Five for Friday Linky and Shout-Outs!

What a crazy first week of school!  Although it hasn't been the best week for me, I thought I'd share a couple of good things that have happened so I am linking up with Doodle Bugs {first grade rocks} for the FIVE FOR FRIDAY linky party!

1.  Building classroom community (Part 1):  Balloon Popping Activity

       I worked really hard this week, especially today, to build more of a classroom community in my room.  I found a couple of games that worked very well with my students.  This balloon popping activity was super fun for my students.  I put the provided questions into different colored balloons and then passed the balloons out.  The students had to blow up their balloons and then get into groups based on the color of their balloon.  One at a time, they had to figure out a way to pop their balloon and read and answer the question.  It was a fun activity that let the kids get up out of their seats and learn about each other.  The link to the activity is below!

2.  Building Classroom Community (Part 2):  The toilet paper game! 

       I found this game on a random website when I was googling community building activities, and I can't find the link!  I had my students silently sit in a circle in our room.  I took out a roll of toilet paper and pulled a bit off.  I handed it to the student next to me and all I said was "take what you need".  She took some and each child after her took some.  Some students took more than others.  No one had any idea what we were about to do!  As soon as the roll got back around to me I ripped off the first square and shared a fact about myself.  Then I ripped off the remaining squares, one by one, sharing information about myself as a person.  We went around and listened carefully as each student shared interesting facts about themselves.  It took a while because I have 27 students, but it was a very enjoyable activity.

3.  Creative Juices (Part 1):  Love this frame!

       I have been a busy bee recreating some posters and such in my classroom using a couple of new things I've found on TPT!  I found this frame from the 3am Teacher TPT store! I have been using this frame for EVERYTHING in my room... I am in love with it! Visit her blog here!

4.  Creative Juices (Part 2):  Classroom Number Printables!

       And I have decided to redo my classroom numbers for my jobs chart, my "Where Are You" sign, and my "Pick a Stick" bucket using these adorable classroom numbers from A Cupcake for the Teacher on TPT!  I am so thankful for Freebies!  Visit her blog here!

5.  Blue Bell Cookies and Cream Ice Cream

I literally couldn't have made it through the week without it...Thank you God, for ice cream.

I am really looking forward to getting to know my students better and solving the talking problem in my classroom very soon!

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