Five for Friday

I can't believe it's already Friday... this week flew by for me! I didn't link up last week because I was out of town at the Great American Outdoor Show in PA... so this week I'm excited to be linking up with Doodle Bugs again for Five for Friday!

About a month ago I stumbled upon a post from Erica from Erica's Ed-Ventures about Class Dojo and then last week we had an in-service about using technology in the classroom. The presenter discussed several apps that she felt were worth sharing and Class Dojo was one of them! I was unsure about implementing this behavior system in the middle of the school year, but with some encouragement from some of my co-workers, I thought that I would try it out in addition to my clip chart behavior system. Needless to say, my students LOVE it and I LOVE it! What I like best about this behavior system is that you can edit the behaviors to meet the needs of these young learners. I also like that I can use my tablet while I am walking around the room or picking my students up from a special, and it will synch it so that it shows up wherever it's opened- for me I usually keep it up on the SMART board for a larger display for my students. Another MAJOR pro to Class Dojo is that parents can either log on with special password or be e-mailed their child's report (analysis of student's behavior). I haven't taken this step yet, because I wanted to be sure my class would take to this additional behavior system and also that I fully felt comfortable with using this behavior system tool. Next year, I will likely be using Class Dojo and reward for points earned instead of the current clip chart I use now. I will also send the reports to the parents, instead of having the behavior log that I color each afternoon and send home in each student's communication folder. 

This week my students were immersed in valentine themed activities! They counted hearts and then recorder their answers on the ten frame recording page from my Love is in the Air Pack. They also completed a similar activity from this pack {no picture} by counting hearts and writing the number the number on the recording page. They practicing counting ten frames and then using these Dollar Tree hearts to count on these adorable counting mats (please let me know if this is your freebie, I would love to give you credit, but can't seem to find it in the TpT store). They also practiced letter formation and letter sequence by completing this too-cute Valentine Write the Room activity from Live, Laugh, I Love Kindergarten. 

As I said above, we were immersed in valentine, hearts, love, all of the above themed activities this week, as I am sure classes all over were. My kiddos made this go-to valentine heart craftivity and cards for loved ones.

Our classroom parents came in to help make these adorable 'Bee Mine' bags with the little ones, so that they had a 'mailbox' and an easy way to take home their valentines from their friends and I. Aren't they soo cute?! I think they are my favorite v-day mailbox yet!

Another snow day yesterday... I think this marks five for my school. I don't remember the last time NJ had this much snow in a year, but I love that it reminds me of my childhood and of course I enjoy the days off too{although having holidays or summer break days taken away, isn't something to look forward to}. Here is a pic of the road at 7a.m. before my hunny left to go plow for MANY hours. I am proud of him though, he puts in a lot of hours while I'm sitting in sweats all day, sipping coffee, eating yummy snacks, watching tv, "Spring" cleaning, and blogging :). Also, tomorrow marks 7 years with this handsome man! Our first date was on valentine's day {I know.. who goes out on a first date on valentine's?!}, so it is an extra special hallmark holiday for us! Next time this year, I will be married!! Okay, ok I will get off my soap box!

Did you have a {heart} filled week? I'd love to hear about it... link up with Doodle Bugs to share with others!