Sundays in the South: Linky, Blog Hop & Reality TV

Before we get down to business, are you as excited as I am about The Bachelorette finale and Big Brother tonight??!  Oh my gosh!  I cannot wait to see Emily and Jef get engaged and live happily ever after!  *Sigh*  Okay, okay, I know that MIGHT not be what happens, but that's my hope!  I wasn't a big fan of his in the beginning but he won me over!  I think it was the date where they just lay on the floor in the middle of that library that got me!  I'm just not buying into Arie.  I mean, I know she likes to kiss him and all, but something about him still has "player" written on it to me!  Or, there could always be something to those Emily and Chris Harrison rumors...oh the possibilities...and we get THREE hours of juiciness tonight!!!!

So, set your DVRs for Big Brother...I know you might think you can just skip tonight since it does come on three nights a week (heaven), but you can't!! TRUST ME...I watch the After Dark show on Showtime and keep up with the live feeds on my BB app (yes, I'm a total DORK) and there is D-R-A-M-A in the house this week!!  You are not going to want to miss it!

****************************************************************I am sooooo excited to join some of these great linkies and blog hops that are going on!  First up, the "Must Have Picture Books" Linky Party at The Teacher Wife.
This is going to be extremely tough...I pretty much think all books are "must haves," but I'll give this a try and attempt to list some books that I don't think will be showing up on all of the other linky lists!

1. Goldie Socks and the Three Libearians is perfect for the beginning of the year!  It helps students understand how to find that "just right book" for them.

2. I could insert ANY Patricia Polacco book here.  I LOVE her books!!  We use them a ton during our memoir unit....Thank You, Mr. Falker, Chicken Sunday, Thunder Cake, and Some Birthday! are probably at the top of my list, but I'm going to showcase one that I don't think is one of her most popular books.  This one is kind of a lengthy read, but the kids love it and get the meaning behind it.  After reading this book (where the townsfolk love their TVs so much they put pictures of them on their mantles and watch them so much that they've forgotten how to read), we talk about how it's okay to watch TV, but we don't want to end up like this town.  Students then work in groups to come up with a class list of 100 things to do instead of watch TV (and it can't involve video games or anything that would use the TV!)  I send that list home with them over the summer and if they highlight at least 20 things from the list they did and return it to me they get a little treat! 
3.  Again, I could insert ANY Robert Munsch book here.  Don't you LOVE him?  We use his texts as a model for using onomatopoeia, humor, and repetition in our writing!  This one in particular always has the students ROLLING on the floor with laughter!  They love his books even more if you visit his website and let them listen to HIM read the books.  While he's a great writer, he's an even BETTER storyteller!!  And, did you know that if your class writes letters to Robert Munsch that he actually writes back AND includes one of his unpublished books that has been changed to include YOUR STUDENTS' NAMES??  How cool is that??
4.  This is by far my favorite version of "Cinderella."  When we do our Fairytale unit, this book really captures the boys' attention!  It still has the main elements of Cinderella, but a lot more action!  
5.  This is one of my favorite books for teaching math - specifically, multiplication.  It provides lots of practice with arrays and groups...and the kids think it's funny!

I hope those are a few new book ideas for you.  It looks like many of the most-beloved picture books have already been showcased in this linky, but there's lots of new ideas, too! Be sure to link up with your favorites!

****************************************************************
I have found sooooo many wonderful new blogs to follow from this newbie blog hop hosted by Janis at Grade Three is the Place for Me, so I knew I had to join in!

1.  What state are you in?
I was born and still reside in the upstate of South Carolina.  

2.  What is your current teaching position?
I am currently a 2nd grade teacher - the best grade EV-AH!

3.  What is your teaching experience?
I have been lucky enough to stay in the same grade throughout my entire teaching career...this will be my 15th year teaching those wonderful 2nd graders! (YIKES!)  I am also a technology instructor for my district so I get to teach TEACHERS a lot, too!

4.   When did you start blogging?
I started blogging in June of this year.  My blog officially went live on June 11 and it has been a wonderful experience!

5.  Share a blogging tip or resource.
Most of the needed tips have already been shared by others in this great blog hop - what a terrific resource!  The question new bloggers email me the most is, "How have you gotten your blog to grow so quickly?"  Really, I'm not sure!  BUT, my tip would be to try to blog often (but not more than once a day...I hear that's an unwritten rule). ;)  BUT, don't blog if you don't have anything to say!  Make sure that each of your posts has content.  Don't just post to advertise products or to promote giveaways.  It's fine to do those things, but that shouldn't be the sole purpose of a post.  If you're writing posts with content, people will WANT to visit your blog!  Also, visit others' blogs and leave comments with your blog link so they can find you and visit you in return.

Best of luck to all my fellow newbie bloggers!  I can't wait to continue finding new blogs to follow! :)
I'm off to get my craft on for some more Monday Made It projects for tomorrow!!!!

31 comments

  1. Tonight is a busy night for TV! I love my big brother and I am really curious to see what happens on the bachelorette. Who is your front runner for big brother? Not sure I am liking the coach idea.

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  2. I'm kind of liking the coach idea, but I do think a couple of the coaches will have a chance to get back in the game, maybe? If so, my money is on JANELLE (not that she's my all-time favorite player or anything!) :) I think Frank has a good chance because everyone likes him and he's good at comps. But you never know about this game! I hope it's not someone from Boogie's team! I'd kind of like to see Will win it (I liked Kara, but oh well!)

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  3. 1. I can not wait for the Bachelorette... but my hopes were that she would kick them both to the curb and go running back for Sean.. I really liked him lol.
    2. I also can't wait for BB drama!! We don't have showtime so there's no after dark for me!
    3. I broke the unwritten rule yesterday by accidentally posting more than once... I thought I had posts set up for different days, but evidently not... so I left them lol oooh well... I will try not to break that rule again :)

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  4. Goldisocks looks like such a wonderful book! I'll have to check that one out!
    Liz
    Check out my new blog Teaching in Valley

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  5. I think ALL of America loves Sean, Gina! I could really see him as the next Bachelor!! (Much better than the rumored Roberto, I think!)

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  6. Yes I am soooo excited that Emily and Jef are going to get engaged!!! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I am now following you!
    Brigid
    Brigid's Daily Lesson Log

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  7. I'm so so so excited for The Bachelorette! I want her to choose Jef too! I feel like she and Aerie just have the physical connection, but with Jef it's so much more! At first, I thought Jef was too hipster for her, but opposites attract! I loved the library date too!

    Allie
    The Gypsy Teacher

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  8. Ahhh! You just made my day, I totally forgot about The Bachelorette Finale was on tonight! Can't wait to see Emily get engaged to Arie ;)

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  9. Cinderlad looks great. I'll have to check it out!
    ~Heather
    The Meek Moose

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  10. OMGoodness... I cannot WAIT until the Bachelorette tonight! I don't know what's gonna happen, but the previews have been great!

    Love your book pics. Have you noticed how many of us have chosen a Patricia Polacco book? She is truly a genuis!

    Gotta go get my laundry done so I won't have any interruptions later tonight!

    ✿Lynn
    Inside this Book

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  11. I can not wait! I love Jef and definitely think Arie is up to no good. Love your book selections.

    ✣ Miss Nelson✣
    Miss Nelson’s Blog

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  12. Love your blogging tips. I don't watch the Bachelorette, but I am curious to see who se picks. I have heard and read a lot about it.
    ~April
    The Idea Backpack
    ideabackpack@gmail.com

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  13. I love both of those shows! In fact my girlfriends and I watch Bachelorette every week together and we are having a finale celebration tonight. I'm glad I'm not the only one that thinks Arie is shady. None of my friends do. He is up to no good.

    Marlene
    I Heart Teaching Elementary

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  14. Found you through the blog hop! I am your newest follower!
    ~Jen
    Jen's Kinder Kids
    Please Come & Visit!

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  15. I think Arie will win, but I much prefer Jef. Actually, I'm not too crazy about either but I like Jef better! And about Big Brother...I've read spoilers and I know it'll be GOOD tonight!!

    I SO agree about not only posting about products you are selling! :)

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  16. I as well can't wait for tonight! I am so excited to see who Emily will end up with. I'm rooting for both guys. I've liked them both from the very beginning. I'm excited to see what happens at the After the Final Rose. I've never watched Big Brother. I might just have to.
    ஐRikki
    The Hive

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  17. Love your blog (Chevron is my new fave!) SO anyways, I just joined your blog and would love to join in on the picture book link--not sure how, though.
    Hop by my blog--
    http://tales-of-a-first-grade-teacher.blogspot.com
    Jessica

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  18. I can't wait to check out the books you mentioned and how fun that you teach 2nd grade. I taught 2nd for 4 years and LOVED it!!! Stop by and link up with me in my first EVER linky party about first day procedures!!!
    -Abby
    Mrs. Saunders' Lovelies

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  19. Thanks for some great book ideas! Perfect timing too :) I was just getting ready to make a book purchase through Amazon!

    Love your blog!!! Can't wait to see more!


    Ashley @Fierce in Fourth

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  20. Thank you for the wonderful picture book ideas! :) They all look so cute.. Some I've seen, others I haven't! I am obsessed with picture books. My mom hates going to Barnes and Noble with me because we can't leaving that store without me purchasing something new! :)

    Allison
    http://staycalmteachon.blogspot.com/

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  21. So true about Big Brother! What drama :0 I also am a big fan of Robert Munsch books. I am always amazed how my 5th graders react to them. I use them as lead-ins for writing time.

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  22. Hi...I am your newest follower. I found you through the linky party! Drop by my blog and say hello! I love visitors!

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  23. I just found your blog through the newbie blog hop and I am your newest follower!! It is so cute!! I would love for you to visit when you have a chance.

    Jess
    Mrs. Wood's Class

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  24. Hey there! Thanks for stopping by my blog! Great blogging advice, and congrats on having such a successful new blog! I'm really trying to get into the habit of posting frequently, but not too frequently. Sometimes I get a little anxious. Since I just started, I have a whole summer worth of projects I want to post about. I just keep a list next to my computer to remind me of what my next posts can be. I'm hoping it works! Happy blogging!

    Kristin
    Teaching In A Nutshell

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  25. I love reading your blog! :)
    XO Anna
    asweetsouthernmess.blogspot.com

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  26. Don't know how I missed this post the first time around. Love your top 5 books! I also use the Patricia Polacco books you mentioned ( including Aunt Chip) to teach personal narrative. GREAT tip on Robert Munsch! I did not know that but during our author study next year we will be doing that!
    Jean
    Diving Into 2nd Grade

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  27. Thanks so much for sharing all your ideas and especially links to other great blogs! I just love discovering new ideas! ;)

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  28. I am your newest follower. Super cute blog! I am so glad I found you.
    Heather
    creatingbookworms.blogspot.com

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  29. Hi me also so excite to marry both. Thanks for wonderful Picture sharing on this blog very nice images.

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  30. Your blogging tips is very nice understanding clearly. I have share this blog to my all friends.

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