VA is for Bloggers - Southern Hospitality Blog Hop


Welcome to Virginia!

Virginia is for Lovers Bloggers!

I have linked up with a lovely group of Virginia bloggers who would like to help usher in the new school year by extending a bit of southern hospitality. You can follow along the blog hop below to visit 20+ Virginia teacher blogs for terrific teaching tips and fun freebies to help get your new school year off to a great start. Don't forget to follow your favorites as you hop around!

It's GIVEAWAY TIME!!

I'm so excited about this blog hop that I think it is time that I did my first giveaway! I've got 3 $10 gift certificates to give to three lucky winners! (Just to be clear, that's three different winners that will each get a $10 certificate, NOT one person that wins all 3) I'll also let one lucky winner grab $10 in free items from my store!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


A Wonderful Idea from Little Miss Organized

I found a great idea over at Little Miss Organized's blog. To keep track of your pencils and keep students from claiming them as their own, use duct tape flags at the top of each of your classroom pencils. This is a great project for August while you are sitting in front of the TV. I've flagged about 100 pencils so far and am hopeful that they will last much longer than usual! What a fantastic idea! I'm looking forward to seeing pencils last for more than a week in my class!

Back to School Poem Freebie

Are you thinking about doing a Welcome to the Class goodie bag? I've got the perfect poem for you, and suggestions for the contents too!  You can download it for free from TpT. It's available in blue polka dots and owl theme. Click the links below the picture to grab yours for free!

Owl Theme Welcome Poem Freebie


Polka Dotted Welcome Poem Freebie

I am so in love with owls right now. I've been hard at work creating items to go with my theme. My latest creation is my owl place value headers. Each one is the size of a piece of paper, so they are definitely meant to be placed above a board in your room. They are bright, colorful, and did I mention that they are owls? 


As part of this amazing blog hop, I've made them a FREE item in my TpT store. This will last from the 4th-10th, so as my grandmother would say, "Get it while the getting is good!" The price will go back up to $2.25 after the 10th. 

Get them here: Owl Place Value Headers




Virginia is for Bloggers Sale at Mrs. O's TpT Store

As part of our Southern Hospitality Blog Hop celebration, my entire TpT store will be 15% off from August 4th to 6th. Now would be a great time to grab my best seller, Reader's Response Tic-Tac-Toe Boards, which are fantastic for independent reading time. I've got tons of great resources in my store that you will love. Be sure to check them out at Mrs. O's Store and get your 15% off today!

The next stop on the hop is










Hop on over and see what Caitlyn has in store for you!

Happy blog-hopping!






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70 comments

  1. Karen StampAugust 4, 2013 at 4:18 AM

    Those owls are adorable! Thanks for sharing this cute activity--and what a giveaway too!!
    Karen :o)
    Mrs. Stamp's Kindergarten

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 4, 2013 at 9:22 AM

      Thank you Karen! I'm so glad to be a part of this blog hop! I knew it would be the perfect time to have my first giveaway. I love that so many have already stopped by. It looks like I might need to have another to giveaway next week to celebrate my followers !

      Delete
  2. Caitlyn DelaneyAugust 4, 2013 at 4:42 AM

    I love owls too!!
    My most wanted item on my TPT wish list is probably the interactive math journal pages. Dying for those. And like $200 worth of clipart.
    I'm definitely using the cute welcome poem! Thank you! I'm getting so much planning done for the first week of school with this hop :) Thanks for inviting me!!
    -Caitlyn

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 4, 2013 at 9:24 AM

      I have that much clip art on my wish list too! Last night I found www.scrappindoodles.com. OMG...they have some really cute clip art! Finding so many on TpT was one thing, but now that I am exploring beyond it, I'm in serious trouble! ;-)

      Delete
  3. CherieAugust 4, 2013 at 4:51 AM

    Melonheadz Clipart!

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 4, 2013 at 9:25 AM

      I just checked that out and I think I have a new clip art addiction!

      Delete
  4. Alison HislopAugust 4, 2013 at 7:19 AM

    Wooo! What a great linky to be part off! I have some Word Work Games on my wishlist!

    Have a great weekend Mrs O!

    Alison
    Teaching Maths with Meaning

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 4, 2013 at 9:28 AM

      Thank you for stopping by! You have a wonderful weekend as well!

      Delete
  5. UnknownAugust 4, 2013 at 7:55 AM

    What a great giveaway! I love the poem too! My most wanted item on my TpT wish list are a set of glitter digital papers :)
    -Julie
    The Techie Teacher

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 4, 2013 at 9:31 AM

      Thanks for "hopping" by Julie! Glitter digital papers sound wonderful. I just might have to take a peek at some and add them to MY wish list!

      Delete
  6. Lori RAugust 4, 2013 at 8:39 AM

    I most want a teaching planner.

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 4, 2013 at 9:27 AM

      This will be the first year that I have not purchased an actual planner. I am going to attempt to do everything electronically and really, really, really hope that I never lose my files! I can see a lot of back-ups in my future! If you find a great electronic planner, please send me the link!

      Delete
  7. Ms. OAugust 4, 2013 at 9:43 AM

    This Ms. O loves your blog name! And the owls ... too fun.
    In terms of wish listed items ... maybe one of the STEM activity packs from Smart Chick? Or clip art ... a serious addiction. Or anything to do with reading or inquiry. Since I'm the teacher librarian it can be PreK-5.

    Ms. O

    MsOReadsBooks

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 4, 2013 at 9:48 AM

      Another Ms. O? AWESOME! Clip art can be so addicting! I'm constantly finding new shops on Etsy too. Thanks for hopping by! I'm going to hop on over to your blog too!

      Delete
  8. pina01August 4, 2013 at 11:36 AM

    Thank you for the freebies! They are great! I am a first year teacher in Northern Virginia.

    I have over 30 items on my TpT wishlist...over half of them owl-themed!! :) What I want most though is Molly Malloy's library book bin labels!

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 4, 2013 at 12:40 PM

      I'm working on book bin labels right now. I already have some, but each year I like to try something new. I've got lots of owl creations in the works so be sure to give my TpT a follow!

      Delete
  9. Suzy QAugust 4, 2013 at 12:31 PM

    I have over three pages on my wishlist...so the list is endless!

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 4, 2013 at 12:33 PM

      Oh gosh, me too! It's hard to pick JUST ONE, isn't it? I don't think I've ever checked out of TpT with just one item in my bag. I always round to at least $10! :-)

      Delete
  10. debjo77August 4, 2013 at 1:41 PM

    I'm lovin' the hop! Thanks!!

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 4, 2013 at 1:51 PM

      Thanks to you for stopping by! I hope you will visit again soon!

      Delete
  11. Andrea CrawfordAugust 4, 2013 at 1:41 PM

    What a fun idea! Such an awesome freebie too! I would love any of the clipart on my wishlist! I am waiting for another big sale to empty it out!
    Andrea
    Reading Toward the Stars

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 4, 2013 at 1:51 PM

      Thank you Andrea! I wonder when the Back to School TpT sale will be? I'm excited to buy some interactive notebook packs when it does kick off! Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  12. UnknownAugust 4, 2013 at 1:48 PM

    OH my I couldn't pick just one item! BUT I LOVE ALL OWLS things <3

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 4, 2013 at 1:49 PM

      I'm so glad! I've got TONS in the works! Be sure to give my TpT store a follow so you can keep up with all of my goodies as I post them! Thanks for hopping by!

      Delete
  13. Jessica HamiltonAugust 4, 2013 at 2:17 PM

    These are too cute! Thank you so much! I am going to be sharing these place value owls with a friend of mine that teaches upper elementary!

    My most wanted thing: hard to say. I did see these really cute interactive number activities by Primary Techie that I would like to have!

    Jessica
    Hanging Out in First!

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 4, 2013 at 5:45 PM

      Thanks for hopping by Jessica! Send your friend my way! I've got lots of owl items that she will enjoy!

      Delete
  14. UnknownAugust 4, 2013 at 2:26 PM

    Thanks for the freebie poem. My most wanted item on my wishlist is Deanna Jump's Writing units for kindergarten.

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 4, 2013 at 2:51 PM

      Thanks for hopping over to my blog! I love Deanna Jump's creations too!

      Delete
  15. The Meek MooseAugust 4, 2013 at 2:35 PM

    Great freebies! Thank you!

    ~Heather
    The Meek Moose
    The Meek Moose on TpT

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  16. UnknownAugust 4, 2013 at 3:28 PM

    My wish list has got to be narrowed down! I have way to many things on there to pick just one:)!!! Thanks for the awesome hop and giveaway!

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 4, 2013 at 5:15 PM

      Thank you for stopping by! If you come up with a system for narrowing your wish list down, let me know!

      Delete
  17. UnknownAugust 4, 2013 at 3:50 PM

    Thanks for the freebies. My most wanted item on my wishlist is Christmas Around the World Unit from Teacher's Clubhouse.
    Thanks,
    Gay

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 4, 2013 at 5:47 PM

      Thank you for stopping by! I had to check out that unit that you mentioned. Even though I'm fifth grade, I might have to find a way to work that in to my classroom. Now it's on my wish list too!

      Delete
  18. UnknownAugust 4, 2013 at 4:58 PM

    I would LOVE the Poetry Writing Pack: Defining and Writing 8 Styles of Poetry.

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 4, 2013 at 5:14 PM

      Awwww! Thanks LuAnn for choosing one of my creations! You rock! :-)

      Delete
  19. dbednarsAugust 4, 2013 at 6:20 PM

    My most wanted things at TPT are common core aligned math activities for grades 3 - 6. I've moved up from primary & really need resources. dbednarsk@yahoo.com

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 4, 2013 at 7:34 PM

      I can't imagine! I've taught fifth for so many years, that any change would be crazy for me. Hard to believe that we don't do common core here in Virginia. I'm always learning from my out of state friends!

      Delete
  20. Karen HAugust 4, 2013 at 6:25 PM

    My most wanted item on my TPT wishlist is Science Interactive Notebook Templates - {186 Foldable Flip Books}.
    kmhteacher@yahoo.com

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 4, 2013 at 7:32 PM

      Karen,

      I want that too! I'm teaching science this year after teaching social studies last year and I'm super excited to do all sorts of fun activities! I used a lot of foldables for social studies so that pack would be great for me!

      Thanks for stopping in!

      Smiles,
      Mrs. O

      Delete
  21. Love, Luck and LaughterAugust 4, 2013 at 7:11 PM

    Mine is either more polka dot themed items to match my class, or back to school centers. I'm wondering about a BTS sale at TPT too. Loveeee the blog hop!

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 4, 2013 at 7:36 PM

      Thank you for hopping on by! I love polka dots too! I'm actually working on some owl polka dot book genre labels right now!

      Delete
  22. CheryllhoffAugust 4, 2013 at 7:58 PM

    Oh My Gosh! I can't choose my most wanted item on my wish list. Any of your poetry writing resources, or the algebra, or valentine's day writing centers.

    cheryllhoff@yahoo.com

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 4, 2013 at 10:48 PM

      Cheryl, you just gave me the biggest, cheesiest smile! I love that you want so many of my products! I hope to continue to impress you with future products! Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  23. UnknownAugust 4, 2013 at 8:08 PM

    I have too much on my list to pick just one!!

    Crystal Shepherd
    lucytumnus@gmail.com
    Lamppost in a STEM classroom

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 4, 2013 at 10:50 PM

      i know how that is! Sometimes I really want a $12 pack for interactive notebooks, but then I realize how many little things I can get with that money. TpT makes me a tad indecisive! Thanks for hopping over!

      Delete
  24. Alli D.August 4, 2013 at 8:55 PM

    Thanks for the poem!! My must have wish list item is anything common core math... I have numerous items with that in the title!!

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 4, 2013 at 10:51 PM

      Glad you loved the poem. Thank you for stopping by and checking out our blog hop!

      Delete
  25. DonnaAugust 4, 2013 at 10:20 PM

    I found your blog on the hop and am a new follower! I love the Interactive Math Journal from Runde's Room. It looks awesome and would help me tons since I am a bit rusty (I'm teaching math in both 4th and 5th grades this year after not having taught it for about 7 years.) Thank you for the freebies!

    Hokie Teach

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 4, 2013 at 11:14 PM

      That sounds like a great resource! I am going to check it out too. I am getting so many good ideas from everyone's answers! I've easily added 5 more items to my wishlist today! Thanks for hopping by Donna!

      Delete
  26. UnknownAugust 4, 2013 at 11:15 PM

    Thank you for the poem and the adorable owls . I'm a new follower. have a great school year!

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 4, 2013 at 11:16 PM

      Thank you for stopping by and following, Felicia! I hope that you have a great school year as well!

      Delete
  27. DesireeAugust 5, 2013 at 1:54 AM

    Clipart from Ashley Hughes (The school supply addict) or the monthly writing station packets from Mrs. Will's Kindergarten. Thanks for having this giveaway. I am a new follower.:)
    Kinders on the Block

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 5, 2013 at 8:07 AM

      Thank you for stopping by and following! I can never have enough clipart!

      Delete
  28. UnknownAugust 5, 2013 at 5:15 PM

    Reader's Response Sentence Starters & Tic Tac Toe Boards

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 5, 2013 at 6:12 PM

      Thank you for stopping by! That's my favorite of all of my creations and my best seller in my TpT store!

      Delete
  29. Shar WAugust 5, 2013 at 11:14 PM

    Thanks for the adorable owl goodies!! Will be printing the pv in a few minutes! I have too many things on my wishlist- I moved grade levels this year, so I have to relook at me wishlist- anything math or reading(and common core) for second grade will go to the top of my list :)

    Shar W.

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 6, 2013 at 8:50 AM

      You're very welcome! I'm glad that you love them! I'm always creating more, so be sure to give my TpT a follow so you can get even more owl items! Good luck on a new grade level this year! I've been teaching 5th grade for six years now, I've almost forgotten what other grade levels are like at this point! Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  30. MelissaAugust 5, 2013 at 11:23 PM

    Those poems are cute! Thanks for sharing :-)

    Don't Let the Teacher Stay Up Late
    Follow me on Bloglovin!

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 6, 2013 at 8:51 AM

      Thanks for stopping by Melissa! I love your blog!

      Delete
  31. KathyAugust 5, 2013 at 11:35 PM

    Hmmmm... I cannot pick just one thing! I would say that probably anything clip art and chevron would be near the top. Thanks for the poem and I am lovin' the hop.

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 6, 2013 at 10:02 AM

      I think clip art is one thing we can never have enough of. I just added about 10 more packs to my wishlist last night! Thank you for hopping by Kathy!

      Delete
  32. Garden Full of KnowledgeAugust 6, 2013 at 12:59 AM

    Thanks for having such a wonderful giveaway! My wishlist is enormous! If I had to choose one, I'd say the Interactive Notebooks would be high on my list. Najda

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 6, 2013 at 10:02 AM

      Interactive notebooks are indeed amazing! The closer I get to school, the bigger my wishlist gets too! I definitely want some interactive science notebooks! Thanks for visiting!

      Delete
  33. AnonymousAugust 7, 2013 at 12:09 PM

    Besides clip art, my most wanted items on my wish list are reading responses and interactive journals.
    I am loving this blog hop and so glad that I found you so I am your newest follower!
    ღ Diane
    schoolhousetreasures

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 7, 2013 at 6:27 PM

      Thank you for the follow Diane! I am glad that you found me and our blog hop! Now it's my turn to hop on over to your blog!

      Delete
  34. RoxanneAugust 9, 2013 at 10:32 AM

    My most wishlist item is Writing Process packet.

    Roxanne
    foxysexyroxy10@gmail.com

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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 9, 2013 at 6:52 PM

      I just saw that yesterday! What a fantastic product. I feel that I NEED it too!

      Delete
  35. Cori LyonsAugust 9, 2013 at 4:06 PM

    What a great giveaway! Thanks for the freebies! I have so many things on my wishlist that I can't pick one.

    lyons.cori@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Rachel JoanneAugust 9, 2013 at 6:52 PM

      Well, keep those fingers crossed and perhaps you'll win and be able to check a couple of items off of your list!

      Delete

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