Elf on the Shelf....? + Graphing Freebie!

I love all of you!  Thank you for your kind and sweet words... y'all really made me smile!  Okay, so today was somewhat depressing... I could really use another day, or four, off to lounge in my pajamas and shop and eat. :)

I am however super excited about the next 12 days with my babies!  Yes folks, you heard right.  12 teaching days + 2 conference days + 1 work day = Christmas Break!  Dang, 1st semester has FLOWN by.  This evening my super sweet husband and sweet friend Mo came and helped Christmasify my classroom.  I <3 my candy tree and my awesome gingerbread wreath. I'll have to post pictures tomorrow. Camera = dead. :(   I GOT MY ELF ON THE SHELF!!!!!   I am so super excited.  My hubby named him Frederick.  I can't wait to see the look on my kids faces tomorrow morning.  They are going to be pumped.

So... here's my question for y'all.  Do you have an Elf on the Shelf?  What kinds of silly/cute things does your elf do?  I need some tips here people.  For real.

Here's a quick freebie for your thoughts... :)

Have a great day back tomorrow!!!! 

Christmas Math Centers

Okay, I'm going to admit this.  And I'm only going to admit it here.  I'm totally intimidated by you bloggers!  I know thought I had good ideas... but lately (read: last 2 months of chicken-y behavior) I've been thinking otherwise.  I'm seeing SO many super cute and creative ideas that I have not felt inspired to share ANYthing.  Don't get me wrong - I LOVE reading everyone's blogs and incorporating new awesomeness, but I have to say it has left me feeling a little intimidated!

Now, I have been encouraged by my co-workers, friends, and my super sweet husband, and my early retirement from blogging is over.  I'm back baby!  And boy did I pick a super fun time to return to blogging -- I heart Christmas and all that it involves... Santa and Cookies and Magic, Oh my!!! :)

Okay, I'm working on updating my old printables to a newer, cuter format.  I'll be heading up to the school tomorrow to set up my classroom Christmas tree, and I'll try to remember to grab them.  Cross your fingers cause I'm definitely NOT an elephant.  I'd forget my head if it wasn't attached to my body, I swear it.  So, let's hope I remember!

I'm really excited about my math time this year - I've actually having math centers!  Everyday!  Stop the presses.  My math stations (centers & teacher time) run Monday thru Thursday, and we game it up on Friday's.  This next week we'll be starting our 2 week long unit on all things Christmas - Jesus (yes! He is the reason for the season!), Santa, that sneaky little G-Man, and all that jazz.  Here's what I have planned for my M.A.T.H. centers this week.

M. (Math Games): Teen Number Christmas Go Fish

A. (Art & Math): Equal & Not Equal Trees

I LOVE LOVE LOVE these centers!  My kids are equal/not equal experts.. seriously.  To play, they roll the dice and write the numeral they roll in the star.  Then, (& here's the FUN part) they glue "ornaments" (sequins, buttons, beads, etc.) to the trees to trim an equal and a not equal tree.  They think they're making art, and I get a quick assessment of who needs more equal/not equal practice!

T. (Target Skill Practice): Christmas Tree Lights Pattern Book (from Kim Adsit's Oh Christmas Tree! Packet)

H. (Hands On Practice): Gingerbread Measurement

Print these on LEGAL sized paper - I did this so they could be super varied in size.  The kinders measure using the gingerbread men and then record their findings. 

Click HERE to download this activity. 

Okay, that's it for tonight.  Maybe I'll actual be back tomorrow and come out of semi-retirement. :)  I'm back to my Christmas lifetime movies.  Anyone else love watching those?  Or is it just me?  Surely not.... If you like anything, please leave me a little ole comment... comments make me not want to hovel in the corner because I'm not creative.  Good night bloggy friends!