KID'S KITE CRAFT TUTORIAL {free printable!}

For the teachers, parents, and construction-paper-craft-enthusiasts who follow this blog, I'm sharing this year's 3rd grade spring craft.

Materials:

1. construction paper
2. tissue paper
3. yarn
4. glue stick/stapler
5. scissors
6. fabric strips

Kite Printable Free

I drew, enlarged, and copied this outline on large 9x18 construction paper...enough for two pages each. Help yourself HERE.

The hardest part for the kids is cutting out the triangular windows.

Then, sandwiched between two cut-out kite outlines, cut tissue paper to the desired shape and glue in place to create a stain glass look. Next, staple a 12" piece of yarn to the bottom.

Finally, tie three to four fabric strips into simple knots up and down along the yarn.

Though not really in condition to take out and fly, they do make pretty window decorations!

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FOCAL POINT FRIDAY--purple, silky bra

The focal points of the week...best and worst...

WORST:

Tuesday
*(7:30 a.m.) I catapult out of bed at about the time I am supposed to be arriving at work.

*(10:15 a.m.) A few minutes before the superintendent and the entire school board parade through my classroom, I spill my berry breakfast smoothie down the front of my blouse and favorite pair of pants.

*(2:35p.m.) I walk exhausted into the restroom where I catch sight of myself in the mirror. I am stained, looking exceptionally tired...and in the early morning rush...obviously forgot to apply makeup.

BEST:

Friday
*Driving home from work today, Erickson's GMC electronic sign flashed a beautiful 67 degree  temperature.

boo-yah.

Especially since it snowed just a few days ago...




Ummm....So-So

Today
Anyone missing a purple silky bra? About a size C cup?

I found it. On the flagpole at the elementary school this morning.

Yes, your joke was very funny. But it had to be removed before my two little flag bearers arrived and became scarred for life.

My students lead a very sheltered, Rexburgian existence, you know.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

1.)

I got a haircut last week. {side view}

I think it's pretty shnazzy. {front view}

shnazzy (adjective)

snazzy, spiffy, cool with some sophistication, a snazzier update on snappy + jazzy 

2.)

Thrift stores are the BOMB. Brand-new $30 belt from American Eagle {with the tags still on it} for one dollar.

     bomb (noun)

1. (before 1995) Something really bad; a failure 

2. (after 1995) Something considered excellent and/or the best (uses modifier "the")

Once, I was sitting in a ward council meeting when the young Sunday school president used the phrase "bomb diggity." The juxtaposition of that phrase in such a serious setting, plus the fact that none of the old, balding brethren surrounding me even batted an eyelid, made me very, very happy. 

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     bomb diggity (adjective)

totally the awesomest, no lie

I encourage all of you to use it in a sentence this week and report back to me. 

3.)

It's still winter in Rexburg. In case you were wonderin'. 

4.)

MMmmmm...There's nothing like leftover pizza for breakfast...

Please tell me I'm not the only one. 

     left·o·ver  [left-oh-ver]
noun Usually, leftovers. food remaining uneaten at the end of a meal, especially saved for later use. Like microwaved for breakfast the next day.

5.)

On a clear day, this is the view of the Tetons from where I work.

     work [wurk] 
(noun) A worldwide slave labour organization run by *The Man. A place where people have to go everyday to get paid. 

     *The Man [th uh man]
(noun) The Man is the head of "the establishment" put in place to "bring us down." The Man wields power and seeks to oppress.  In some cases, it's a male Caucasian between the ages of 60-70, with a buzzed head, and an unnatural love for the sound of his own voice. 

6.)

I thought this sunset from the other night was the bomb diggity. So I thought I'd share. 


That's all. Aren't you glad we had this talk?

TEACHING SCENE TUESDAY--dear scrooge,

The final day before Christmas vacation (a Monday), was going to be a total bust. And then I got a substitute to cover my class on top of that because Andrew and I wanted to celebrate graduation/anniversary in style. SO, my lesson plans basically consisted of watching holiday movies...one being A Muppet Christmas Carol. The kids wrote letters after the show and this one made me laugh out loud:

Dear Scrooge,

You were not very nice. We were glad the ghosts came to see you and help you be nice. That was nice of you to bring the turkey to Bob's family. That was sad you didn't get married but we hope you fall in love someday.

Love,

*Mary and Suzie

*Names have been changed to protect the innocent. =)

TEACHING SCENE TUESDAY--cool kids

The number of children's books I own probably reaches the thousands. No exaggeration. It allows me to keep the class library well stocked and the books fresh and rotated through the year. 

But, of all those books that I have to offer, the most popular book...the one that never stays on the shelf more than a day...that has exchanged hands continually since September...and has undergone the most wear of any other...is all about how to be "cool" in the third grade. 
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They don't ever talk about it though. It rotates around the room quietly, as if in secret. 
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This strikes me as so...funny/precious/kinda pathetic. 
Who knew 8-year-olds had this dilemma so heavily on the brain?

TEACHING SCENE TUESDAY--achin' for bacon

There is a student in my class who I love a lot. He is so weird and quirky and funny. He's the sweetest thing and makes me laugh on a daily basis. Recently, he quipped the following to me:

"Mrs. Ashmore, you know what we should do? At the end of the year, let's have a party with bacon ...because I like bacon. And cupcakes. Everyone likes cupcakes. Can we do that, Mrs. Ashmore?"

A few minutes later, I heard him exclaim to no one in particular, his head buried in his desk:

"That's where my mustache went!"

...And because I'm at a loss for a way to follow that, I'll just end now.

Until next time,

Mrs. Ashmore

THANKFUL THURSDAY--thankful tree

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Every year, our class writes what they are thankful for on construction paper leaves, and arranges them on our thankful tree. 


Of course there are the usual and expected:
I am thankful for...

• my family
• friends
• mom
• dad
• Mrs. Ashmore
• school

But being from a predominately LDS community, our tree also holds leaves that say: 

I am thankful for...

• the scriptures
• the temple
• Heavenly Father
• Jesus
• the church

And then there are the unique ones that remind why I just love these kids: 

I am thankful for...

• ME!
• A voice
• doughnuts
• milk and water
• flowers in my yard
• a birthday
• sports
• turkeys
• Pokemon cards

SNOW DAY.

The alarm went off, and I smiled. The wind was still moaning against the window pane. This was a good sign.

I ripped off the covers and ran straight for the computer. Andrew was up right behind me, beelining for the radio in the kitchen.

No news yet.

I made my way back to bedroom, stopping several times to pull back the curtains and scrutinize the whirling snowfall. The wind seemed fierce enough to me. But you never can tell for sure.

I dressed slowly, despite knowing I would need more time to drive to work today. I was listening carefully to the newscasters in the other room.

Where was my phone? I quickly found it buried beneath the flannel sheets. Turning the volume up several notches, I slid it into my pocket and strolled off to brush my teeth.

Last night, I had viewed the accumulation with suspicion. In spite of an already prepared to-do list (just in case, you see), I couldn't allow for too much hope. This is Rexburg, Idaho, after all. Suddenly, I heard magical keywords floating in from the kitchen.

"...schools...."

"...closures..."

I skittered across the cold, wood floor in time to hear the morning DJ announce, "...after this song." Sliding to a stop, I forlornly turned and headed back toward the bathroom.

Meandering past wads of scattered Kleenex, I sighed deeply and ran my hands through my hair. Oh, how I need this! Homework, report cards, laundry...not to mention my sanity. I could imagine thousands of children and teachers, anxiously pacing their southeast Idaho homes. All going crazy with suspense.

Just then, the front door flew open, and Andrew stomped in covered with snow. He had been shoveling through the drifts across our driveway.

"We're the only house on the block with snow!"

I smiled at his exasperation. But mostly, I smiled at what was another very good sign.

After chugging a glass of water, he tromped back out, while I went to check the computer again for some news.

But then...there came, floating up from my pocket, the most joy-filled little jingle. I don't get calls at six in the morning unless...

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A combination of the wind, my hoarse sore throat, and Andrew bundled up to his eyeballs, I doubt he heard a word of my jubilation. But my quivering, happy dance on the front stoop left no room for question as to the news, I'm sure. The neighbor's double take at my celebration, from across the street, didn't even phase me.

Looking over the wind carved designs in our yard very nearly made me cry. It was going to be a glorious snow day.

FOCAL POINT FRIDAY--Geeky Fun

Howdy, folks. This week's focal points...

BEST:

Friday night, we went to see the long awaited Harry Potter movie. Andrew's been preparing with the earlier films for weeks. 

The new Harry Potter movies are really the only flicks we deem worthy of paying full price in the theater for. Usually, we just wait to Red Box 'em. 

The verdict? 

• Because this book has been divided into two movies, it was fun how true to the book they were able to stay. 
• The special effects were incredible.
• It certainly earned its PG-13 rating. 
• Some scenes seemed much more intense and emotional in the book than in the movie. Such as: killing Nagini and Ron destroying the horcrux.
• The acting sure improves each time.
• Overall, we LOVED it. 

WORST:

I don't really want to talk about it. 

But an evening spent pouting spurred me to give it some thought. I don't want the grumpiness in one aspect of my life to begin poisoning home. And my recent habit of negative thought and speech is transforming me into a bitter, unhappier me. By bedtime I concluded, and felt a distinct impression, that I need a serious attitude adjustment. 

No more gossip. A mindset steeped with gratitude. And a stronger daily reliance on the Atonement. {Why do I insist on doing it alone?}

Well, here comes another week.

Wish me luck. 

TEACHING SCENE TUESDAY--Romance

I overheard the following statements from a certain big-personality-endowed student of mine:

"Romance is disaster!" 
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"But apparently, you have to use it or you can't get married."




Oh, how I wish I had caught the entire conversation!

FOCAL POINT FRIDAY--bleh

Here are this week's focal points.

Only one more Friday before Thanksgiving break.

WORST:

I feel like crap. My throat burneth, my nose runneth, and my head hurteth like the dickens (if anyone knows what "the dickens" are exactly, please share. 'Cause I haven't the foggiest). 

In a netshell...I am sick. And managing a classroom this way is miserable.




BEST:
Becca left this week for New York City.

Don't misunderstand me. I'm not happy to get rid of her...I'm just happy she's so happy. It was a highly competitive internship expedition, and her acceptance is something to be proud of.

She's becoming quite the traveling lady. She was back from Europe only a couple of months ago, and now she is off to the The Big Apple.

Plus, she modeled and made me analyze every outfit she packed...for New-York-City-fashion-appropriateness. Like I would know.
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But it made me feel involved. And I expect a dang good souvenir gift as payment for my input when she returns.

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I realize this isn't the best thing to happen to me this week. But this news just beats out all of my languishing on the couch surrounded by used Kleenex.

Near death, I might add.

TEACHING SCENE TUESDAY--Roman Numerals

Third grade math.
I had just made a list of Roman numerals on the board.


"Those are the Super Bowl Numbers!" shouted one football-frenzied student from the back.

I concurred. But explained that is not where they came from nor is it all they are used for. I described the origin of Roman numerals and all the ways we use them today. Wrapping up my explanation, I thought I had been fairly clear, and was ready to move on.

That was, however, before a blonde gal from the front raised her hand to ask a very sincere question:

"So...do you mean like Ramen Noodles?"

Maybe we should start over...


 

SNAPSHOT SATURDAY--in the news

This was a couple of months ago, but Wal-Mart gave every teacher a one hundred dollar gift card, and our town newspaper deemed it as newsworthy material. So, here I am in the Standard Journal looking about fifteen years old among my co-workers in the school cafeteria.

I'm a celebrity.

FOCAL POINT FRIDAY--much needed break

Hello, again! How happy I am it's Friday!

Here are this week's focal points:
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WORST

We had a field trip today. I hate field trips' stinkin' guts. They are never as fun for the teacher as they are for the kids, and I am TIRED.

BEST

We're going to a concert tonight!

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I have been listening to Collin Raye's songs since elementary school. I have many memories of sitting in the back seat of our old, air condition-less car, on a blazing Arizona freeway, singing my heart out to these on the radio.

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Here are a few I am hoping to hear tonight (that you'll probably recognize):

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One Boy, One Girl--Listen/Watch HERE

Little Rock--Listen/Watch HERE

I Think About You--Listen/Watch HERE

That's My Story--Listen/Watch HERE
Love, Me--Listen/Watch HERE
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And My All-Time Favorite:

{Listen for the violins in the bridge. Such a happy sound!}

THANKFUL THURSDAY--Home Girl

My Beckster. There's nothing quite like having a sister--a girlfriend to talk and sing and joke with that I am 100% comfortable around. And I ADORE the fact that she is currently living in Rexburg to go to school.

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We both lead very busy lives, but when we do find time to get together, it's the best. For example, one night, she was kind enough to come with me to my classroom to help get some stuff done. We worked hard for about ten minutes...before getting distracted...and just sitting there...talking and laughing ...for the next two hours. We got nothing accomplished, but it was a night to remember. I am thankful for Becca.

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P.S. That is my tough gangsta' face. Fer shizzle.

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This has been another installment of...

TO ALL PARENTS

I realize I don't know my students like their parents do, but I do think that spending six hours a day with the little squirts counts for something. And I really do have their best interest at heart. Here are a few things I wish I could tell all parents...from the desk of Mrs. Ashmore.


1. READ, READ, READ and READ SOME MORE with your child! Take them to libraries, talk excitedly about books, read them your favorite books, use books and reading times as rewards, have them read books to you...even have them write their own books. I can't tell you what a difference it makes on their academic performance. Parents always want me to give them a secret magical formula for success. And this is it. It is so simple, and yet has an insanely huge impact.

2. Throw the video games away. Every year, the kids with the worst ADHD....the ones with violent tendencies when things aren't going their way...the ones who drive me absolutely bonkers....are the ones who talk incessantly of video games. This may sound a bit dramatic...but video games will rot your child's brain.

3. Your kids are so capable. It's amazing what they can accomplish with some responsibility, direction, and trust. Stop doing everything for them and give them a chance to step up.

4. Talk to your child. This is the single most effective way to build their vocabularies. Low numbers of vocabulary words in a child's knowledge base will greatly inhibit their reading acquisition. Those entering school with lower vocabularies will almost never catch up to their peers. Talking with your children will give them practice with language, grammar, and interacting with others...all necessary skills. And it just makes them feel good to have you listen. =)

5. Missing school IS a big deal. Those two days that your child was absent in order to babysit her younger siblings, she missed our lessons on nouns, breaking syllables, using guide words in a dictionary, explanation of the weekly vocabulary words, the spelling list phonics pattern, and multiplying by sevens facts. I simply do not have the time to re-teach those entire lessons just for your child! And everything they learn tends to build on the previous lessons. The big hole in their education stemming from those two days can haunt them for years.

6. Birthday invitations. I know it's convenient for you just to send them to school with your child to pass out to their friends...but you don't see the look on the kid's faces who aren't invited. It crushes their little hearts...and mine. Invite everyone, or send them in the mail.

7. Don't be a helicopter parent. Hovering protectively nearby to swoop in and save your child from consequence or discomfort, robs them of learning any lessons from those oh-so-important learning experiences (See # 3 above). Let me also mention, this type of parenting creates wussy crybabies. And they have to learn real fast that crying does not prompt me to swoop in and fix every little situation for them like would happen at home.

8. I know everything about you by the end of the school year...whether I want to or not. I know your level of education, the state of your marriage, your economic status, your religion, your values, your manners, whether you like me or not, your parenting skills, your top priorities, and even occasionally, your sex life. Kid's talk. Watch what you say.

9. Your child may be the center of your universe, but I have to share mine with 25 others. I saw this statement as part of a list found in the Reader's Digest a year or so ago. I love it. LOVE. IT. Often times, parents don't understand that I am working myself to the bone for their child...but I am spread rather thin.There is only so much I can do as a single person. Be nice to and understanding with your child's teacher!

10. I really do know what I'm talking about. I may look young, but I am a trained professional. I spent 4+ years learning how to educate your child, and I have several additional years of practical experience in this art. Don't discount my ideas because I can't possibly know what's best for your child. You may disagree. But do so politely, please.

11. Don't label your child in front of them. I have had so many parents inform me, with their child standing right there: "Suzy is so smart in math but will need a lot of help with reading." or "Steven is shy, so he may struggle making friends." "Billy is smart, he's just really lazy." People! Do you not understand what your words are doing?? Children will, rise up to meet your expectations. If you tell them they are a poor reader, shy, or lazy...they will become and always be, a poor reader, shy, or lazy. Those stereotypes are nearly impossible to break through.

12. I really do care about your kid. A lot. Please don't assume that I am "out to get him" if I need to share some academic or behavioral struggles with you. We are on the same team.

FOCAL POINT FRIDAY--10/22/10

My Weekly Recap

WORST:

I don't know what has been wrong with me this week, but I think my brain decided to take a vacation. I'm usually a pretty "together" kind of gal. But in a week's time, all of the following occurred as a result of my thoughtlessness:

• I lost my keys while making some church Relief Society home visits one night. Andrew was gone at his own meetings, so a friend spent an hour helping  me retrace my steps back to every house we had visited. Never did find them. Later that night, as I was telling Andrew about my horrible evening, he just looked at me like I was CrAzY. He simply reminded me he had dropped me off at my meetings. So of course, he had the keys the whole time in order to be driving the car. I wanted to die.

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• On two separate occasions, I had to break into my house, because I had left the keys locked inside. I won't tell you exactly how, but I will say: it wasn't easy. Especially in a skirt. 

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• We planned to leave early in order to drive down to Utah for Erin's wedding. On our way out the door, I realized I had left my purse at work. I had to have my temple recommend for the wedding, so we drove back to get it. To make a long story short, we drove back and forth between work and school three times in search of that stupid, stinkin' thing. Wanna know where I eventually found it? On the hook at home where I always keep it. I  never even brought it to work in the first place. We left for Utah two hours later than planned. 

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• I made the bed with the quilt going the wrong direction. It looked completely ridiculous dragging on the carpet on either side of the bed and hardly long enough for our feet on the other. But I didn't even noticed until Andrew made fun of me as we were going to bed that night. 

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• After all that, I locked my keys in the car just as Andrew left for the evening. So after breaking into my house AGAIN...I called a locksmith and was given a quote of 50 bucks. No way, José. Luckily, Andrew was able to break in the car when he got home at around 11 o'clock, and we didn't have to waste that money on my stupidity. 

BEST:

On the other hand, I think my brain reappeared in time for Parent-Teacher Conferences. They went really well! I felt confident, capable, and didn't have any mean, defensive parents yelling at me this time! Hooray!

And the best part is they're all over with. 

Until January anyway. But the district even gave us Friday off to make up for our long days! Double Hooray!

CELL PHONE SERIES

Here I am...

Driving home from work...

Looking very stressed and tired.

A stop on Main Street.

My name is Rachel Ashmore, and I am addicted to shaved ice. I must have my daily 75 cent fix.

Turning onto our street...

Looks like that tree turned yellow in the nine hours I was gone. Which means every leaf on that tree will drop in our yard in the next 24 hours.

Walking through the front door...

Messy house, laundry to put away, homework to be done, dinner to prepare, meeting to be to in an hour.

Feeling an inexpressible gratitude for my single working mother. I mean, I have my Andrew. And no kids to care for...and I am utterly EXHAUSTED. How did you DO it??