1-2-3 Come Do A "Dog Gone Great" Writing Craftivity With Me

No matter what grade I taught, all I had to do to grab my students’ attention and get them excited about writing, was to add a bit of craftiness to an interesting and fun writing prompt.

With that in mind, I designed this (flip the flap) “Dog Gone Great!” activity, which is another one of my “double duty” writing prompts.

I call them double duty because they have patterns that serve a dual purpose.

You can use them for either the beginning of the year, for a super-fun back to school activity, or plug them in at the end of the year, for pre-summer writing.

There are 5 different dog designs to choose from, as well as 3 writing prompts:

“I had a dog gone great summer!”

“I had a dog gone great school year!” and...

"________________________ is dog gone great!” where students fill in the blank with something they think is awesome: a sport, activity, subject, book, person, vacation, etc.

There are also 3 writing page options as well: 2 with different sized lines, plus a blank pattern.

Pick which is most appropriate for your students, or give them a choice.
There’s plenty of room to write, as the patterns take up almost a full page.

I’ve included black & white patterns for students, as well as 5 colorful patterns, so that you can quickly and easily make an example to share.

When everyone is done, have students pick a partner and take turns sharing, or make some time for children to share with the entire class.

Completed projects make an adorable bulletin board.

I’ve included 2, “Dog Gone Great Writing!” posters to add some extra pizzazz to your display.

Today's featured FREEBIE is a super-fun "Shape Matching Game For Fall". 

Print, laminate and trim.  Students place the colored shape tile on to the matching shape on the leaf, spider, bat, owl, or turkey card.  

I've included a blank template for each theme, so you can program with more shapes or whatever. I hope you find it useful.

Well that's it for today. Thanks for stopping by. 

Since the heat index is 110 I'm going to continue to craft away in my blessedly cool office today. 

Wishing you a stress-free & happy-go-lucky day.

"It's summer! If you're not barefoot, you're overdressed." -Unknown

1-2-3 Come Do Some Writing Prompt Crafts With Me  

Whether you're looking for a little something to save your sanity, and fill up a bit of time during the last week or school, or you need a writing prompt for back to school, you'll  “TOE-tally” love the versatility of my 2 newest packets.

I call these “double duty” writing prompt crafts because I’ve included patterns for the end of the year, as well as ones for back to school.

First up is the super-cute "TOE-tally" writing prompt packet, which  includes 3 different writing prompt crafts. Plus each of those has several options too!

All of the writing prompts use the “TOE-tally” play-on-words.
The graphics vary, but all feature cute little toes somewhere in the picture.

For the 1st option, the “shorts” of the child flip up to reveal the writing prompt.
There are 4 black & white boy options for students to choose from, as well as 4 girl patterns. 

Since completed projects make an adorable bulletin board, I've included a set of matching posters for your display.

All of the craftivities have a colorful option as well, so that teachers can quickly & easily make an example to share.
To give you some ideas, I’ve also included my completed writing prompt samples.

The 2nd option is a card. The sweet graphics feature 10 toes peeking out of a pair of flip flops. 

I've also included some "I'm wishing you a 'TOE-tally awesome summer/school year" tags, with 10, on a one-page pattern.

Attach to an end or beginning of the year treat for your students. 

I buy the bags of mini candy bars or Skittles at The Dollar Store.

They usually have 10-12 in a bag, so it's an inexpensive little surprise, that's so appreciated by my kiddos. 

I have matching bulletin board posters for this craft as well.

Finally, the 3rd option sports a child chilling out under a beach umbrella, which flips up to reveal the prompt.

For this craftivity, there are 2 boy patterns, plus 2 girl templates for students to choose from.

I've included a set of 4, matching posters to use for this bulletin board display as well.

The other writing prompt craftivity packet is entitled, "Steppin' Into ..." These craftivities also serve double duty.

End of the Year Option:
Students trace and cut out one of their feet & then glue it to the base of their flip flop.

To add extra pizzazz and 3D pop, the “straps” for the top of the flip flop, are strips of paper that stick up.

You can also use quarter inch ribbon for something different.

I’ve included a daisy pattern as well, should some of your girls want to jazz things up a bit more.

Adding a heart with a school photo creates even more interest, making this a sweet keepsake as well.

They might also like to add glitter for “nail polish” & a flat-backed “rhinestone” for a toe ring.

Students glue their completed foot to one of the corners of their “Steppin’ Into Summer…” writing prompt paper.

There are 4 black & white options for students to choose from; as well as 2 colorful ones, so that teachers can quickly & easily make an example to share.

Completed projects make a terrific bulletin board.
I’ve also included a poster for the center of your summer display, plus a different one for your back to school bulletin board.

Back To School Option:
Summer flies and school has a way of “sneaking” up on you, so this “flip up” sneaker craft, features a pair of tennis shoes.

The black & white “cover” pattern, can be colored with markers or crayons, or you can expedite things & run the template off on a variety of colors of construction paper.

At the top of the sneakers is a glue tab, which is glued to the top of the matching blank base. This “hinge” is flipped up to reveal the completed writing prompt underneath the cover.

There are two prompt options:
Option 1. “Here’s how I feel about stepping into a new school year!”
I’ve also included patterns for “Here’s how I feel about stepping into 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th grade…” with a blank option, so you can write in a different grade.

Option 2. “As you step into a new school year, here’s some advice:” For this end of the year writing prompt, your students write some advice, to your new students coming in the fall.

Tuck these away, then on the first day of school, lay them on your students’ desk, or attach to a locker door in the hallway.

If you’re a Pete the Cat fan, this “sneaker craft” is a fun activity that you can transition to, after reading one of Pete’s shoe stories.

Speaking of Pete, it seemed a nice "go along" to have today's featured FREEBIE, be a sweet story retelling craft, for Pete's "I Love My White Shoes".

A child's blue hand print topped with sneakers makes this a cute keepsake.

Well that's it for today.  Thanks for stopping by.

I think we've skipped spring here in Michigan, as we seem to have jumped from winter (which lasted into April), right into summer, with record-breaking 90 degree temps for May!

Have to dash and water my flowers before it gets too hot. 

Wishing you lots of "fun in the sun" as well.

"When the weather is hot, keep a cool mind.  When the weather is cold, keep a warm heart.." - Ajahn Brahm

1-2-3 Come Make a SPLASH With Me!

“Making a Splash!” is a super-fun writing prompt that your students will really enjoy.

The craftivity is very versatile, as you can use it for the end of the year, or for back to school.

It's a fun icebreaker & interesting way to get to know your students too.

Simply choose the appropriate writing prompt “cover” for the flip-up booklet:
*  “Diving Into Summer and Looking Forward to…”
*  “Diving Into a New School Year and Looking Forward to…”
Or

Use the “Diving Into ____________ and Looking Forward to…” option, so that students can fill in their new grade, or something else that they are looking forward to. (Diving into sports & looking forward to playing soccer & baseball.) 

As you can see by the photo on your right, the writing prompt is the "title" on the "cover" of a mini booklet that flips up to reveal what students have written.

The writing prompts are also easily diversified for various ability levels & grades; as you can keep things simple for younger students, who can write one or two sentences, or a list; while having preschool children dictate a few one-word answers.

Older students will be expected to write one or two pages of more in-depth explanations.
There’s a blank page pattern for this.

There’s also several “brainstorming” worksheets for the various prompts, which can be used for prewriting.

As with all of my products, I’ve included completed samples to give you some ideas, as well as enable you to quickly & easily zip off an example to share with your students.

Adding a sprinkle of glitter and a school photo, along with a few 3D options,  gives extra pizzazz to the project.

Completed projects make a terrific bulletin board, or wall display in the hall.
Because students trace & trim their own foot, each project looks a bit different.

I’ve included several "Big Splash!" posters you can use for that as well.

For additional writing options, there’s also an “I’m Ready to Make a Big Splash!” writing prompt cover, which works for both summer & back to school, allowing you a chance to touch on idioms if you want.

To help you grab that extra teachable moment, I’ve included some background information, samples & links about idioms, as well as a definition poster.

Introducing this terminology is not just for “big kids”, as my 1st graders easily understood the concept & excitedly shared all sorts of examples! 

Since the end of the year is fast-approaching for many of us, you may be thinking about an end-of-the year slideshow, or perhaps you're getting ready for preschool or <strong>kindergarten graduation</strong>.

If so, you'll find today's featured FREEBIE especially helpful.  It's an alphabetical list of 150, (teacher tested) songs suitable for your end of the year programs. 

I hope you find it a helpful stress-buster, and one less thing you have to look for. 

Well that's it for today.  I marathon-shopped for flowers and plants all day yesterday, so I'm super-excited to play in the mud this afternoon.

Wishing you a sunshine & love-filled day.

"A garden requires patient labor and attention.  Plants do not grow merely to satisfy ambitions or to fulfull good intentions.  They thrive because someone expended loving effort on them." -Unknown

1-2-3 Come Do An End-Of-The-Year Writing Prompt Craftivity With Me

I’m always looking for some quick, easy and fun things to plug in at at the end of the year, that I know my students will really enjoy, help practice the standards we’ve learned, and involve minimal prep for me.

With these things in mind, I designed the “When School Is Out I’m Going To…” writing prompt craftivity.

Just “print & go!”

The schoolhouse is actually a flip-the-flap “door”, which opens to reveal another picture underneath.

There are 6 picture options, which come in black & white, as well as color; so that teachers can quickly & easily make an example to share.

There’s also a blank pattern, if your students opt to draw their own illustration.

To make things extra special, kiddos write their school’s name on the roof, and glue their school photograph inside one of the windows.

Besides the end-of-the-year, this writing prompt craftivity would also work for any other holiday or vacation breaks as well.

Completed projects make a really cute bulletin board too.

Another super-fun, end-of-the-year writing prompt is "Taco 'Bout..."

As with the first writing prompt craftivity, this is very versatile too.

 I love putzing with a play-on-words, to create cute writing prompts that I think students will enjoy.

“Taco ‘bout” is one of them, which will add a few Spanish words to your students’ vocabularies, as they have fun making a paper “taco”.

For that finishing-fun touch, run some green paper through a shredder to make the “lettuce”.

I’ve included writing prompts for back to school, as well as the end of the year, some of which can also be used whenever you want.

The packet includes:

* 4 black and white writing prompt bookmarks
* 2 full-color bookmarks from the teacher
* 3 “Taco ‘bout fun!” writing prompt worksheets

* 5 different writing prompt taco templates, including one where students work in a group and write a compliment strip (taco filling) for everyone in their group. These make great “bucket filler” activities that help build community and self-esteem.

* 8x10 letter templates to spell out “Taco Talk” for your snazzy bulletin board display
* An 8x10 Taco Talk poster
* An 8x10 poster that says “Ola” to welcome your students with a friendly hello in Spanish

Since Mother's Day is justs around the corner, today's featured FREEBIE is a special card: "A Keepsake Bouquet For Mom"

"These flowers are my fingerprints, that I know is true. It's a Mother's Day bouquet especially for you."

Children pick a partner and take turns tracing each other's hand, plus a bit of arm that will be trimmed and glued on the paper as if holding the "flowers".

Well that's it for today. Thanks for stopping by.

The spring showers have passed, and my "garden of weedin'" is in some serious need of attention. Wishing you a sunshine-happy day.

"Your mind is a garden.  Your thoughts are the seeds.  You can grow flowers or you can grow weeds." -Unknown

1-2-3 Come Do Some End Of The Year Activities With Me 

As the year winds down and I had all of my assessments done, I was always looking for some fun things my students would enjoy doing, for those last few weeks of school. 

With that in mind, I designed some cute writing prompts with a little bit of craftiness, to grab their attention and get them excited to write.

I'm featuring 3 on the blog today, along with a sweet treat for today's featured FREEBIE.

First up is a cow-themed craftivity, great for anyone, but especially perfect if you had a farm or animal theme for your classroom.

"Moo-vin' On Up To A New Grade!"  has several options. Students can simply color the cow, (there are 3 options) cut it out and glue it to the top of their writing prompt, or you can run off the cow parts on construction paper.

Children trim, glue their cow together, add some pizzazz with crayons, then glue it to the top of their writing prompt.

(There are 2, plus a blank template to program with whatever).

Preschoolers can dictate their answers to a volunteer, or send the paper home for parents to help complete the writing prompt portion, then do the cow craftivity in class.

Completed projects make an adorable bulletin board.

I’ve included 2 posters for your display, as well as a cow bell pattern.

For that finishing touch, have students sign their name & glue a school picture on the bell.

There are color as well as black and white bookmarks for you to give your students as well, with patterns for preschool-3rd grade, plus a blank template to fill in a different grade.

Next up is a self-esteem "Compliment Cat!"   "Filling buckets" or being a "bucket filler" seems to have really caught on in a lot of schools.

We have this program in ours. The idea is to encourage positive behavior. Children catch on fast and see how easy and rewarding it is to express sincere kindness, appreciation, and caring about others on a daily basis.

With that in mind, I wanted to think up a quick and easy end-of-the-year "bucket filler" so to speak, that would help promote a child's self-esteem.

Thus, the Classmate Compliment Cat Craftivity was born.  I chose a cat not only because of the alliteration, but because my kiddos absolutely love Pete the Cat, so it was no surprise to me when many of them colored their kitty various shades of blue.

Students accordion fold the template following the lines, which provides wonderful fine motor practice, then they color and glue their cat to the top of their folded paper.

Decide on a direction, and have children pass their "compliment cat" to another child to write something nice about them on one of the accordion-folded sections.
They continue passing 'til everyone has signed all of their classmates’ cats, and end up with their own.

So students get a special compliment from their teacher, make sure you are part of the signing, or write a personal note to each child on the colorful, (4-on-a-page) note.  Add the finishing touch by having students glue a piece of colorful border to the top.

The cats make a wonderful bulletin board, or look cute hung as a border along a hallway wall.  I’ve included two posters for your display.

The packet also includes 5 colorful bookmarks that you can pass out to everyone after they have completed their projects.

I’ve also included a different, black and white bookmark option, if you want this year’s students to color it and then write a note to next year’s kiddos wishing them a “purr-featly wonderful year”. 

Finally, when I think of summer, I think of picnics, and anticipate a wonderful vacation.  Thus, the ANTicipation writing prompt craftivity came about.    

Anticipation is very versatile, as I’ve included a variety of writing prompts suitable for the beginning and end of the year, as well as a summer prompt entitled “The Perfect Picnic” which can be a short story, or simply a list of things that a child would want to have, take, eat, and do on a picnic.

There are also blank patterns for you to program with something else, as well as a completed sample so you can quickly and easily make an example to share.

Completed projects make an awesome and interesting bulletin board or border along a hallway wall. I’ve included 3 posters for your display.

Children cut out their ant head, add details with crayons and then glue it to the other 2 body segments. I purposely made this ant with 3 parts because I wanted to reinforce science information about insects.

Because of limited time, it’s often difficult to plug in some science, so I try to incorporate it with our reading and writing.

I’ve included “Parts of an ant” posters (realistic & cutesy) plus worksheets, as well as a writing prompt and posters for “Ants can: have: are” if you want to do that too.

Share the poster, write the vocabulary on the board, then have students label these parts on their ant with a white crayon.

Adding pipe cleaner legs and antennae will also give you the opportunity to explain more science vocabulary, at the same time giving the craftivity a 3D look.

I also read the informational, non-fiction book, Ants Ants And More Ants, which we discuss afterwards.

This book is a level G, 1st grade reader, if you want your students to read it themselves & get in that non-fiction genre requirement.

To test their comprehension, I write some of the facts on the board as they share them, then they fill out their “Ants Can: Have: Are:" worksheet. 

Today's featured FREEBIE serves a dual purpose, as you can use if for the beginning or end of the year.  

To turn it into an inexpensive treat, stick on a pencil, pen, marker, glow stick (bracelet), pixie stick, (filled with powdered candy), or an individually wrapped piece of licorice as the mast, to add that little something extra.

There are two sail patterns.  One is for the end of the year:“Have fun sailing into summer. I hope it’s fantastic!”

The 2nd one is for back to school: “Have fun sailing into a new school year. I hope it’s fantastic!”

Well that's it for today.  I hope you found something useful to make those last few weeks of school fly by. 

Everything is finally greening up here in Michigan!  Woo hoo; the sunshine is calling me. Wishing you a fun-filled day.

"In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson." -Tom Bodett

1-2-3 Come Do Some Dual Purpose Activities With Me   

After I've designed a writing prompt craftivity,  I take a look and see if it can serve double duty.  Can I tweak the prompt so that it not only works for a back-to-school activity, but something teachers could plug in at the end of the year as well? 

Such is the case with the 4 craftivities I'm featuring in this blog article.  The featured FREEBIE today, also serves a dual purpose too.  

First up, is a super-cute "play on words" bicycle craftivity. "I had a 'wheel' great year/summer"

I chose a bike theme because no matter what grade I taught, riding a bicycle was something most of my students really enjoyed doing.  

Use the bicycle template for a cute end of the year writing prompt, where students choose two wheel options and complete the prompts inside the spokes.

You can also use it as a super-fun icebreaker for back-to-school, as an interesting way to get to know your new students.

Completed projects make a wonderful bulletin board.
I’ve included 2 posters to use for the center of your display.

There’s also an additional writing prompt worksheet where students describe their bike, or an experience riding their bike, or some other bike-themed idea you come up with. 

Next up is the double duty "I Had A Blast in ___________ grade." or "I Had A Blast This Summer!" firecracker writing prompt craftivity.

There are several options for you to choose from in this versatile packet, which includes patterns for preschool - 8th grade.

Completed projects make a terrific bulletin board and nice keepsake.  You could also keep this bulletin board up for back to school.

Use the poster: “We had a blast this year and hope you will too!” for the center of your display, and have all of your students sign the matching blank poster.

Besides the above prompts, I also thought it would be fun for this year's students to make a TP tube firecracker and tuck a note inside: "You're going to have a blast in ______________ grade because..."       

Or... skip the note and have children jot a greeting on the bookmark writing prompt.  What a nice surprise for your kiddos to find on/in their desk on the first day of school. I’ve also included bookmarks for you to give your current students, wishing them a blast of a summer. 

Likewise, new kiddos can complete the "I had a blast this summer!" for a back to school writing prompt. I’ve included posters for the center of that display as well.  

Another versatile writing prompt, is a super-cool looking T-shirt craftivity.     I think the key to the “way cool” result, is that I used tie dye, plaid and watercolor splattered copy paper, which came in a ream of 50 sheets per pattern.

I ran the T-shirt template off on this paper, as well as the cover pattern; so when the booklet is stapled to the front of the T-shirt the cover matches and blends in.   “Awesome!” is what my students tell me.

This "craftivity" is very versatile, as it includes templates for an end-of-the year memory book, with covers for preschool through 6th grade, plus a blank template.

If you already have a memory book, have students write why they think this grade was terrific, or have this year’s students write a note to next year’s class: “You’re going to have a T-‘rrific Year” because…

You can also use this as a self-esteem building (fill a bucket) activity.  Use the “______ is “T"-'rrific!" template and have each classmate write a compliment in everyone's booklet.

The prompt also works for Father's Day.  Simply fill the blank in with: “My Dad is “T-‘rrific”  or... for back-to-school have students write about why their summer was terrific.

For a “fun-tastic” display, hang completed projects on a rope suspended against a wall and use real clothespins to clip them on.  

Finally, another double-duty writing prompt craftivity that's a bit on the wacky side, also features a T-shirt plus a pair of shorts. 

You can use the patterns separately, or combine them to make a dorky dude & dudette by adding funky sunglasses, and gluing on a student's traced hands and feet.    

Besides using this for a beginning or end of the year activity, it's also perfect for "Wacky Wednesday" fun, as part of a week-long Dr. Seuss celebration.    

Explain to your students that the term “In short” means to explain briefly or summarize, which is one of 5 options for the writing prompts on the pair of shorts.   

Likewise, the T-shirts also have a variety of options as well.  Pick and choose what's best suited for your kiddos.  As with the above T-shirts, these also look cute hung with clothespins from a clothesline. 

As promised, the featured FREEBIE today is also versatile.  I did countless hours of work looking for songs appropriate for an end of the year slide show, as well as a preschool or kindergarten graduation. 

As long as I had done the research, I decided to make an alphabetical list, in hopes that it would save somebody else a ton of time.  Click on the link for the 150 Songs For The End Of The Year..

Well that's it for today.  I hope you found something useful.

Whether your're reading this at the end of the year (woo hoo) and looking forward to a much-deserved summer hiatus, or checking things out in the fall, excited for a brand new year, I hope you have an absolute blast!

"So often you find that the students you are trying to inspire, end up inspiring you." -Sean Junkins

1-2-3 Come Do Some Versatile Writing Prompt Craftivities With Me 

Sometimes when I'm designing something for a particular thing, it turns out that I can also use it for something else; as once a crafty little pattern is made, it's easy to tweak the writing prompt portion, so that it fits for other times of the year. 

Such is the case for several of the Mother's Day craftivities I just finished; so I included patterns appropriate for the end of the year, as well as back to school. 

Today, I'm featuring 3 of them, along with today's featured FREEBIE.

First up is the "berry" versatile strawberry packet.     I’ve included a back-to-school pattern that says: “I had a ‘berry’ special summer because…” as well as an end of the year template: “This school year was ‘berry’ special because…”

Run the summer strawberry off on hot pink with lime green leaves; then see wonderful improvement in your students’ writing, when they complete the other prompt, at the end of the year.

I’ve also included another pattern to make a “Thank you ‘berry’ much!” card, which you can give to volunteers who’ve helped your class, the secretary or whoever gave you a helping hand throughout the year.

Flip the card up to reveal a picture of your class holding a thank you sign or letter cards spelling the words out, then have everyone sign it.

Another pattern is for a Mother’s Day card: “My (mom, mommy, mama, mum, grandma) is ‘berry’ special because…”  Have students make hand print “leaves” for that keepsake touch.

Finally, the "fruity treat" is a little gift you can give your students at the beginning or end of the year:
"I hope your summer is 'berry' special just like you." or . . . "I'm wishing you a 'berry' special year.

Attach the strawberry tag to a berry-flavored juice box or package of Skittles. 

Next up is the "....And That's Something To Tweet About!" writing prompt bird craftivity.    Just like the strawberry, you can use it for back-to-school, (“I had a great summer!), or at the end of the year (“I had a great year in school) and that's something to tweet about!"

I’ve also included a variety of writing prompt options suitable for Mother’s Day as well. “My (mom, mum. mommy, mama, grandma) is special and that’s something to tweet about!”

There are blank wing and “hang tag” patterns as well, so that you can write in something else.  These pieces, along with the accordion-folded legs, add special 3D pizzazz.

Older students explain why, by writing on the back of the bird. Completed projects really turn out adorable and look sweet suspended from the ceiling.

Finally, "Great Times!" also includes a variety of writing prompt options.   I’ve included 3 patterns for a Mother’s Day card, as well as templates for the end of the year: ”Time sure flies! I had a _____________ year in _____________!”

Plus there’s a “Fun in the Sun Summer Time“ pattern, where students can write about the fun times they are looking forward to doing during vacation, or use for back-to-school and have students write about a few of their favorite times that they enjoyed.

Besides the 3 “draw yourself” clock patterns for Mother’s Day, there are also 6 templates featuring 3 boys & 3 girls. Students simply color and cut.

Older kiddos “hinge” the writing prompt to the back with a piece of Scotch tape. 

There are black & white patterns for students, plus full color templates of the children holding the clocks, so that you can quickly and easily make samples to share. 

Today's featured FREEBIE is also versatile, as you can use it in February for Valentine's Day, as well as for grandparents, Mom or Dad on their special days.

I found this ABC "I Love You!" idea in various print forms on a variety of sites, so I'm not sure where the original idea came from. 

However, instead of making an 8x10 print to frame, I thought it would be perfect to design some cards, bookmarks and magnets, which children could make in school for various holidays. 

As for me, I tucked one in my husband's briefcase. Well that's it for today.  Thanks for stopping by.

If you get a minute, zip on over to the site-wide "Teacher Appreciation" sale going on over at TpT. 

My shop is participating.  Enter the Promo Code: CELEBRATE for an additional 10% off at checkout. 

"If you can read this, thank a teacher!"

1-2-3 Come Do Some Frog-Themed Craftivities With Me

Woo hoo for some of you lucky duckies who are now basking in the sunshine, enjoying the start of your vacation.  For those of you who are still in school for a few more days, or even weeks, boy have I got a super-fun, frog-themed packet for you! 

Even the vacationers can enjoy it, as this whopping packet not only features end-of-the-year stuff, but matching back-to-school activities as well! 

The versatility continues because it includes templates for Pre K4 through 3rd grade, so you can make things specific to your grade level! 

Getting students to WANT to write and really enjoy it, is one of my hot buttons.  With that in mind, I stuffed the packet with lots of creative writing prompt choices with an adorable frog theme that encompasses "leaping" into summer, a new grade, and a new year in school. 

There are 18 writing prompt craftivities in all, with lots of options for both the end of the year, as well as for back-to-school.   I enjoy drawing frogs; and had a fun time creating some real cuties.  "Ferdinand" is a fat and sassy frog that's a "peek-over". 

Run him off on lime green construction paper.  Students trim and add colorful details with crayons, then glue him to the top of their "I'm leaping" writing prompt for the end of the year, or choose another topic and use the blank frog pattern, for back-to-school.  I've included a "Look Who's Leaping" poster to use in the center of your bulletin board when you display your students' finished projects.

"Fred" is another fun-frog craft.  Here the writing prompt is written on his "tongue".  You can display Fred with a "flat tongue" or include some great fine-motor practice, and have students curl it, by rolling the paper strip on a crayon. 

For that finishing touch, I've included some "flies".  There's a "This stuff stuck. Look what I learned!" end-of-the-year pattern, as well as one that says: "I had a delicious summer.This is what I did..." for back-to-school. 

"Jose'" is a "belly flipping" writing prompt frog.  There are 8 cover options.  Four for the end-of-the-year, and 4 for back-to-school. 

Jose' can be done as a whole-group, class-made book, where everyone contributes a "belly page"  or as an independent writing prompt, where each child makes their own booklet.  The "Before We Go We'd Like You To Know" booklet gives advice to next year's kiddos. 

The "Frogtastic Memories" can be turned into a quick, easy and fun end-of-the-year Memory Book, by simply having students write pages about the favorite things that they did in school or during the summer.  

"Frankie" and "Fern" are the cute Frog Face Flip book twins.  Frankie sports a bowtie, while Fern wears a bow on top of her head.  Their "face" flips up to reveal a writing prompt. 

There are 5 to choose from, plus a blank one to program with whatever, and a sample for you to share to help explain to your students what you want them to do. 

As with "Fred" this too can be done independently, or as a whole-group, class-made booklet.  The back-to-school "I'm 'hoppy' to be me" writing prompt is a personal favorite.

I've also included a "We're flipping over leaping into a new grade!" poster that you can use for the center of your bulletin board display. 

There's a poster for pre k4 through 3rd grade, plus a blank one to fill in with whatever. 

If you've followed me, you know that I like to incorporate things with a play-on-words.  It's a fun way to expand horizons and build vocabulary. 

Since a frog says "Ribbit!" I decided to make a "Ribbit, Write It, Read It" writing prompt using the word "riveting" as the twist.

Students write about their "ribbiting" summer or "ribbiting" things that they enjoyed during the school year, inside "Rodney's" circular-frog belly. 

I've included a definition-poster for introducing the word riviting, along with a "Ribbit; Write It; Read It" poster for the center of your display. 

If you're not into "craftivities" I've also included lots of quick, easy and fun coloring-page, writing prompt worksheets. Simply print and go.

There's a sampling of some of them in the photo.  The "So long school, hello summer" or "So long summer, hello school" worksheets, where the froggy is opening a 3D school door to reveal the writing prompt are especially cute. 

There's a similar writing prompt with a different frog, that may be more appealing for older students. 

I've included samples for both, and each one has prompts for both seasons. Completed projects make darling bulletin boards too.

One bulletin board display that's especially adorable, is the frog on a lily pad.  I made the water lily flower out of a coffee filter.  In the top photo I simply scrunched the filter. 

In the bottom picture I folded it into 1/8ths, then folded it one more time, snipping the end to create scallops. When you open it, it looks just like a large flat water lily. 

I edged it with a pink watercolor marker, then spritzed it with water so it smudged into the paper.  Easy-peasy with awesome results. 

You have a nice teachable moment to discuss fractions, while children are following your step-by-step directions and folding their filter.   The final writing prompt craftivity features "Fritz".  This frog sits on a pail of sand. 

I cut an oval out of sandpaper and glued it to the bucket, so that it looks filled!  Children write things they'd like to do over the summer.  The back-to-school writing prompt option tells what they've done during the summer and what they'd like to do in school. 

I realize this "bucket list" idea is all over Pinterest, but I've been doing it way before TpT or Pinterest came into being.  Click on the link for my original "Summer Bucket List" FREEBIE. It's in a FREE summer writing prompt packet with 6 other fun "craftivities".

Besides writing prompts, there are lots of end-of-the-year AND back-to-school themed "goodies" stuffed into the packet, with templates for Pre K4 through 3rd grade.

One group features another play-on-words using "toad-ally" for totally, which fits in perfect with my frog/toad theme. 

I had fun designing a few writing prompts, as well as goodies using this fun word.   There are color, as well as black & white covers for the mini-flip booklets and notes, as well as 2 posters and some labels.  

"Brag Bracelets" are another "goodie". They are super-fun to make and wear.  I designed one that says: "I'm Leaping!" and another with "Welcome!" on it. 

Simply run off the pattern and trim using a paper cutter.  Slit a toilet paper roll up the side and cut it into sections, the width of the pattern. Children glue to their "slap bracelet" folding the edges under.  It's the perfect size for little ones, and the bent shape keeps it on their arm!  When other kiddos ask them about their bracelet, they can "brag" that they made it and are "leaping" into a new grade. Nice little self-esteem builder! 

If you're looking for a quick, easy and inexpensive little end-of-the-year, or back-to-school treat to give your students, take a look at my "tiny tags". 

These are sweet little notes from the teacher, that you can attach to a "Flavor Ice" Popsicle (They sell them 50 to a pack for only $2.95!).

Putting them on a  Fruit Roll Up (sticky frog tongue!) or attaching to a Snack Baggie is also fun.  The Dollar Store sells a package of 12 gummi rainbow frogs that would also work.

I've also created a cute, keepsake-photo magnet.   Laminate them for durability.  The Dollar Store also sells magnet strip.  (I'm a frequent shopper there; can ya tell?) 

I've also included a variety of bookmarks suitable for the beginning, as well as the end of they year.  They come in color, as well as black and white. 

One is a writing prompt that students complete (nice bucket-filler activity), while another they color for one of your in-coming students.  

My personal favorite is the keepsake photo bookmark, but the foreign language (Hello-Goodbye) ones are also really cute. 

Another "goodie" in the packet are the "color-me" certificates for pre K4 through 3rd grade, (there are 4 styles to choose from, or give your kiddos a choice), plus there are 2 word-art frog-shaped posters that I created using Tagxedo.com.  I've included my silhouettes, so that your kiddos can also make their own.  

Well that about covers this frog-themed packet, which is a whopping 201 pages (!) and on sale now for just $6.95 (regularly $8.95).  It took me a zillion hours to finish, but I think it was well worth the time. Click on the link to pop on over to my TpT shop and let the fun begin. 

As always, I try to include a few FREEBIES from the packet as well.   You can get the frog-word art posters, the word-art certificates (for pre-K4 through 3rd grade) stars and labels, plus the brag bracelets by clicking on the link: frog-themed end-of-the year mini packet.

To grab the FREE frog back-to-school banners, click on this link. The end pennants come in color as well as black line, and have templates for Pre K4 through 3rd grade.  The frog-face pennants spell out "Welcome" and are in black and white, so that your kiddos can color them, taking ownership of helping to decorate their new home-away-from-home classroom.

This year's kiddos can make the banner to welcome your new students in the fall, or the new kids on the block can do it.  Either way, it's kid-made and will look awww-dorable. Well that's it!  Whew! That's a lot of frog stuff! 

I apologize for such a long post.  Thanks for hanging in there if you've read to the end.  I'm just so excited to share my latest "mess-terpiece".  You should see my office; it's a pile of craft supplies and samples...everywhere! 

Thanks for visiting today.  It's clean up time.  Maybe I'll hum the "clean-up song" that my Y5's used to love singing.  On second thought, the sun is shining and a warm breeze is beckoning to me to come play.  I think I will. Wishing you a delightful day, crammed with creativity.

"For life to get easier, you have to get better." -Billy Cox

1-2-3 Come Do Some Super-Fun End-of-the-Year Stuff With Me

My students LOVE Laura Numeroff’s books: “If You Take A Mouse To School” and “If You Give A Mouse A Cookie.”  With those stories in mind, I designed the “Nice Mice Advice” packet.

It will help you check off some “To Do” activities for next year, with the help of this year’s kiddos!

The packet is loaded with fun end-of the-year activities that will keep your students happily engaged, while helping you make some special things for the fall.

There are 4 class-made “Advice” booklets for you to choose from.  
Pick one and have your students write advice to the in-coming children.  Collect & collate.  

 This year’s kiddos can share their page when you read the book aloud, then tuck it away to share with your new class in the fall. 

My personal favorite is the circle-shaped Cookie Book. 

It's a perfect go-along with the "If You Give A Mouse a Cookie" story, and includes advice from the teacher, principal and each student.  For that finishing touch, add a school photo.  I've included a sample page to help explain things to your kiddos.

If you'd like each of your students to make a mini-advice booklet for your new students, then you'll like the small, advice- flip booklet, with 2 different cover options in black & white, plus color, with 4 inside writing-promt pages. 

The other two class book options feature the creative clip art of Scrappin Doodles and D. J. Inkers. 

As you can see there are plenty of options.  You can choose, or show the samples and have your students vote on which one they'd like to do. 

Since a lot of advice has to do with following the rules, this is an interesting and fun way to present them.

Check another thing off your list.  I've included a set of 25 "Advice Rules!" pocket chart cards that you can use as well, plus a blank set for you to program with whatever.

 I've also included an advice definition poster incase your students are not familiar with this word, along with a sweet "If you give a kid some advice, they should take it." poster to start things off.

Do you give your students a little treat on the first day?  Cross that off your list too because I’ve included several “treats” they can make as well. 

There is an assortment of bookmarks and a lollipop-nosed mouse: (“A sweet treat for someone they’d like to meet.”)
The bookmarks come in black and white, as well as full color.

There are several for this year's kiddos, as well as one for them to color and give to the in-coming cuties, along with a sweet "peek over" mouse bookmark that you can make and use as a pointer when you read Numeroff's stories.

The mouse, writing-prompt craftivity makes an adorable back-to-school bulletin board. so check that off your list as well. 

Simply run off the super-simple mouse pattern on a variety of colors of construction paper.

Students trim, fold the "head" section over and write some "nice mice advice" under the "flap". For that finishing touch, add some ears, wiggle eyes, a pom pom nose, and a yarn "tail".

The packet also includes:

• A “Hip Hip Hooray! We’ll follow the good advice each day” poster contract. Students feel important signing their name, which makes them more accountable too.
• A “Tips and Tidbits” poster.  Review what students have learned and jot down the highlights.
• 2 “If you take a mouse to school he’ll want to give you some advice!” posters. And . . .
  
• A mouse, reading pointer bookmark craft.

Finally, there's a "welcome card" that everyone signs. What fun ways to help your in-coming students feel special and chase away those first day jitters.

This 58-page packet is on sale in my TpT store for just $3.95.  Click on the link to pop on over to my shop.  I still can't believe that I have a little store.  Hopefully I'll make enough to help pay for all of the clip art and fonts that I buy!  That would definitely make my husband happy. 

And now for the FREEBIES  from this packet.  I've included the "Mice Advice" writing prompt mouse craft, several bookmarks, and a poster. Click on the link to grab them.

Well that's it for today.  Thanks for stopping by. It's going to be in the 80's this afternoon, so it's time to take my grandbabies swimming. 

Wishing you a delightful day filled with everything you enjoy the most. 

"Sometimes you never know the value of a moment, until it becomes a memory." -Unknown

1-2-3 Come Stuff a Backpack With Me

Things really seem to fly after Memorial Day, as teachers everywhere are counting down the days to summer.  However, some of us have those dreaded snow days to make up, and our districts don’t get out ’til the middle of June!

With that in mind, I designed the following backpack-themed activities to pack in some pre-summer fun.

The packet is very versatile, as it can be used in a variety of ways for the beginning or end of the year, with activities geared towards the very young, as well as older elementary students too.

It’s loaded with plenty of options to choose from: writing prompts that act like a memory book; writing prompts that offer advice for next year’s students, or writing-prompt "clues" that are played as a game.  Completed projects make sweet bulletin boards or hallway decorations too.  

The Backpack Packet Includes:

An “Our Year Was Packed With Learning & Stuffed With Fun!” class-made book.  This writing prompt comes in a full-page size, as well as two-on-a-page, with full-color cover pages for both. 

It's a fun writing prompt for the end of the year.  Collate and keep to share with your new students in the fall.  I've included a completed sample.

The supply-filled backpack option says: ”There’s a whole lot of learning & fun packed into _________________.” 

Children fill in their grade level and color the picture. The front flap flips up or over, to reveal the writing prompt. This younger-elementary choice, can be used like a memory book, where children write about their favorite activities, or they could also make this for your new students as well.

Another backpack writing prompt option is the "School was cool, this I know.  I’m all packed up and ready to go.  Summer’s here.  Hi ho!  Hi ho!”  

It's a good choice for older students.  There are 4 flaps to flip and write under, with a summer option, and a memory-book option: ”School is cool and packed with fun! Here’s a peek of what I’ve done” plus a next year student option.  I've also included a blank flap template to fill in with whatever.  

My personal favorite is the super-cute ”Kindergarten was packed with learning and stuffed with fun” writing prompt “craftivity”.  It includes 7, front-panel options for kindergarten through 3rd grade, with a blank one to fill in with a different grade, plus one for summer. 

Students add a cap, accordion-folded “legs” and shoes (there are 3-styles to choose from), so that this looks like the back of a child carrying a backpack. The flap flips up to reveal their writing prompt. 

I designed this thinking of how adorable my young fives looked on their first day of school.  They had brand new backpacks that were so large they made them look like little turtles.  One nudge and I'm sure they'd tip over.  This memory always made me smile. 

”Backpack. Pack on your back.  Help us guess what’s in your sack.” is a backpack guessing game that includes this chant on a poster, with another backpack "craftivity" option. 

Students draw a picture under the bottom flap and write 3 clues under the top one, describing their hidden picture.  They read one clue at a time, pausing for students to guess what they have in their sack for summer or for school.

Finally, there's a mini flip booklet ”There’s a lot of fun and learning packed into __________(grade).”  Students write what they learned, enjoyed and a few of their favorite things on 6-page options.  I've included covers in color, plus black & white. 

These make a quick, easy & fun memory book, or have students contribute a page to make a class book to share with your new class in the fall.

As always, I've also included directions, tips, tricks, photographs and completed samples for each project.

This "Mini Memories" part of the packet is my featured FREEBIE for you!  Click on the link to grab it. 

If you'd like to see the entire Backpack Packet, click on the link to pop on over to my TpT store.  This 48-page unit is on sale for just $3.95.  I hope you enjoy it!

That’s it for today.  Thanks for stopping by. Michigan has finally greened up and exploded with flowers. LOVE springtime when it eventually shows up!  

Time to go outside and put the finishing touches on my flower garden. 

Wishing you a wonderful end-of-the-year.  I hope its packed with fun and stuffed with lots of special memories.

"You can't learn from your mistakes, if you keep denying them." -Unknown