Flash freebie - a new product at last!

I don't normally use my blog to write posts that are purely about products, but since its been so long since I actually managed to create a new product I thought I would make an exception today. A request from a reader has led to me to adapt one of my previous products and create...

This is to help with the common letter reversals 'g' and 'q' by providing card with the letters in different fonts and colours, which the children then need to sort into the correct groups. Mats have picture clues on to help identify the sound.

And the best part of this post? I'm going to make this product absolutely free for the next week! Head over to my TpT store and grab this product (click on the image above or here).

After the next week, it will become a paid product. If you like this or any other of my products I would really appreciate feedback and constructive criticism for any future products I might produce!

Happy weekend all :)

Photo Frenzy

I kept meaning to post a Five for Friday or Sunday Smorgasboard or some sort of update at least to use up some of the photos I have been taking over the last few weeks, but I completely failed. And so I am just going to have a bit of a photo dump to update you all!

Easter Craft Afternoon
Parents and kidlets enjoyed making a variety of crafts together just before the break. Most of the inspiration came from Pinterest!

Display
A recent Science display from my classroom

Japan in April
Hundreds of cherry blossoms and generally great holiday!

Liebster again

I'm so so grateful to be nominated for my second Liebster Award by Ashley from Teacher Will Run For Books. Firstly I want to offer my thanks! And I owe her a massive apology since this nomination was given to me in November... and its taken me 5 months to get around to accepting it. Frankly I wouldn't blame her if she took the nomination back!!

For those that don't know, the Liebster Award is an online recognition for 'new' blogs by their peers. It is only awarded to blogs with less than 200 followers in an attempt to send more readers their way. The rules differ according to who has nominated you, but I will use the ones given by Ashley. 

1. In your post, be sure to link back to your nominator as a shout out and a thank you!

2. Answer the 11 questions given to you.

3. Nominate 11 blogs of your choice who have less than 200 followers. Provide them with 11 questions or ask them to answer the questions above.

4. Let your nominees know they've been nominated and provide them with a link you your post so that they can accept.

5. Send your nominator the link to your post, so they can learn more about you... leave it in the comments! 

I was first nominated in February 2014 and to receive another nomination is so flattering. I am struggling with keeping my blog updated this year, so it is greatly appreciated to find others reading and enjoying my blog enough to want to nominate me again.

Right here goes...

1. Why and how long ago did you start blogging?

I started blogging in November 2013 after reading blogs such as Clever Classroom and Oh' Boy 4th Grade to get inspired. 

2. What 1 word sums up the heart of your blog?

Random

3. Is there something you learned late in your blog journey you wished you knew before?

Don't be scared to put your ideas out there. I've read posts by other bloggers giving tips that I already knew, but didn't think were innovative enough to share, but I should have just written them! 

4. What is your favourite past time other than blogging?

5. How many hours a week do you dedicate to your blog?

An embarrassingly small number. When I'm into it, several in a go, but then nothing for weeks...

6. What category of blog post do you enjoy the most?

Those that have both teaching tips with personal anecdotes. A Teeny Tiny Teacher is the perfect example of this. 

7. Where does your blog inspiration come from?
My favourite link ups! Random things from my classroom.

8. Which post have you written that you are most proud of?
My post debut-ing my blog design which I posted a freebie on. This freebie was then selected to be the featured freebie by Teaching Blog Addicts. I was so proud!

9. Is there any post that you have been planning on doing but have been postponing for a while?
This one!!

10. What is your favourite thing about blogging?
Getting new ideas to use in my practice.

11. What recipe, project or idea on my blog would you most likely try yourself? 
The Super Improvers Wall is something I'm definitely going to be considering for my classroom next year.

My nominees (not 11, sorry!):
A fun themed blog who is only just starting her blogging journey! Love love love her classroom!

A UK-based blog full of innovative ideas for Early Years (Kindergarten). 

Mrs Krevat has already received the Liebster Award before, but I can't help nominating her again as I love her blog!

Only just less than 200 followers so I'm glad I'm managing to squeeze in my nomination for her great blog in time!

Questions for my nominees:

1. How long have you been blogging for?
2. What is your most popular post so far?
3. What are you top 3 blogs to read?
4. What is your teaching style?
5. Favourite linky party to join in with?
6. What educational website couldn't you live without?
7. What is your best subject to teach?
8. How many years have you been teaching?
9. What tip can you offer other 'new' bloggers?
10. If you could change anything about teaching what would it be?
11. What idea from my blog would you most likely try yourself?

Thanks again Ashley for the nomination and I encourage everyone to head over to her and my nominees' blogs to check out some fabulous blogs eager for more followers!

Currently not on time lol

So I was so pleased with myself in March with my posting of Currently on time, well that obviously didn't last (sigh), but I am only 2 weeks into the month, I'm sure I have been worse! So here goes... April's link up with Farley from Oh' Boy the 4th Grade!

Listening - I bought the Meghan Trainor album the other day and am loving it. My favourite song at the moment is 'Dear Future Husband'. 

Loving - That there is still a week to go of my Easter break. I was away last week gorging on lush food and beautiful cherry blossoms in Japan (photos to come in a future post!) but this week I have strictly vegetative week planned. Well a bit of work should probably happen as well! 

Thinking - Antibiotics suck! I have had my wisdom tooth out and I'm having to take antibiotics...sigh

Wanting - To get my blog back on track. February went well. March not so much. April must go better! 

Needing - To do some online shopping. Several birthdays back home coming up and I need to get organising and ordering! 

EGGS-plain your name - I love love love butterflies. And I also love what they represent. I thought that they are a fitting metaphor for how both my teaching and my students are changing. I used to start my posts with a 'butterfly' quote, so here is one for old times sake.