about your blog and why you started it.

       I have wanted to start a blog so many times over the past couple of years.  First I wanted to do something and simply write stories about my lessons learned in life.  Then as I created this blog, it came to me.  Write a blog about my passion.  I love teaching and love to share my stories with those I love. Why not share it with the blogging world?  So, here I am.

3.            Tell us a little about your teaching background.

       I have been teaching 5 full years and did a little bit of time the year before that, shortly after my graduation.  I have a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and am currently trying to get my act together to go back for my Doctorate in Educational Leadership. I have taught 3^rd, Kindergarten, First and Second, and in that order.  I love my job and especially love working with those in special need, whether behavioral or academic.

4.            What songs are included on the soundtrack to your life?

Broken Road- Rascal Flatts Version

After All- Meredith Andrews

5.           What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?

In life, go through a miscarriage with our first child this year.

In School, switch from teaching 4^th to Kindergarten 3 weeks before school started.

6.           What’s your favorite TV show?

       Pretty Little Memories

7.           Are you a Times New Roman or DJ Inkers kind of girl/guy and why?

8.           Number of candles that appeared on your last birthday cake?

I don’t put candles on my cake. If I did, it would have been 28.

9.           What was the last book you read?

Hunger Games Series

10.        What chore do you absolutely hate doing?

Cleaning the bathroom. YUCK!

11.         Give us some links- Twitter, Pinterest, Teacher’s Pay Teachers, Facebook, a free teaching item etc.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/April-Lahayne

My TPT store

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Steps-To-Success-A-new-twist-on-Classroom-management

My favorite Freebie!!! This is my classroom management system I created for this year.  I LOVE IT!!!

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fact-family

My Fact Family Freebie

http://pinterest.com/aprilla/my-passion-teaching/

My teaching board on pinterest

Our second blogger is Melissa from

1.             Name of blog and link:

My blog is called Jungle Learners 

2.          Tell us about your blog and why you started it. 

I absolutely LOVE giraffes. One of my life dreams is to go on a safari in Africa and see all of the amazing animals there. (Side note: last summer my husband and I went to Arizona and I found out that at their zoo they let you FEED the Giraffes!! So I made him take me to their zoo JUST so I could feed the Giraffes. We were surrounded by little kids in line and I think I was more excited than any of them!!)

Because of my love for Jungle animals I decorated my classroom with this theme and have named my blog “Jungle Learners”. I originally started it to be a way of communicating with the parents in my class, but have just recently transitioned it to be a teacher blog.

3.            Tell us a little about your teaching background.

I am currently in my 4^th year of teaching. I started in 2009 as a head teacher for a Head Start program. I taught preschool there for 3 years, until my husband got accepted into grad school last year for Physical Therapy and we had to move. I was fortunate enough to find a job after we moved at a private school teaching Kindergarten….and I am loving EVERY minute of it!

4.            What songs are included on the soundtrack to your life?

“For Good” from Wicked

“Love like Crazy” by Lee Brice

“Drivin’ Around Song” by Colt Ford (Feat. Jason Aldean)

“The Sound of Sunshine” by Michael Franti & Spearhead

5.           What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?

I thought about making something up to make me sound more exciting like wrestling an alligator in the Everglades or scaling the cliffs of Mount Kilimanjaro but the truth of the matter is that I’m not quite that adventurous. (Maybe one day?) One of the hardest things I have done would be graduating High School with my Associates Degree. I had to take a bunch of college credit classes during HS and go to college classes throughout two different summer semesters as well to make it happen. {Wouldn't have done it without my mom either.}

6.           What’s your favorite TV show?

My husband and I LOVE Netflix. Our hands down favorite TV series we've watched is Prison Break. We’re considering naming our first boy Michael or Lincoln. For real! We are currently watching Parenthood and love that series as well!

7.           Are you a Times New Roman or DJ Inkers kind of girl/guy and why?

I have never used DJ Inkers….is that where everyone gets all of the adorable fonts they use!? I usually grab fonts from DaFont or cute ones I find on Pinterest. The fonts I currently love are “Rowdy Spunky” & “Noteworthy” 

8.           Number of candles that appeared on your last birthday cake?

24, soon to be 25! My birthday is in May….hopefully I won’t have a ¼ life crisis!

9.           What was the last book you read?

Honestly, “The Luckiest St. Patrick’s Day Ever!” by Teddy Slater. OTHER than children’s books, I’d have to say the Hunger Game series. A-MA-ZING! (Is anyone else anticipating the next movie release in November!?)

10.        What chore do you absolutely hate doing?

Cooking! I don’t know WHY I despise it so much; I mean….we all have to eat! I have just never enjoyed it! I hope one day it will change, but in the mean time my husband is super good to me and cooks a lot right now. (And sometimes makes me help).

11.         Give us some links- Twitter, Pinterest, Teacher’s Pay Teachers, Facebook, a free teaching item etc.

Facebook       Teachers Pay Teachers      Pinterest

I always have “Fans only Freebies” on my Facebook page if you want to check out the freebie going on right now!

I also have a “Number Surgery” freebie at my Teachers Pay Teachers store. I did a blog post about it that you can read here. Or if you want to go directly to TPT and check it out click the picture below! {I’m working on a bigger unit to go along with this right now!}

If you'd like to be featured, email me at dml8609@gmail.com!