Meet Erin from Creating & Teaching

First and foremost, I am so greatly thankful for all of the wonderful ladies that make up this blog. Despite my forgetful mind (if I don't write it down, I don't do it) they let me add my name in again at the bottom of this list so you could still get to meet me! 

Now, I'll share a secret with you. I'm writing this post 5 days ahead of time so I don't actually forget this go-around. Or else, you might NEVER get to meet me.

For those of you who don't know me, I'm Erin from Creating & Teaching!

Yes, I'm planning on a new profile photo. One that isn't me cropped out of a group photo. My fiance even agreed to take one for me and didn't think I was totally nuts explaining to him why I needed a good picture of myself. (If it doesn't happen by December 31st, hello first New Years Resolution!)

I'm 25. My favorite color is pink (imagine that). I love gold, sparkles, stripes, and leopard print.

I began my little old blog back in April of 2011 and it has taken me places I never thought it could and has introduced me to some amazing ladies and teachers in the blogging world!

I am currently in my 4th year teaching. I have taught special education pre-school all 4 years. I am certified birth through 2nd, Special Education, and have my Autism Certification. For the last 2 years my classroom population has been mostly students on the autism spectrum and I love it. It's challenging and exhausting, but to know them is to love them. I always wondered why the symbol for autism was a puzzle piece. Then I knew. It truly is all about fitting together the pieces. Whether it's the pieces for a cure, finding the cause, or determining the most effective intervention strategies.

I am recently engaged to the love of my life! We have been together for almost 8 years and first met in the 5th grade! I love telling that part of our story, I think it's so funny.

When I'm not living in my classroom, I'm living behind a computer screen trying to finish my masters degree. I'm basically 1 assignment away from a masters degree in Special Education. At this time, I have ABSOLUTELY ZERO interest in pursuing any further degrees. Shew. I am ready to start doing other things with my life (like getting married)

When I actually do find spare time outside of those things, I enjoy baking (or well trying to bake) and attempting sewing projects. So far, I've done 3 and have had my sewing machine for over a year....eventually it'll happen.

Now to wrap this post up, I want to thank all of you for taking the time to get to know me and offer you a freebie! If you haven't checked out this freebie I just posted, then now is your time!

[click the photo to grab the freebie!]

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Black Friday Sale is On!!

We are having a Black Friday sale in our stores on Friday, November 29th! Stock up early and save 20% off all of our products!

Want to save even more?? Teachers Pay Teachers is offering an additional 10% off your ENTIRE purchase using the coupon code CYBER on Monday, December 2nd and Tuesday, December 3rd only. 

We hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!

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Meet Tara West from Little Minds at Work

Hey there!  It's me, Tara West ie. "the new girl!"  I blog over at {Little Minds at Work}.  I was beyond excited and grateful to join this group of awesome bloggers!

I wanted to take a few minutes to share a little about myself and to share a couple of great freebies with you as well!

Anyway, you most likely know me best by the photo below!  It is my profile picture over at {Teachers Pay Teachers}.  

I was born, raised, and still live in small Sedalia, Missouri!  I am 26 years old and  having a late August birthday...I usually celebrate my birthday completely exhausted from the exiting back to school week! I married my husband, Jedidiah, on March 15, 2008! We have yet to be blessed with children, but we will patiently wait on God's perfect timing!



My husband and I in Las Vegas!

I am completely in love with my two beautiful nieces- Lolah and Vaida!  We make it our mission to go and visit them each and every day. They are full of life and always make me laugh and smile all at once!


Lolah


Vaida

I also admire and have so much respect for my mom!  I lost my dad to a heart condition when I was a Junior in high school.  My mom has been so strong and supportive of my sister and I.  Even though there are days I miss my dad like crazy I know he is  so proud of my sister and I. Speak of my sister, she aslo teaches Kindergarten with me- right down the hall.

my mom and I at my wedding.

I also LOVE the beach or anywhere warm! :)

Destin, Florida

Now a few random facts {the good and the bad habits too!}

-I LOVE music!  I am a walking Jukebox...start a song and I will sing away!  I know the 70's, 80's, 90's, rap, country, classic rock, jazz...oh yeah I got it covered! :)

-I also LOVE sunflower seeds.  I've been nicknamed the "squirrel" if that tells you anything!

-I smile WAY more than an average person...at least I think ;)

-When I was little my parents raised Boxer dogs.  My sister and I would name them all, play in the dog house with them, and use them as our kids when we would play house! It was always heart breaking to give them to their new owners.

-I have bad habit of drinking diet pop!  I currently only drink non caffeinated, but it's still bad! LOL Also, I wouldn't be fibbing telling you that when I limit myself to one a day..I drink it for breakfast! HA!

-I'm 5ft.  tall.

-I recently purchased my first non-Kmart purse.  I'm super pumped to have made this big move!  My husband was the one that actually encouraged me to buy it...a sign?? :)

-I am an extremely nervous person at times.  This has gotten better as I have aged, but it's still there!  When I was about 6 "Santa" came to my house Christmas Eve...I was so nervous and upset that I didn't go outside to the see the reindeer that I made my self sick!

- I also have a bad habit of switching cars...a lot! My dear husband just rolls with it, but he thinks I'm crazy.  I'm IN LOVE with my current SUV so it isn't going anywhere!

-I walk REALLY fast!  A lot of people don't understand how such a short person can walk so fast. I guess I just take small steps! My sister also thinks it's crazy that I walk the 5 mph setting on the treadmill.  I thought this was completely normal?

-I have a HUGE heart!  My heart breaks when I hear any kind of sad story.  My throat gets a big lump and I really just want to cry it out!

That's about all I can think of right now.....but I'm sure there are a few more ;)

My teaching partner and I- Read Across America day!

I love my family, my friends, my career, and the amazing relationships I've made through blogging!  Ever have a question, please feel free to email me at taradc87@hotmail.com

Below are a couple of awesome freebies that will be perfect for your busy December!



Below is a quick and easy Christmas beginning sound sort.  Students will sort pictures cards to the /S/anta board or the /E/ lf board.  Students can then record their answers on the corresponding recording sheet.

Click the picture below to grab these freebie!



The second freebie is my Christmas fluency review packet!  I send this home with my students over Christmas break because we benchmark test soon after we return from break.
This packet covers LNF, LSF, NWF, and PSF. Click the picture below to grab these freebie!



Be sure to also head over to my blog below and follow me for upcoming freebies & more!



Tara West

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Meet Mel D from Seusstastic

Hey there Freebielicious fans! It's Mel D from Seusstastic Classroom Inspirations. 

I am so honored to be a part of this fabulous blog. These ladies play such an important role in my day to day life. We are always there for each other no matter what & I am truly grateful for the friendships we have formed.

Now a little bit about my life...yes, I have one...I think. 

This is me & the hubs. I have known my husband since we were preteens. My dad actually gave him a Pinto moped if he mowed our lawn for an entire summer. He remembers coming every week & he never saw me. I asked what time he came. He said I don't know, maybe 9 am. That is why he didn't ever see me, I was still sleeping...duh. And to this day, I still love my sleep. 

This is not a very flattering picture of Bentley (Big B). It's true. He ate a big hairball...last week. If you follow me on Instagram, you will see all kinds of photos of our fur babies. Big B once ate an entire container of wet wipes, like a spaghetti noodle. I know that because he had an upset tummy & threw up right above my head on my favorite pillow. The wipes were still attached to each other so he sucked the whole thing up. He is half goat, he has to be. 
We not only have Big B we also have two other furry brats but they are not very photogenic so I'll just let you use your imagination. 

Here is a picture of my niece & I. She is much taller now. I just came across this picture & had to post it. Yes, I do in fact love the Rolling Stones. 

This is my mom & I...I just love her. She is my partner in crime most of the time. We get in some major trouble anytime we shop...well that is all we do. Hubs is a ball of nerves until I return. I think he has a radar on the credit card. 

Here is a little freebie to get you excited for December & give you some management help. Those little nuggets go cra-cra in December, don't they? 

 

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Meet Jeannie from Kindergarten Lifestyle

Hi Freebielicious friends! - I want to introduce myself. I'm Jeannie...

 from

I am a mom of 6!! (Yes I am crazy - thank you for asking). My youngest is 5 and my oldest is 16 and only 1 girl in the whole bunch....btw she is MUCH meaner than the boys....and MUCH more dramatic!

 I've taught for 10 years. I've taught kindergarten, first, and second grade. I really love each grade, but kindergarten is truly my passion. I love their innocence and their love for life. Even on my worst days, they brighten my life.

 In 2008, I received my M.Ed in Reading. I have certifications as a Reading Specialist and Master Reading Teacher. I also am certified to teach ESL and SPED as well.

I love the teaching blogging community. I know for a fact that I've become a better teacher using ideas from teachers all over the world! I love the 'give and take' sharing that we have!

A few of my favorite things:

Christmas movies - seriously I could watch these 365 days a year. They just make me happy! :)

 Diet Coke - and yes my classroom runs on it!....and my house too!

Pinterest - I'm a Pinterest Addict....like seriously! I probably need a 12-step program. If anyone has a pin for that let me know. :)

Come check out my boards - my most valuable asset!

 Hawaii! - I am determined to make it there someday... {sigh} Is there any person in the world who doesn't want to visit there?

I made these Letter Box sheets for my class a few days ago. I thought maybe you could use them too. Click below to grab them!

Hope you enjoy!

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Meet Lori from Teaching With Love and Laughter

Hello, everyone! I am Lori from

I've been a blogger for about a year and a half and I cannot imagine my life without my blog. Blogging is the reason I have "met" literally hundreds of teachers from all over the world. Teachers are such special people!

I feel especially blessed to be a part of Freebielicious. I am happy to call all of the authors of this very special blog, my friends. I often wish we all lived near each other so we could teach in the same school! A girl can dream, right?

I've been a teacher for a really, really, really long time! 20 years to be exact! I got my teaching license when I was 15! Just kidding! I wish I were that young!

I've always taught primary students because they are good for my ego. They think I am the BEST singer, artist, and writer. Truth be told, I can't carry a tune and my artistic ability is very limited. I am a great writer though! 

I'll give them that. LOL! 

If you asked my students to describe me, they will definitely say I am...funny, forgetful, and clumsy. And smart, beautiful, and the best teacher in the universe! And, they will tell you that I cannot find people in a crowd and that I am really bad with names. All of it is true! ;)

I am a super duper doggie lover! 

I am owned by two yorkies and I love them dearly. 

Don't be fooled by their cuteness though!

They are spoiled rotten.

If only the clip chart worked with them!

I have a wonderful family, but they are all too shy to appear on the internet. I actually work with my sister. She teaches in the room right next to mine and our classrooms share an office. During the day, we often swap funny stories with each other. She is one of my BEST friends!

Here are a few more facts about me...

-I am a hoarder of school supplies, bins, baskets, cute notepads, and educational activities. I don't think I'll ever be able to use up all that I have in this lifetime! Thankfully, I have a HUGE treadmill that holds a lot of my obsessions!

-My favorite musical groups are... 

and

-I always, and I mean always, wear my hair in a ponytail. The only time my hair wasn't in a ponytail, for the past few years, is when I posed for the picture in this post! Really! I can't stand when my hair falls into my face. And I always want to brush other people's hair off their face! I try hard not to, though, because people think that's weird!

-I LOVE to eat! I am a BIG foodie! I don't love to cook, but I just adore eating. Thankfully, teaching, and life, in general, keep me busy and moving around!

-I also love to watch comedies. There are some really GREAT new comedies this year. My favorites are ...

Comic relief is invaluable after a long day teaching!

So, that's me!

I adore teaching.

I adore blogging.

And I adore chatting with all of you!

As a thank you for listening to me go and on about myself, here is a present for all of you! My students LOVE to write the room and here is a generic write the room template that can be used any time of the year. 

Click here to download it!

Enjoy!

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