A Zen Moment

Once again, I'm linking up with Tara at 4th Grade Frolics, for Monday Made It.  I have to say, I think this week's Pinterest inspired creation is my favorite so far.  Last year, I had a handful of kiddos who needed a little extra TLC in the behavior department, if you know what I mean.  With that in mind as I go into the new school year, I decided that we could all use a little more zen in our lives this year.  When I saw these cool time-out bottles on Pinterest, I knew I had to make a few for my classroom.  So, without further ado, here is my made-it for the week:

After Shaking

After Shaking

These fabulous time-out bottles were super simple to make!  I just filled up the bottles 3/4 of the way with hot tap water.  I then added a bottle of colored glitter glue and a small container of ultra fine glitter to each bottle.  The customization came next, compliments of clear gel glue.  I added the glue to slow down the speed at which the glitter falls.  Once I got everything just right, the caps were super glued on and the project was complete!  I don't know how much easier they could have been to make.

I figure regardless of what grade you teach or how fast-paced things are in the classroom, there is no doubt that somebody will need a little re-grouping at some point in time.  I don't have an exact plan for the bottles yet, but I know when the time comes, I'll be glad I made them.  If nothing else, I can always use them for a little personal time-out when the going gets tough.

Before Shaking

This is my inaugural public post in the realm of teacher bloggy land. I have been stalking blogs for some time and decided to go for a big launch by linking up with 4th Grade Frolics' Monday Made It. I hope I've done everything right and things go off without a hitch (I should be so lucky). If you feel compelled to follow my blog I'd love for you to do so.

After seeing so many super cute mustache things everywhere lately, and seeing how crazy kids of all ages seem to be about them, I was compelled to make it my classroom theme this year. The trick has been figuring out just how to incorporate mustaches in a way that is appropriate and that the kids will also embrace. I think I've figured out some fun ideas.

The first thing I made was inspired by a pin I came across. I am going to hang one of these over each of my table groups. Ultimately, I'll adhere a number to the center of the bottom circle of each mobile, to indicate which table group is which.

The other thing I made was this fun picture. The print was a free download I found on TPT. I printed it at home, bought a $5 canvas at Michaels, and the rest is history. I have to come clean though, this was my third attempt, as I tried Mod Podging over the print on the first one (it smeared and wrinkled), I then used an acrylic seal on the second one (same thing happened). Finally, after racking my brain for another option, I remembered someone using contact paper on the clipboards they made for a previous Monday Made It. I tried it on my canvas project and it worked like a charm!

Dare I admit that I am almost a little excited to get into my classroom, so I can hang these fun creations?