Monday Made It, Rocking Resources and a freebie!

Today I am linking up with two fabulous linky parties. Tara at 4th Grade Frolics' Monday Made It,   and Kelly at the Teacher Idea Factory's Rockin' Recourses.

So this week my inspiration came from this pin. I'm sure you've seen it. 

As well as from Tara's post about her ADORABLE story stones 

You can find her post about them here

Now I am not as talented with the scrap book paper as Tara is. So That's where my Rockin' Resource comes in. 

These baby's are amazing. They are sharpie brand oil based paint pens. They look beautiful on all surfaces and are way easier to use than using paint and a paintbrush. Plus they dry super quickly. I love them <3

The only other material you need is some rocks. The ones I got are called Mexican beach pebbles, and I got them at Home Depot. They came in a gigantic 10 pound bag though. I'm sure there's somewhere you can get fewer stones.  

So here's how my story stones turned out. Now, let it be known that I do not consider my self an artist. The kids don't know that though. They think I'm a great artist and that's all that matters :-)

See that red blob. That's supposed to be a skateboard. Not a hot dog on wheels. 

I also drew my two cats. I am one of those teachers who talks about her cats a lot. (That's a thing right?) I don't have kids, so I talk about my cats and use them in my stories during writers workshop. So I thought I'd put them on some stones. 

I'm planning on making a few more, and then letting the kids make some when school starts back up. Since I don't have enough paint pens (and they are a little pricey) I think I'm going to make it really special. Have the kids brainstorm an idea for their story stone and choose a picture with a special meaning. then I will let them one or two at a time use my paint pens. 

These are going to be a great addition to work on writing during the daily five. I just know the kids are going to love them! 

I made up a few task cards to use with the stones so the kids know they have a few options when using them. Of course I will model how to do each one. 

I'd also like to try a little oral story telling with them. Having one student put a stone in the center and starting the story, then going to the next student and so on, and so on. 

Click here to get the task cards from google docs 

So I'm linking this up to Manic Monday at classroom freebies as well! 

 I want to show you one more thing I made with my fantastic new paint pens. 

I printed out these cute math cupcakes a while ago. They were a freebie I got from Teaching my 3's TPT store. They were a PAIN to cut out and laminate but they're so cute, it was worth it. She has multiplication ones as well. 

I got these colorful index card holders at target the other week to hold card games. I put all the pieces inside and drew a little cupcake on it with my paint pens. CUTE!

Okay so I know this post is getting ridiculous long. But I want to remind you about my giveaway! Or if you are reading my blog for the first time, I am having a giveaway!

You could win a target gift card as well as prizes of your choice from some amazing bloggers TPT store. 

Click here to join in. Giveaway ends tomorrow! Happy Monday everyone!