COLORFUL FREEBIE + THE 4-1-1

Well, hello!  How you all doing today?  It is going to be a hot one up north in the Golden State (although I am currently sitting under a ceiling fan and shivering). This is going to be the perfect excuse to stay inside and work on a lovely Friday!  

As we roll into the weekend, I figured you all needed a new freebie to keep you going.  So, here's something I ran with the last two years - COLOR WORD RACES.  It works well in Kinder and 1st and the kiddos seem to really enjoy it. It's really just color word spelling practice, but by throwing in those little dice you see pictured below and adding the word "race" to the title, it becomes a really fun "game" that keeps your kiddos engaged and working hard.

Click on the photo above to see where I got the color die.
You can always use a regular die and add colored stickers/dots to each side if you don't have these!

I like to use this as a center during the beginning of the year (1st grade).  Each student gets one color die and a game sheet (run the version you choose back to back).  You can allow them to work with markers and "color match" as they write (this takes longer) or you can focus more on penmanship and have your kiddos just use pencil.  The kids roll and trace or write the corresponding color word on their game sheet.  I typically have them play until 3 or 4 color rows are filled.  **NOTE:  If you have your students roll the die on a piece of felt, it helps keep the noise down.**

Select a version (2 included) and copy these back to back.
CLICK HERE to download your copy.

In addition to the freebie today, I am going to serve as your cyber 4-1-1 call today.  Here are the "deets" on some pretty awesome things going on in blog land these days.

First up, Jessica over at Mrs. Stanford's Class came up with the most brilliant idea . . . a Magical Blogger Product Swap.  Here's how this ditty is gonna fly.  If you are interested, just fill out the form that is magically attached to that button below  - just click.  Jess will pair you up with another blogger in the same grade/subject area.  The person you are paired with gets to pick one product from your store for free (and vise-versa).  Then, you each write a product review on your blog of the free product you received.  This is going to be so cool!  Click on the button and join in the FREE fun today!!

Next, I came across one of the coolest Linky Parties in the history of Linky Parties.  Tori over at Tori's Teacher Tips is hosting a Look Where I was Caught Reading link-up and giveaway.  When I saw this my mind started racing and I knew I had to be a part of it.  I am still deciding where I should take my picture (I have come up with a couple very colorful snapshot ideas that I decided shouldn't be shared in mixed company), but check back soon.  This is going to be great . . . you should think about joining in the fun too!  I would love to see what you all come up with :)

Finally, Jena over at 1st Grade with Miss Snowden is hosting a Big Ole Giveaway.  You should see what this awesome blogger is ponying up (I am honored to have one of my products hiding in there).  Click the button to see what I mean . . . .

Alright folks, that's it for the crazy lady over at Teacher Idea Factory.  I am off to finish up my top-secret packet.  I am hoping to have it up before I leave for Vegas on Sunday.  I have to really try to FOCUS today . . .  mmmmm . . . easier said than done.  Thanks for visiting and I'll see you soon!