Updates and More Updates! Jazzin' things up a bit!

As I've been updating a lot of my products on TPT this summer, I can't help but think about Erica Bohrer's post about "Getting Started on TPT". She talks about what her first products looked like versus her more recent items.  I had to chuckle as I look back on things I made years ago compared to my more recent items.  I think I had some really good concepts but visually some of my stuff just didn't cut it.  I realize it's a process... I've learned and grown and still have so much more to learn but I do feel like my newer items are so much more appealing.  (Side note:  If you haven't read Erica's post and are thinking about using TPT ~ it is a must read FULL of valuable information!) 

Here is an example of what I'm talking about:

This poster has been updated with all new fonts, backgrounds and clip art.  

Here is what it looked like before the updates:

UMMMM.... I loved these posters and used them for each unit of Reading Street... But seriously they I had to revamp! If by chance you purchased these posters... They have ALL been updated and you can go to your purchases on TPT and re-download.  

Not only did I update THESE posters but since we are using the new Common Core Edition of Reading Street... many of the concepts changed.  SO I created a new product that I am in love with... and I can't wait to use them on my focus wall! 

This is the same concept as the first poster but slightly different terminology for Common Core.  I created these all new Common Core Versions and I have to admit I'm loving the look of them!  Here is Unit 1:

I made each unit a different color and tried to make them as visually appealing and kid-friendly so that my students can use these as a reference as we learn each grammar concept. 

I especially love the Melonheadz clipart.  I am a COMPLETE ADDICT... Serious UH-DICT-ION! Okay ya'll... one last image to share ~

I have updated tons more but just thought I'd share some of the updates I've made this summer. I just got the word that I can get into my classroom on Monday so I guess it's time for back to school mode!  I've been pinning and getting lots of ideas on ways to set up my classroom this year. YOWZA!  So excited!  

OWLS, Reading Street, and a Freebie!

Well ~ we've had a break in the weather... high today 98! At least we are out of the triple digits.  Yesterday, I found some of the cutest clipart and decided I had to make a few things using owls.  {I just LOVE owls!}  I bet you didn't know that!?  So for ALL the owl fans out there, I hope you like these.  I started out by creating some nameplates using bright colorful owls.  I thought these were just the cutest... take a look:

If you notice - some of the nameplates have cute sayings and some do not.  I made them both ways  so you could choose if you wanted the sayings or not.  There are actually even more nameplates in the file.  I used 6 different backgrounds.  Click on any picture above to take you to my TPT store.

As I started using the chocolate brown backgrounds (which I love since it is the theme in my room) I began creating another file using brown owls.  I fell in love INSTANTLY!

I'm not sure which one I'm going to use this year... I may just use one of each!  Again - I created these so there are 2 copies in each file - one with the cute sayings - and one without.  Just print out the ones you want to use.  If you are interested, click on any picture above or HERE to go to my TPT store.

If you teach Reading Street, I created some grammar posters that I plan to use this year as we make our way through each week.  I will post these as references for each unit and then make them available in my writing center either on a ring, or in a binder, etc.  I'm not sure yet.  I wanted something that I could project on my Smart Board as we learn about each grammar concept.  Here are a few examples of what I came up with:

These are both from Unit 1.

These are from Unit 2.

These are from Unit 3.

These are from Unit 4.

These are from Unit 5.

Each unit has 6 different posters for each of the weekly skills.  These are all available in my TPT store if you are interested. 

NOW for the freebie!  I hope all you OWL lovers out there will like this. You can get one brown owl and one bright owl name plate for free by clicking HERE!  I am thinking about creating new book box labels, binder covers and cubby numbers using these cute owls.  What do you think?  Hope everyone has a great week... I am off to take my kids to Six Flags today.  Thank goodness it has cooled down a little.  (Heh heh)!