Elf on the Shelf~Did You Know??

We LOVE our elf. We (even my husband and I) look forward to his arrival each December. We do not go wayyyy over the top like some parents, but we enjoy the tradition! 

I attended The Elf on the Shelf Birthday Celebration over the weekend and I've got to tell you....I'm counting down the days until our guy makes his appearance! 

While celebrating Elf with cupcakes and goodies, we also heard from cofounder, Chanda Bell. There is just something about women in business sharing their story. It is so empowering. She shared her story with us and I felt so proud for her! I also learned a few things! 

Did you know.....

*The original book is based on their real family tradition?
*Chanda and her mother self published the book originally?
*When they started, there was no business plan, no marketing background, etc? They simply knew what kids like!
*In 2013, they launched Elf on the Shelf Birthday? Your elf can come back for one day only and celebrate your birthday with you!
*$1.00 from the sale of each birthday set goes to support Charity Water?
*The Elf on the Shelf site is full of fun games, certificates, and activities!
*Elf on the Shelf also carries birthday decorations and this super fun calendar countdown! T can't wait to put this to use! 

*Coming in November is Chanda's latest work, Elf Pets~A Reindeer Tradition! (I can't wait!) 
*Elfontheshelf.com has an entire TEACHER SECTION with lesson plans, letters from Santa, etc?

I told you I learned a lot!! Family owned and operated, Elf on the Shelf is made for smiles. They are dedicated to making family moments. In fact, that is a quote. Sounds like a mission statement, too! 

Check out Elf on the Shelf on Twitter to stay up to date AND be the first to know about Elf Pets! 

Do you have a favorite elf moment? Please share! 

Binding Books is as Easy as 1, 2, 3!

Tired of lining up the holes to bind your class books? Looking for an easier way to make journals for your budding writer? Let me introduce you to the world of duct tape binding! 

I started stapling and duct taping my class books a couple of years ago and I've never looked back! Here's how you do it!

Post by Astrobrights.

I use Astrobrights paper to make my books look extra snazzy! 

Be sure to enter the #colorizeyourclassroom contest! There will be one winner in every state! Click HERE to learn more! 

How else could you use this time saving trick?

What We're Reading Sunday!

AH! School has started and even in the chaos, we are making time to read! Here are our latest reading treasures!!

Mommy.....

T..........

We are in love with every single one of these books! T's reads are all relatively new books and they are amazing. NAKED is probably his favorite, but Hooray for Hat made him want to make his own hat and The Watermelon Seed reminded him of a time he swallowed a seed. We are 3 for 3 this week!

What are YOU reading?

Coolest Paper Airplanes Ever!

Are you looking for something super fun and meaningful to do with your class during back to school? Well, HERE YOU GO! :) 

This is a video I made with Astrobrights (I'm a fan!) all about making paper airplanes with my class. Click HERE to go see the short video or watch below! 

Post by Astrobrights.

Cool, right?? Your students (or child!) will love making these planes and the learning is embedded!

Happy weekend friends!  #colorize