Wednesday's Website of the Week

Spread the word  ~ Mr. Thorne Does Phonics is here! 

Mr. Thorne - Christopher Thorne, is a talented teacher based in London. 

Synthetic Phonics is part of our daily classroom life.  Mr. Thorne has produced free videos based on the UK Letters and Sounds publication to use in the classroom or at home. The videos cover Phases 1-6, Tricky Words, Grammar and Assessment. 

Check out this wonderful tool to use on your interactive whiteboard today!

A little biography of Mr. Thorne

Links for Mr. Thorne:

Mr. Thorne Does Phonics
You Tube

Facebook
Twitter

Wednesday's Website of the Week

The 1st of December and the 1st day of Advent! 

Christmas is definitely on it's way! Everyone at our school is busy preparing for class Nativity plays. The stage went up a week ago Monday, the costume lists and lines to learn have been sent home. Rainbow and Sunshine children will preform the musical,"Is There a Baby in There?" to their parents next week.
I always look forward to the whole school walking to church for the Carrol service on the last day of term. 


With all this in mind, it's time to think about buying Christmas cards and the BEST place to do that is at Dots and Spots.

 "Dots and Spots  is dynamic young design studio, creating vibrant, contemporary and funky pieces of collage art work which are then professionally printed to produce a range of cards, post cards, gift tags, place settings and more."

These original designs, shown above, are a small sample of what you'll find on the Dots and Spots website. They are by the talented Becky Peabody. 
From cards to notebooks, stickers, magnets, badges, hand embellished prints, and decorative tape, Becky's designs  are fresh and appealing. 
Stockists are listed on the site.
Becky also takes commissions.


Be sure to take a peek at the Dots and Spots Blog too!
Did I mention that Becky is also a fantastic Early Year teacher at the same school as moi??  

Wednesday's Website of the Week

Our wonderful Harvest Celebration took place early in the Autumn Term. The children brought in a bounty of fresh fruits, vegetables and canned goods.The money raised from the sale of these items was donated to charity. It's such a fantastic sight to see the school hall (or sometimes the church) decorated for Harvest and to hear the children sing songs and hymns in a special assembly.
So although we don't celebrate Thanksgiving Day here in England, we have given thanks and celebrated  the Harvest.

If you  celebrate Thanksgiving and are looking for inspiring and creative craft and recipe ideas, then go as fast as you can to The Crafty Crow .
The Crafty Crow is a children's collective of resources  from many sources on the internet.
Go and take a peek - you really should see the paper bag popcorn turkey!

Wednesday's Website of the Week

Times Educational Supplement – teacher jobs, free teaching resources and forums

The Logo subtext above says it all! This is one of my all time favourite sites!

TES Connect has so much to offer but BEWARE ~  It can also be addictive.

To access the the site you must become a member and joining is free.

Some of features include:

• Free resources, for all age groups, which have been uploaded by very talented teachers. These can be downloaded or saved into your on site favourites folder 
• A  jobs section
• The paper - all the latest in the news
• The Community - find out what others are saying in the Forums!
• And many other features!

My favourite section is the Early Years Forum. There is always good advice, interesting discussion, opinion, and members helping and  each other. There's even a "Hotlist" button so that you can save topics/discussions that are of interest to you - this allows you to easily see when others add comments to a topic.

• You can also follow on Twitter: @TESConnect

Wednesday's Website of the Week

 Free Printable Stationery for Children

One of my favourite ways to encourage independent writing is to have stationery at the writing table/center.
I have started keep a file folder of stationery for "every occasion" ~  from topic themes to holidays.
Take a peek at  some  of sites that offer free children's stationery:
Teacher View
Primary games  for "younger writers" 
Primary games  for "older writers"
Activity Village
Lee Hansen Graphics   stationery
Lee Hansen Graphics   notes

Wednesday's Website of the Week

Yes, that's right, I've changed my mind!
I thought having WWW on a  dedicated "page" at the top of the blog would be a great idea, but have decided that's not what I want after all!


So, here we go .... I am re-posting the items from the  former "page" called "Wednesday's Website of the Week"  to the main blog. I will continue to add a different site every Wednesday - wireless connection and energy permitting!

As always, if you would like to see your blog / site or good ideas included on "Rainbow and Sunshine,"

please email me: sharonmcewenmoore@hotmail.com

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Wednesday 20th October, 2010


Kent ICT / Kent Trust Web
Where to begin? This site provides a Subjects area for all ages and resources for teachers.

Games - PSRN, CLL, Make and DO.
You'll find the "Tricky Word Tree" under CLL!

Early ICT  - " Within it you will find learning and teaching activities and resources for Early Years and transition into Key Stage One. Click on the themes or pictures below to find out more...

Sebastian Swan -  Find out about Sebastian - he even has his own blog!
There are books to read, links for Numeracy, Literacy, Science, Teachers, Parents

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Wednesday 29th September, 2010

The Crafty Crow - a children's craft collective
This wonderful site belongs to the talented Cassi who finds and shares fantastic resources for art, craft, tips, tools and ideas for children.

The category list is extensive - you're sure to find something you'll want to make and create with your children.

The autumn activities that are featured now are wonderful. You'll find "Felt Fall Leaf Cape," "Fall Tree Cupcakes," "Fall Leaves and Mod Podge" and so much more.

Always inspiring. Take a peek today. Take a peek often.

Visit Cassi's other site, Bella Dia where you'll see her work and find even more inspiration!
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Wednesday 22nnd September, 2010

Nancy Music

“Nancy Stewart is a children's singer - songwriter based in Seattle, Washington. The website is dedicated to providing FREE songs, resources and information for teachers, parents, librarians, and home schooling families.
Nancy allows you to download her music free of charge.”
We’ve made a CD of some of our favourites.
There is sheet music with lyrics to print and many songs have activity suggestions.
This site is a firm Rainbow & Sunshine Favourite! - We are currently singing and dancing to “Dancing Rainbow Colors" and "Clean Up Song"