Oh my goodness, it's been a while!  Thank you to those of you who sent me sweet messages (via the Facebook page) while I was away.  Long story short... I flew home for a bit to say a last goodbye to a family member, it was the last week of the semester (grad school) last week, the hubby and I had a little weekend in Paris, and we're starting to get all of our stuff together for our move home this Summer (paperwork, house hunting, etc.)... sort of a nightmare.  

Bottom line:  I missed you.   I know a lot f you are in a similar state of crazy right now.  It's May.  Holy guacamole.  When did that happen?  

I do have some posts lined up for this week, but I wanted to let you know about another fun TPT sale that starts tomorrow!  Details: 

Are you excited!?  Woohooo!  I am in the job hunting process right now and am so sad that I don't know what grade I'll be in next year!!!  Aaaaahhhhh!  Do I just buy everything on my wishlist?!  Hahaha.  

Here are some quick links to my shop in case you're in need of a clipart fix.

See Most Recently Posted Items
Bundles
Clipart
Frames
Digital Papers
Classroom Printables
See Items In Order of Best Sellers

Here are some fun new sets (and some popular bundles) that you can scoop up for 28% off....

EVERYTHING in my store will be on sale, so no worries about missing out on new stuff.  :)  

Happy shopping, friends!  Again, thanks for all the sweet notes and feedback y'all always leave me.  I truly appreciate it.  

I am SO excited about this.  Some of you might have already heard about the big sale, but I wanted to post about it in case!  Here are the details so you can get ready and stuff your carts with amazing resources for your kiddos.  

What:  TPT Sale (my store will be 20% off, plus TPT is offering an extra 10% off with the code: cmt12)
When: Monday & Tuesday, November 26-27

I've linked up with Blog Hoppin' and my friend Susan, so you can check out the posts and get links to some other amazing stores!  

Here are just some of my best sellers and Christmas/holiday items that will be 20% off (28% if you use the code):


Christmas & Holiday Graphics
Winter Graphics
I do have three graphic bundles that haven't been posted yet.  I'm still working on getting them together.  They'll be ready by Sunday night at the latest.  :)  

Happy shopping!!!  

The Magical Product Swap.  Coolest thing ever?  I think so.  

First, let's talk about that button... dog, mustache, top hat, and glitter.  Adorable?  Yes.  The 3AM Teacher's got it goin' on.  She's so talented.  Secondly, have you heard about the product swap before?  It definitely is magical.  Basically you just swap products with another teacher (a product you can use), print it, use it, review it, connect others to it.  It's my new favorite time of the year.  I'll be adding a lot of the reviewed items to the site.  I love seeing details!  :)

I was lucky enough to be paired with the host herself, Jessica Stanford.... Mrs. Stanford's Class.  Isn't she the cutest?

Step one was to check out her TPT store.  Most of you know I'm kind of in an awkward position.  I teach Cambridge English to three VERY different levels of EFL over here in Switzerland...

• Starters (5-7 years old) - imagine kindergarteners (in the US) who are academically on a 1st/2nd grade level in their French school, but can speak minimal English (greetings, school vocab, colors ,numbers, etc.). 
• Flyers (8-11 years old) - this group is kind of like 4th-5th graders with intermediate English skills.  A lof of their language arts work is reminiscent of 2nd grade in the US.
• PET (teenagers) - this group (all girls) is considered intermediate (bordering advanced).  The ages range from 12-17 and their academic levels for English are similar to early middle school in the US. 

So, you see my dilemma?  It's hard sometimes to find appropriate materials.  If I search strictly for K level items, sometimes the concepts are right on, but the activity isn't 'old' enough for my 7 year olds.  There's a fine line.  I'm kind of excited to get back into the common core when we move back to the states!  :)  

I digress.  Anyway, I checked out Jessica's store first and found that her Spelling Word Practice pack would be perfect for my first two classes.  We have 10 weekly vocabulary words that they're expected to learn to pronounce (and spell if it matches our spelling pattern).  I know it's not the way traditional spelling practice works, but remember it's EFL.  At this point, it's more important for students to build their vocabulary in my class and be able to verbally communicate.  Spelling is important, but being able to ask for a pencil is a skill they need to have first.  :)  

I asked Jessica if I could swap and get this:  

I love the variety of practice sheets she has... 4 practice sheets for days 1-4, plus an assessment page.  I love the bracket frames!  It adds a touch of 'cuteness' to the sheet.  Here is a preview of each activity:

What I like about it:

• I appreciate the fact that the practice activities are quick and easy.  Each practice sheet would take no more than 10 minutes, with the exception of the 'sentence writing'.  
• I also like that the assessment sheet is actually 2 forms.... love saving paper!  :)  
  
• Black & white.  I've mentioned it before, but I have to take out a loan to buy ink over here.  It's SOOO expensive.  I bought a value pack at Costco last time we were home, but silly me bought the wrong model number.  Duh.  
• It's well made and the little boxes are lined up.  May seem odd, but I can't stand when things aren't lined up when they should be... even if I have no intentions of cutting them with 'the slicer'.  It's a pet peeve.  I'll spend an extra hour making sure boxes are lined up before printing it. 
• No directions needed.  Print it out, copy for students, and you're good to go!  
• It's not ugly.  In fact, it's super cute.  I know content is what matters, but I appreciate a 'visually appealing' resource.  :)

Ways to adapt:

• Don't need 4 practice activities each week?  Split them up!  Use two of them one week and then two the next (for another set of words). 
• If you only want to do one page per week, then you can.  Try to work in giving students a choice.  Maybe each month you copy all four activities for each student.  Week 1, Susie chooses to do the 'write 3 times' activity.  The next week, she can pick from the three she still has left... maybe she chooses ABC order.  And continue until she's done all four activities... then repeat.  You know how much kids love 'choice.'  :)
• Use it for vocabulary... not just spelling.  The sentence writing is a good one for vocab.
• Create a little student booklet each week.  Copy the pages back-to-back and you'll end up using 3 pieces of paper per student (with 5 sides being used).  Does that even make sense?  Use that extra side for students to create 'visuals' of their words.  Have the word 'horse' on the list this week?  Have them draw a horse and label it!
• Copy onto colored paper.  Remember it's black and white.  Student's might get a kick out of taking their spelling test on neon green paper.  
• Homework... these would work perfectly as spelling practice at home.  

Jessica and I had some communication issues... you know the kind where your email sends all 'new contacts' to your junk folder?  Yep.  We were just able to swap this week, so I haven't been able to get photos with my kids yet.  I've got copies ready to go for my them this week though!  :)  I still wanted to give you some photos, so I got out my markers and camera.  

Please excuse this terrible list of cvc words I made up on the fly.  I wrote 'mit', realized the sentence wouldn't work, then changed it to the double t.  Hahaha.  Guess I should have thought that through... or wrote with a pencil.  

Sorry for the photos.  I'm in denial that our little point-and-shoot is dying a slow death.  I think our recent trip to Oktoberfest (in Munich) did a number on it.  It now has a permanent smudge in the top left and the lens needs help opening.  :(  Guess I'm going to have to get the big guy out from now on.   

Aren't all of these activities great for spelling practice!?  I love them and am excited to try them with my students!  Make sure you check out Jessica's TPT store to grab your own copy if this is something you could use.

Also, you absolutely MUST check out the other 'Swappers'.  There are a ton of other teachers who swapped items and tried them out.  It's so cool to see them in action!  Plus, don't you want to see what Jessica swapped with me!?  :)  

Check out the Magical Product Swap

Have a great weekend & week everyone!

I then sorted all of those files into their appropriate folder. I used my own sizing method to determine if something is small, medium, or large.  Address labels?  Small.  Student name tags?  Medium.  Signs for the door?  Large.  CD labels?  Random.  If you do this, you might have different criteria.  I went with the concept of....

Small = smaller than 1/4 of a page
Medium = 1/4 to 1/2 of a page
Large = bigger than 1/2 a page
Random = weird shapes

I also went through and renamed some of the files that were a little too 'general.'  Like 'Student Names'.  Does that mean sticky Avery labels or desk tags?  I needed to get a little bit more specific.  Renaming it to 'Student Names_Address Label Size' helps.

It works for me now and I don't have to open eighteen files to find the right one!  Yay!  

This literally took me 7 minutes (got through 2 songs on iTunes).  

The moral of the story?  Be specific with your file names.  I know my computer is out of control with files and I find that spending a little time to organize, sort, and name files (with lots of detail) goes a long way.

Hopefully if you don't already have your files organized, this will give you a little inspiration.  Throw on some Bieber (or not) and go to town.  Don't try to get it all done at one time if you need an entire 'system clean'.  It took me a while to do my whole computer.  It's also a good time to do some Spring cleaning and recycle some of those files you'll never use.  Let me know if you're interested in how I organize everything.  I'll do a post on it.  

On a similar note... I just finished something that I'm in love with.   I can be in love with my own stuff right?  Maybe it's just my love for chevron.  

... or does everyone have a soft spot for chevron in their heart?  

Rabbit trail.  

We recently took a friend to Montreaux, Switzerland while he was visiting.  There is a famous castle there called Chateau de Chillon.  Construction began in the 10th century.  

Yes.  The 10th.  Like 1000 years ago.  

One of the things I appreciate over here is history.  A lot of places we visit are incredibly old.  Most are even older than the US itself... which blows my mind.  While visiting this amazing castle, I noticed two things.  

Can you believe it?  This was apparently painted in medieval times.  THEY even loved chevron.  I really need to know how they painted it back then.  I know Pinterest, leveling lasers, and painters tape didn't exist back then.  Maybe they were just extremely patient?  Both of theses rooms were huge by the way.  Bigger-than-any-classroom-huge.  Impressive.  

Here's the castle itself.  If your ever in Switzerland, I suggest a tour.  It's so cool and sits right on lake Geneva.  

I will definitely miss the views of the Alps when we move back.  Breathtaking and great skiing.
  
Ok.  Onto more chevron.  The thing that I love so much...

You've figured out I'm a sucker for labels, signs, and chevron right?  I decided to mix them.  Voila!  Editable chevron signs and labels!  What you get:

• 8 different sizes 
• 11 fun colors
• chevron
• a .ZIP file containing 8 editable PowerPoint files (each size has it's own file)
• more chevron
• a PDF with previews, directions (with photos), and terms or use
• and some more chevron
• a grand total of 88 pages of editable signs/labels... 96 pages when you include the PDF

You can seriously make anything with them.  Word wall cards, signs, labels, desk names, etc.  The borders are locked, so all you need to do is just edit the text, add photos/clipart, and print!  Easy.  There are also gray and black versions for those of you who are limited with color printing.  Just print on colorful paper!  :)    

Here's a sample for you to try out below.  It's the black pattern so you don't need to use colored ink.  Click the 'Download File' link under the picture.  Google Docs is giving me a hard time with uploading a ppt, so I just attached the file to the site.  Promise it's not spam or anything weird.  

Hope you like it!  There may or may not be a little giveaway of this set over on my Facebook page.  Hurry!  It ends 8.24.12  at 11:59pm.  

My printer may put in it's resignation after I get done with printing things for this year.  Yikes.  

I hope everyone is having a great week!  Especially those of you who have started back already. 

Shew!  I'm exhausted!  We just got back to the real world after a week of entertaining a good friend who came to visit... and six days in Berlin and Prague!  It was such a great trip!  We got to see a ton of great things, have some delicious food, and my camera literally did not stop.  I have about 9 bazillion photos to go through, so I'll add some soon!  I wanted to link up to show you what I got during the giant TPT sale!  

Have a great week!  

I have been designing my own graphics on and off now for a couple of years.  I've only used them in my personal stuff and never even thought about sharing/selling them until recently.  I kept getting emails from people asking where I found them.  I sat on it and thought about it for a while... "Gee, do I really even want to get into this?"  I'm very particular and like a certain look... if you can't tell.  I love all of the cutesy things, but I go for more of a 'clean and simple' type graphic.  I blame it on my self-diagnosed-OCD  There are only a handful of clipart shops that I like to buy from.  That should demonstrate my picky-clipart-personality.  So, with the encouragement of a couple of great blogger friends, I have decided to venture out into the wild wilderness of clipart land.     

I've really only done school related items and have no desire to start creating unicorns, ballet dancers, and pirates.  There are already a lot of great designers out there who do that.  Plus mine wouldn't hold a candle to their creations.  :)  I've decided I'm sticking to school stuff.  Does that makes sense?  I mean, the blog name says it all right?  School supply addict?  So, it will be anything related to classroom materials or content.  I will gladly take requests if you've been looking for a particular set.  I'm already working on the 3 branches of government.  Every single set (but not all freebies) will include blacklines of each image.  This is perfect for printables.  I know I can't stand when I have to settle for a grayscale image.  Boo.

The first round of graphics that I've been able to put together are, in fact, school supplies.  I posted 5 sets today and have at least another 5 that are close to being ready.  Here are some thumbnails below.  You can check out the new 'Graphic Collections' page to see larger versions, review the terms of use, and navigate to these on TPT. 

These graphics are for both personal and commercial use, but there are some standard restrictions and requirements in my terms of use.  Be sure to check it out first before buying or downloading.  Currently, I'm only offering my graphics through TPT.  Are you a member?  Yes?  Awesome.  No?  Why not?!  It's free, you don't have to sell anything, and you can download lots of cool things... for free too!  You like free don't you?  Click here to sign up.  

Here's a fun freebie for being such great followers and fans!  It's just a 4 color sample of some of the different graphics.   :)  Enjoy!  This set reminds me of Deanna's new room... holy smokes.  Did you see it yet?  Ahhhhh-mazing.  It's like a Lakeshore magazine.  Beautiful.  

You like how I connected that L and H in the logo?  I thought so.  Hahaha.  I was overly excited when I realized they lined up like that.  I'm a huge nerd.  

If you haven't already heard, there is a huge back to school sale on TPT soon.  I've already got my wishlist started so I can just click 'purchase' when the time comes.  There are a ton of awesome teachers participating and giving anywhere between 10 to 20% off their entire store.  I'm doing 20% off of everything!  You can also get an extra discount if you use the code (see below).  

Recognize some of those graphics?  Hahaha...  If you're participating in the sale, feel free to use my image above to help promote it!  :)  

I hope everyone has a blessed and relaxing weekend!  

I recently posted a new product that I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE.  I use these in my own room and it makes things SOOOOO much easier.  

I've never had a formal name for them, so I just came up with 'Mini Material Posters.'  

Basically, you use them to SHOW your students what materials they need for an activity.  Being an EFL teacher, I do a lot (more like a ton) of repeating myself.   These little cards make it less frustrating when we're transitioning.

I put the cards up... they get out the materials.  Done.  

For example, if we're doing a craft then I might post scissors, glue, crayons, pencil, and construction paper.  

They see what they need to get out and I don't waste time repeating myself eight million times.  

You get two full sets of cards (large and small), blanks to make your own, and three different titles if you need them.  All of the graphics were designed by me and they are 300dpi, so they print beautifully.  I put a lot of love and time into these.  They're simple, bright, and my lifesavers.

You can hang them with clips, put them in a pocket chart, or stick a little magnet on the back of each.  I usually just use them during whole group activities, but you could incorporate them into centers or even use them as supply vocab cards.  :)  

See on TPT
I may or may not be giving a set of these away over on Facebook (Aug.9).  Join in to win!

I've also added a lot more classrooms to the 'Room Setup' page recently!  You'll have to check them out if you're still needing some inspiration.  There are some cool rooms and I just love looking at all the different ones.  Check Out the New Rooms.


Oh.  One more thing.  Have you seen Cara's schedule card set?  Wowza.  They're free, beautiful, and she's added everything under the sun.  If you download them, be sure to leave her some love and feedback.  I know she's spent hours upon hours creating these and making them perfect.  She had a TON of requests to add cards and she was generous enough to keep them free.  

Get Cara's Schedule Cards.

Ok!  That's all from me today!  Remember to check out the Facebook page to try and win a set of my mini material posters!  It's a 'First one to guess...' type giveaway, so hurry!

The title of this should scare you.  This might be bad news bears for some of you and your wallets, but I think it's a great idea and there are already teachers who are excited to participate.  Introducing.....  drum roll......

Ok.  Rules.  If you want to link up it's easy:

1. Write a post featuring at least 3 things that you've purchased (doesn't matter when).  They MUST be from other people or a store... not your own stuff.  No 'Me Monsters' allowed.  
   
2. Tell who or where it's from, why you bought it, and provide links to it if it's possible.  Prices are ok, but remember they change.  You can put a price range if you want.  
3. Tell how you use it in class (or your plans for it)  and your thoughts on why it's such a great product.  Photos are bonus points.    
4. Grab that little cart image above (Isn't he cute?  He just screams 'addict'.)  and put it in your post somewhere.  
   
5. Link up with me here at The School Supply Addict sometime each month.  It will be open from the 1st to the 31st.  I'll post the shopping cart in the sidebar so you can easily find the party.  
   
6. You're done! 
7. Check out what other teachers are buying and go shopping!
8. Explain to your significant other why your PayPal account is way over budget.    

So, here's my first post for the Monthly Shopping Cart:

I am so totally sad that I didn't find Erica Bohrer's Laura Numeroff book study until after I needed it last year!  Laura's books are great for my language learners because they're repetitive, predictable, and set a foundation for a ton of different activities.

I found this pack and just had to have it.  You can see lots of details and photos in Erica's post.

After I bought it, I spent some time going through it... and then kicked myself for not finding it sooner.  I could have used a ton of things with that little trouble-making-mouse.  She includes something for each of Laura's books... even the new dog version.   

It's 86 pages and includes crafts, writing prompts, ideas, graphic organizers, math activities, sorting, mini word walls (da bomb.), book templates, class book covers, phonics activities, book reviews, and even fact/fiction sorting.  

I plan on using the 'If You Give Mouse a Cookie' wen we return to school... and will definitely be whipping out some of Erica's activities this time.
 

Click to Shop!  (on TPT)

This post was long, but next time we won't need all of the explanations.  Have fun feeding your addiction... if you happen to have one like me.  :)

Short post today!  I hope everyone is doing well!   I have just a few things today and then I'm heading off for a little mini vacay.

This post is about one of my absolute favorite reading + writing activities.  I know it's been done before in a ton of different ways and has been given various titles, but I just call it 'Mixed Up Sentences.'  Here's the low down:

9.  Let your students get to work!  You can have them do it individually, in pairs, or in small groups!  Sometimes I even split it up and have two centers with five sentences each... especially if they're rigorous sentences.  They just do five, put away their recording sheet, then get it back out when it's time to do the rest.   

They piece together all of the sentences, color their little circles, and write!  

HINT:  If this activity is not for an assessment, then I like to check their sentences before they write.  They simply raise their hand when they've pieced a sentence (or all) together and I let them know if it's correct or not.  Saves time and frustration on their part.

Hopefully all those little instructions make sense!  Once you do it one time, you be able to whip it up again quickly.  This activity can be used for virtually any topic, any level, and I like to weave in some science and social studies topics when I can.  It's another way to integrate content.  

Here are some more adaptation ideas:

• I usually do this as a center with only one set of sentences, but you could do it whole class if you wanted to.  Type the same sentence onto a page (multiple times), copy onto colored paper, then cut.  Might be a bit crazy with pieces getting mixed up, but it works if you're kiddos are super organized.  Maybe they could use little trays to keep their pieces in?
• Since I have a small class sizes (10 EFL/ESL students in each class), I do this as a whole group activity by having them sit in a large circle and giving them 2 minutes with each sentence.  They piece it together, raise their hand, I check, they write, then we rotate when everyone is done!  Works like a charm.  
• Sentences can be hints to a special activity or something else.  If you're studying bears, then you could have sentences that stated facts about bears!  Roar.
• Use the font version (above), cut out the words, mix them around on a piece of copy paper, glue down, copy, and send home for homework!  Students could bring it back all cut apart and pieced back together.  

There are many ways to adapt this activity.  Got any more fun ideas or ways to adapt it?!  

Here's a little freebie for ya'll!  It's the recording sheets I use when I do this activity.  There are different types depending on the level you teach and how many sentences you want to use.  Dotted lines for younger kids and plain for older.  I most often use the 10 line portrait version (the one in the photos).  My fave.  See on TPT.

So, what do you think?  Have you done this before or is it something you think you can use?  I really do love it and my kids do too!

Enjoy!