BACK TO SCHOOL TOE-TAPPIN' FREEBIES

Oh my word friends!!!  It's finally catchin' up to me :)  Let's just say that I got used to this blogging thing when I was home on surgery leave.  Writing a post every day/every other day was a snap when I didn't have to deal with the pressures of school each and every day.  Needless to say, I have been jerked back into reality and I am searching for a new "balance" that helps me keep up in the cyber world and in good old Room 13.  I will get there friends . . . just bear with me for a bit :)

On that note, Teacher Idea Factory is LONG overdue for a couple of rockin' freebies.  So, without another moment's hesitation, here you be! 

RULES RAP - SONG + ACTIVITY

When I moved into first grade a few years ago, I had my dad write me a rules rap.  My goal with this ditty was/is to present the rules to my new crew of kiddos in a fun and very memorable way.  Take a little listen . . .

Click PLAY to start and PAUSE to stop!

Here's how this one typically plays out.  After they finish their "Good Morning Work" on the first day of school, I have my kiddos come to the carpet for our first class meeting.  We discuss classroom behaviors and I introduce them to our Fantastic First Grader Rules Chart.  Then, to really "bring it on home," I morph into a rap star before their eyes . . . Queen La Teacha!  I put on my shades, grab my big old plastic microphone, put on my bling (see necklace print out below), and hang up large chart paper with the lyrics of the rap written out. The kids' mouths always drop open and they really don't know what to make of their new teacher . . . that's when I know I have 'em :).  We go through the rap together once and then I invite some brave kiddos to come up and be rap stars with me.  Oh yes, I have shades and mics for them too.  We sing this every morning throughout the week . . . new rap stars come up . . . and by Friday, they have the rules down pat.  CLICK HERE to download a free copy of the Rules Rap!

CLICK HERE to print me!

I also always follow the rap up on the second day with a little writing activity.  It has proven to be a great way to get my kiddos to think about and personalize the rules even more.  I have made this writing template available for FREE below.  There are templates for Kinder, 1st, and 2nd Grade.  

CLICK HERE to download writing templates!

IN A NEW GRADE - SONG
I start back to school with the my new crew of cute little nuggets on Monday. Hence, back to school is still my major focus right now.  So, if you all haven't started yet, here's a great little FREE tune for ya!  My pop wrote this ditty a few years back and it's an absolute charmer.  

Click PLAY to start and PAUSE to stop!

If you are interested in snagging a free tune, CLICK HERE to download your free copy.  The lyrics are also available in this download.  You can use these as a powerful piece of reading material. Print out a copy for each child and have them track and sing along as you play the tune. Soon, they will be able to read the lyrics with ease!

Alrighty folks . . . I need to go get cleaned up.  Thanks so much for poppin' in today.  I'll see you this weekend!