Task Cards Galore!

My poor blog...it has been so neglected! I have been busy creating lots of task cards for my classroom. Since moving from second grade to fourth grade last year, I have been pleasantly surprised to see how well my students manage themselves during centers. I love task cards because I can use them in so many ways! While they are perfect for centers and small groups, they are also great for a game of Scoot or a scavenger hunt, independent practice, or early finishers. Here is a look at what I have been up to lately:

I am so excited to use these analogy cards with my students! They love animals, and I think this will be the perfect activity to use to strengthen their critical thinking skills. The QR codes are a great motivation for them...they love to check their work as they go! Click on the picture above to grab your copy from my TPT store.

Understanding figurative language can be challenging for students, so I provide lots of opportunities for practice. These task cards are great because they review: similes, metaphors, alliteration, oxymorons, onomatopoeia, idioms, and hyperbole. Click the picture above to get your copy. 

Even though I am no longer in second grade, I created this spelling unit for my second grade friends. This year-long unit goes right along with Fundations Level 2, but if you don't use Fundations, this unit will still be great for your students! It features weekly spelling lists along with tic-tac-toe homework menus for the entire list. The activities vary from week to week, keeping students excited about their homework. You could also use these in your Daily Five Word Work station. 

I've also been creating lots of math task cards for my math centers, but I will post those tomorrow. What are you working on right now? Have a great Monday, friends!

A New Classroom Job Chart...Finally!

After many years of using the same classroom job chart over and over, I finally made a new one! Don't get me wrong, I loved my set from Loving Guidance, but I felt that moving to the "upper grades" warranted a new chart. Here is the one I used for years...

After searching Pinterest, I came across this post from the Clutter Free Classroom. I loved her board, but knew I could not order ONE MORE THING before returning back to school. So I created my own version on a spare bulletin board I had, and I am so pleased with the results! I covered an old rocking chair with the paisley fabric, and had enough to cover the bulletin board. I will use mini-clothespins for each student's name. 

It is hard to believe that two weeks from now, the chart will actually be in use! This summer has flown by!

My first TPT products!

For years my teacher friends have told me I should be selling on TPT, but I have never made the time to actually create a store and start uploading products. Today, I finally got around to it!  For now, I am just adding the simple, easy items I have already created that I know are not copyright violations (ie, I need to check on the fonts that I have used to make most of my files).  I am looking forward to adding more products in the days and weeks to come, especially as I prepare to move to a new grade level. I LOVE TPT and also love sharing activities with my friends.

Making the most of summer!

We just finished our workdays on Wednesday, but since I had PBIS training on Tuesday and Wednesday, I had to finish packing up my classroom for the summer on Monday. Of course on Friday, I found out I was being moved to fourth grade. That would have been SUCH great information to have BEFORE I packed up everything! So instead of going straight into panic mode, my hubby took me on a mini-vacation to the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains. It could not have been more perfect! Since our boys were away at camp, we got to actually eat at restaurants that didn't have kid's menus! Heavenly!  Plus we ate dessert and drank coffee since we could stay up late and sleep in. What a wonderful way to officially bring closure to another wonderful year of teaching!

Moving up to fourth!

After 17 years in K-2, I am moving to fourth grade in the fall. I am nervous and excited! However, I am ready for the challenge, and am looking forward to teaching some of the sweeties that I had last year. They were a wonderful group! If anyone has a favorite fourth grade blogger or TPT seller, please let me know. I want to gather resources as soon as possible so I know where to get started! Thanks so much!

Welcome to My Pink Clipboard! I have secretly been blog stalking many of my favorite teachers around the country for years, and have finally given in to the pressure to create a blog of my own!

For the past several years I have been teaching second grade, which I love! I have also taught kindergarten and first grade, but I must say that I do prefer those independent second graders! This fall will begin my 17th year teaching, which is hard to believe! I have enjoyed our long summer break but am now looking forward to greeting those sweet, smiling faces in just a few weeks! I popped into my classroom for a few hours today to begin sorting through the boxes and piles from the end of last year. I am so thankful that I spent a great deal of time sorting and organizing during those last few teacher workdays (I don't always get the chance to do that!) because it sure made today much, much easier! I didn't take any pictures today but will have some to post soon!

Here in NC we have our tax-free weekend coming up, and I fully intend to make the most of it by purchasing those school supplies and cute classroom items I have had my eye on all summer. Anyone else planning to do the same? Enjoy your remaining days of summer!