Alphabet Station Idea

I have been meaning to do a post with pics of my beginning of the year literacy stations...but I have just not had the energy. I don't know how all you fabulous teacher bloggers do it. I can barely keep up with reading all of the posts in my google reader lately, let alone type up posts for my own blog. I hope I get my energy back soon-the kids surely will get into a routine soon with this being the fourth week of school coming up, right?! I do promise to post some pictures of my literacy stations later this week, but here is a sneak peek of an activity at my alphabet station.

I bought a 4 pack of stove burner covers for just a few dollars in the kitchen section at Walmart. Luckily they were already plain white (otherwise I would have gotten out some spray paint-my new obsession!). I saw this idea somewhere on the internet awhile back-of course I don't remember where! Anyway, since they are magnetic they are perfect for the kids to use with magnetic letters. I used some velcro to attach them to the wall and they make an instant station activity. My kids are using them to sort magnetic letters by their features (circles/curves, sticks, both, dots, etc.). Later in the year they could probably build some of our sight words on them with magnetic letters. I love how they sort of look like giant polka dots on the wall. In case you want to try this yourself, you might want to take a magnet to the store with you- some burner covers are magnetic and some are not.

Wasn't it wonderful to have three whole days off this weekend? I sure needed the long weekend (and I am thrilled this will only be a 4 day school week!). I went antique shopping with my mom on Saturday and happened to see this little sign in one of the shops.

It says "There will be a $5.00 charge for whining." Hahaha! My mom thought I should get it and hang it in my classroom. I told her that would probably be inappropriate...but it made me laugh anyway! Hope you all had a restful Labor Day weekend!