Are U Ready to Boogie? (FREEBIE!!!)

After being inspired by a fellow teacher and Pinterest, I started making 5-gallon bucket stools for my classroom and other teachers.  My students love to sit on them during Daily 5 for independent and buddy reading around the room.

 I also have five green stools for my guided reading table.

I hate to think about how badly things could go wrong in an emergency situation.  For someone who loves to procrastinate, I do feel better when I "think" I'm prepared for unforeseen emergencies.


Our school recently had a training about how to handle campus intruders and what to do if we have an emergency school lock down.  In the wake of Sandy Hook, I guess this is going on in schools all around the nation.  I can never be emotionally ready to handle such a tragedy because I really do love my kiddos and would hate for something so awful to happen to them.


I decided that the same idea could be used for emergencies and now I'm creating a class "Boogie Bucket."  I'm using large 5 gallon buckets that I fill with emergency supplies like a first aid kit, a flash light/radio, tissue, toilet paper, disinfectant wipes, duct tape, plastic bags, flash cards/travel games, a whistle, emergency contact info and student care packages.  Next week I'm sending home a letter to ask parents to prepare a Ziploc bag with things to comfort their child in case of an emergency.

There's a School Emergency Preparedness Freebie on TeachersPayTeachers and Teachers Notebook.

I included boogie bucket directions, a parent letter, comfort letter samples and student id card templates.

Take care ya'll and have a wonderful Easter Weekend!

Texas Symbols and a Freebie -Yee! Haw!

It seems like so long since I've written a post.  I'm sure you call all relate to the whirlwind of activity that is know as spring.  You know the signs - procrastination, dragging minutes, extended outside activities, piling paperwork, mounting deadlines and not to mention test anxiety looming in the air.  I am amazed at the number and frequency of programs, parent nights, open houses, meetings and training  that is occurs this time of the year. Now that's it's spring break, I finally have a chance to breath (and post).

Last week, we celebrated Texas Public Schools Week.  My kiddos studied about Texas symbols, history and traditions.  I just love the unit that April Larremore has about Celebrating Texas.  You should check it out - it's a great unit.  We did a few of the activities in class and created a Texas Symbols flipbook.  I just posted the foldable on TPT and Teacher's Notebook.

I always love a good freebie....so the first 3 people to comment on this post will get the foldable for FREE!

Have a GREAT spring break Ya'll!!!!