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Monday, February 4, 2013

Things I am fond of #4 ... FONTS ... Kimberly Geswein fonts!

I am a little bit of a font-aholic.  I have to pick just the right font for the project.  I know I am not the only one out there!!!  I do, however, have some FAVES! 

I thought that I would focus on one of my favorite font creators: Kimberly Geswein.  She has SO many fonts to choose from and, guess what?!?!  You can also purchase a commercial license for them ... either individually or an unlimited license.

Here is a little bit behind the creator, Kimberly Geswein:
Kimberly Geswein {pronounced guess wine}
She has a fontastic website: http://www.kimberlygeswein.com/
Her fonts can be downloaded for free at DaFont or FontSpace. 
She has over 200 fonts available, and she keeps on adding. :)
She loves coffee, tea, and reading! 
She's a huge Disney fan and loves living near the parks in Florida. 
 
Here are a FEW of MY faves of hers:
I could go on and on!
 
If you haven't heard of her or downloaded any of her fonts before, I highly suggest you do!  She is also just an all around nice person that responds to emails and comments, and doesn't mind a little ol' blogger like me doing a post on her.  THANKS Kimberly for your fonts and time! :D
 

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Things I am fond of #3: Creating printables

I have always loved creating printables for my classroom since my good-old student teacher days.  Can you say, "I've come a LONG way baby!" since then, and am sure the growth will continue.  Whew ... I look back at those creations from 2003 and **SHUDDER!**
 
Anyway, I love drawing my own graphics, BUT because there are way better & faster artists out there, I also use clip art, especially from DJ Inkers.  I love DJ Inkers so much that I have given them my own little love name of "Dinkers."  
In honor of my fondest #3 post ... I thought it would be good to debut my latest bundle:
I am in LOVE with this bundle, and it is chock full of activities perfect for Valentine's Day!  31 pages in all of literacy, math & center related items! I hope you HEART it too!
 
Here are a few pictures of items included. :)
This is a poem I wrote. One for them to read, and one to illustrate & find sight words they know {they can light words up with a yellow crayon}
Reference cards, letter templates & post cards for the mail center
A bubble map and writing activity {there is another bubble map included in this unit about things that the kiddos love ... geared more for kindergarten.}
   This is a family gift project.
{Take pictures of your kiddos to make the middle flower.  Add their thumbprints for the petals.  Have them create the other 2 flowers.}
 Adding My Love {there are 4 versions of this included;1&3 are the easier ones.}

 This is a take home reader where the kids read, illustrate & fill in the missing word.
 There is even more... I can't show you all the goodies! HA!
You can pick it up at either store: TPT or TN {TN sale through Feb 3rd}
 
Tell me which item you think your class would heart the most!

I didn't get to post my 2nd thing I am fond of for the Valentine's Day countdown...

{bronchitis had me down!}  I will be posting a "doubler" today! One now... one later. :)
So, I LOVE singing songs with my kids ... Many I make up and dream of having a YouTube channel one day! Not with my voice, though the kids don't mind it, I would love to keep the negative comments to a minimum. HA! I have already recruited my magnificentally talented sister-in-law, Christen. I know she will BRING IT!  It is just a matter of time. Okay, I put it out there! 
WHY MUSIC??? It is such a valuable learning tool, not only for academics, but also to redirect behavior and focus!  Learning MUST be targeted across the styles for children to thoroughly grasp, apply and retain what is taught.  Music is just one of those learning styles. :) Want to learn more about the value of music & education??? Check out this research at Community Playthings.
There are so many songs that we sing in class that I don't create and the kids love.  Here is a small sampling of what we sing {if I could find it on YouTube I added it for y'all or you guys for you non-Texans. HA!}:

Peanut Butter {and Jelly}by: Sharon, Lois & Bram
 Skinnamarink a Dink a Dink by: Sharon, Lois & Bram:The Elephant Show {We sing this one as we are leaving for the day}
Beware ... this is bringing it back OLD SCHOOL STYLE!!!

 
Apples & Bananas {Raffi} Again bringin' it back and great for vowels!
 
All By Greg and Steve {many great for refocusing wiggly bodies!!!}
Bop Til You Drop
Beanie Bag Dance
The Way We Do It {stretching and exercise}
Can't Sit Still
The Bear Hunt
 
Too Many to List by: Dr. Jean!!! {Although one of my ALL TIME favorites has to be The African Village Song.  We have added sign language to it, and it is sure to bring a tear to your eye!}
 
The Pinocchio By Super Simple Songs {This is a MASSIVE favorite!  We just have the music, but I was pleased to see a video b/c I just made up my own dance moves!}
 
Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes {many versions}
You are my sunshine {we add kinesthetic movements}
I love you a bushel and a peck
Tony Chestnut by The Learning Station
 
I would love to know the tunes you use in your classroom! Sing about them in the comment section below. :) 
 

Here are links to some of the albums on Amazon.com: