Summer, Summer, Summer {It's Not Over Yet!}

{1} Watermelon Watercolor
(A summer or back to school art activity for ages 5 and up)

I found this awesome idea HERE, on the art blog Splish Splash Splatter.  Rebecca did it with second graders, so I needed to modify it for kindergarten.  I still wanted to incorporate the idea of overlapping, but using just four watermelon slices simplified things a lot for my kinders. 

We did the pencil drawing as a whole class, then in small groups we identified which lines to erase. 
 

I let them choose their background color and after the paintings dried, we went over the pencil markings with black felt tip markers.

{2} My Summer Project

Sidewalk Salvage - Popsicle Chairs

"After"

Before (sort of)    

So...I actually forgot to take the before pictures, so this is my closest approximation of the gray paint that was on all 4 chairs.  It was not a nice galvanizing or pretty color.  Think file cabinet greenish gray:)  But the chairs were not only in great shape, but free!

Gotta love sand paper and spray paint!

{3} Summer Travels
 While visiting family in Reno, I discovered this super fun shop.

http://www.junkeeclothingexchange.com/

{4} Summer Teacher Leadership Training 
The Marshmallow Challenge
(an activity for all ages)

As a member of my school leadership team, I attended a two day conference focusing on Common Core and 21st Century Learning.  My favorite part was the Marshmallow Challenge. It's something that can be used across all grade levels to emphasize the 4 Cs, especially collaboration. Watch the video and you will be so surprised at what age group rules this competition!  This is our winning structure:) 

{5} 10 Favorite Teacher Discounts
Do you love getting teacher discounts as much as I do?  I've created a list of my favorites.