01 October 2013

An Oldie, But Goodie

One of my favorite {& most stressful} things about teaching Kindergarten is welcoming a ton of different ability levels at the beginning of each year.  I LOVE how much progress ALL the kids make in such a short amount of time and it’s AMAZING to see the growth they make in a year!!!  Each year I totally change the way I teach.  I don’t teach to the same kids/dynamics/personalities/abilities/interests/attention spans every year, so things HAVE to change.  What worked one year might not be so fitting for the group I’m blessed with the next.  I don’t really look back at old plans, copy & paste, and call it a day.  Each group of kids is different, so I really have to plan for the group I have in the PRESENT.

One thing that has remained constant since my first year teaching 12 years ago is this little resource from Creative Teaching Press

CTP_2332

Y’all.  For real.  Tattered, dog-eared pages & all.  It’s still one of my favorites.  An oldie, but goodie for sure.  There are some great, SUPER easy to implement, quick activities to help introduce and reinforce phonemic awareness concepts. At the beginning of each year I keep this little resource handy because I love to transition with a lot of these activities.

One of our favorite little transition activities is the often used and very loved Erase-a-Rhyme activity.  My kids LOVE this one every.single.year.  Since I love to doodle…even when it looks like a hot mess…this is the perfect little activity to whip out during transitions.

photo (21)

I say a word.  They erase the word that rhymes.  Quick. Simple. Easy. Effective.  {Add your adjective here}.

Speaking of loving to doodle, I recently started to turn mine into clipart.  Don’t judge.  I’m not an artist.  I’m sure the clipartists of the world are shaking their head at my attempts right this very moment.  But if you’re obsessed with clipart as much as me…and own more than  you can count…then maybe you want to add another set of doodles to your collection.  If that’s the case, just leave a comment {1 only, please!} and I’ll choose 3 winners {before bedtime tonight!} at random.  Winners will get all 3 sets of doodles :)

 Slide1Apple Babies CoverFall Fun Doodles 1A

Now it’s time for Sons of Anarchy.  I can hear Jax calling my name ;)

207 comments:

  1. I think your doodle clipart is soooo precious! Please don't stop doodling! :)

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  2. I love using clip art ( I can't draw to save my life)! I would love to win your clip art to use in my kinder classroom. Thank you- angie m.

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  3. If I could have one talent, it would be able to doodle! Or maybe sing...or maybe play the guitar. Oh well. ;) Yours are precious! I'd love to win them!

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  4. Absolutely adorable!! I would love these!
    Amy
    amyjperry@gmail.com

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  5. Your clip art is awesome! I'd love to win. :)
    JLHowell33@gmail.com

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  6. Love the clipart!! Especially the Frankenstein pumpkin!! :o)

    Cindy
    ccfirstteacher@gmail.com

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  7. I think your clipart is ADORABLE! I cannot draw at all. You are simply talented. Love them!

    Jeannie
    Jhunter0724@yahoo.com

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  8. I love the Frankenstein pumpkin! So adorable!
    Katie.bradsher@gmail.com

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  9. Adorable!! Would love to win!!!

    Kim
    Kimbersk@yahoo.com

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  10. I love it! Wish I could create cute doodles!:)
    Would LOVE to have these!! --Christina

    cma4r@virginia.edu

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  11. I love it! ahenry4443ah@gmail.com

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  12. I love it! Cgsistare816@gmail.com

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  13. These are awesome! I love to create with clip art for my kinder friends! Candacequester@gmail.com

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  14. So creative and precious as always!
    Casi
    Napierca@troup.org

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  15. That is the one thing I miss about Kindergarten. They make SO MUCH progress in so little time. First grade is pretty great for that too. :-) But I do miss K sometimes.

    As someone who loves to doodle, I encourage you to keep doodling! I have tried my hand at making my own clip art, but since I have to draw it by hand, then scan it in, it's a whole lot of work! But I love your stuff! It's adorable! Can't wait to see more! And I'd definitely love to win some!

    Erica
    Blooming In First
    butler . erica @ gmail . com

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  16. Cute idea! Jlarrimer@hotmail.com

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  17. I can't draw much more than a stick figure, so for my anchor charts I draw off pictures using my overhead projector. Not exactly like the old days with the opaque projector, but close enough! I would love to win your clip art. You are really talented! Thanks for all your creative idea!

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  18. You are so very talented my friend! :)

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  19. They're so cute!
    Amandaabean@gmail.com

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  20. I love these!! I wish I could draw anything as cute as this!

    Laura
    lbaughman523@gmail.com

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  21. Um... yes please!

    allisonrfullenkamp@gmail.com

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  22. Love your clipart! Fall is my favorite season so I would LOVE to win these to use with my firsties!

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  23. I love these!! I wish I could draw anything as cute as this!

    Laura
    lbaughman523@gmail.com

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  24. Sure would LOVE to win this!
    lifeisswt@yahoo.com
    Fingers crossed!

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  25. You should be very proud of your doodles! So much more than I could ever do! Thank you for sharing all of your classroom wisdom as well :)
    Leane krause
    Leane.krause@hotmail.com

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  26. Just. Too. Stinkin'. Cute.

    jaimyn.fairchild@gmail.com

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  27. Looks awesome! athenaphoenix@yahoo.com

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  28. The clipart is awesome! I also love the erase a rhyme activity! I'll be trying that out with my kiddos tomorrow! Thanks!
    Dusty

    dmdrosche@hotmail.com

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  29. I love your clip art! It's so cute :)
    janelle.brink@gmail.com

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  31. Love the clipart! Super cute!!!
    windycindylou@hotmail.com

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  32. Totally cute! Love your doodles!

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  33. Love your clipart. They would be perfect for my future lessons.

    Thanks!!
    Jamie

    Jlee02118@Gmail.com

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  34. your doodles are adorable! I have been using the phonemic awareness book with my kindergartens and its fabulous!

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  35. Aww.. Super-cute! And thanks for the great resource tip!

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  36. You are so talented! Super cute!

    laurie@michaelbradshaw.com

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  37. Those are super cute! I think you are very talented!
    swarstler@bryanschools.net

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  38. I love your doodles! You are beyond talented! misspeare@gmail.com

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  39. You're so talented! I also love the rhyming game/assessment idea. Thanks!

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  41. Your doodles are so cute and I think it is great that you are turning them into clipart! Thanks for all of the brilliant ideas you share and for your happy teaching attitude! Your posts are always so fun to read and they make me want to be a better teacher for my students! Thanks!

    Bethany
    Ship Shape First Grade

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  42. Loving the clipart! So cute!! I would LOVE to win!!!

    Jackie
    crazydazeinfirstgrade@gmail.com
    Crazy Daze in First Grade

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  43. I am "trying" to creat products to sell eventually, so I need to start buying clipart. I would love to win yours to begin my collection:)

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  44. These are so cute! I hope you will continue to doodle!
    lraines78@gmail.com

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  45. I absolutely love your clipart and your blog! You always have great ideas that are fun and meaningful! I am so glad that I found your blog a little over 2 years ago!

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  46. LOVE your doodles!!! I would love love love to win!!! :)

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  47. Adorable! Would love to win!
    e-mail: lar2mb@mail.missouri.edu

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  48. I love your clipart! I'd love to jazz up some of my lessons. My students would love it! :)

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  49. Adoreable!!!

    kjleatherman@gmail.com

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  50. I wish I could doodle as well as you:)
    ptaniceto@hotmail.com

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  51. Your doodles are amazing!!!! I love them!!!!!
    Julie Davis
    DDgirl4ever@yahoo.com

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  52. Precious doodles! You ARE an artist, I don't know what you're talkin' 'bout honey! I would LOVE to win these :) They are so super cute!!!

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  53. I don't think those pumpkins could get any cuter! Love them!!

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  54. So cute! I would love these!!

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  55. That Phonemic Awareness resource is AMAZING! Mine is dog eared, too!

    And...could your clipart be any more adorable???

    I think NOT!!!!

    Hugs - Lisa
    growingfirsties@gmail.com

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  56. Love the rhyming doodles idea! Simple and fast!
    Stephanie Lindway
    slindway@hotmail.com

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  57. I love the erase a rhyme...gonna have to give that game a shot {some of my kiddos are really struggling with that skill}.

    I think you are quite the clip artist & I'd love to win - kristanking06@gmail.com. Thanks for sharing!!

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  58. I love all of your art!!!
    Cheers,
    rmdirk@aol.com

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  60. One post two comments:
    1st: I love the phonemic awareness book as well. I find it very useful with my kindergarteners. I agree with what you said about planning different each year. Every group I have had has been different as well. Thanks for letting me know I am not alone in the planning.
    2nd: love the clip art, super cute.
    Thanks for sharing

    Leslie
    ldjones35@yahoo.com

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  61. WOW! Simply perfect...all 3 sets! The "joyful leaves" make my heart happy. :)

    Taryn
    Taryn.Ryan@fairfieldsfuture.org

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  62. You are such a wonderful teacher. I love coming back to your blog over and over for great ideas! I just wish I could doodle as cute as you!

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  63. Love your blog, love your units, love your fonts, now love your clip art. Love love love!

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  64. Cara, I just LOVE your doodles and would be sooooo delighted to add them to my ever growing collection! Hi my name is Michaela, and I'm a clip art addict. ;)

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  65. These are seriously the cutest little guys ever. I love their oodle doodle eye balls!! :)
    jessicaearlyteacher@gmail.com

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  66. Love your doodles :) I think I'm going to try that Erase-a-Rhyme activity!!
    shibbyful@gmail.com

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  67. Love them all! I enjoy looking at clipart and finding just the right one! psafrit@carolina.rr.com

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  68. I love your clip art! Adorable! And the Erase a Rhyme activity is BRILLIANT!

    emilybeththompson@gmail.com

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  69. Oh my! So could use these cutie guys!

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  70. Taking a super quick break from watching my Buccos play their wildcard game to read your post! So glad you started making clip art! I have all of your fonts, so I'm a big fan of your creativity! Enjoy your show and let's go Bucs!

    Samantha
    Skearns87@gmail.com
    Tales of a #teachernerd

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  71. All of these are SO cute! I wish that I had the ability to doodle like you :)

    ammyers626@gmail.com

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  72. Taking a super quick break from watching my Buccos play their wildcard game to read your post! So glad you started making clip art! I have all of your fonts, so I'm a big fan of your creativity! Enjoy your show and let's go Bucs!

    Samantha
    Skearns87@gmail.com
    Tales of a #teachernerd

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  73. Have always admired your anchor charts and love that you're sharing with us through your doodles!

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  74. You are an artist! Don't down play yourself.
    Kari :)
    Karianne1120@gmail.com

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  75. These are so cute! I love the eyes. I also love that book. I have been using it for years as well.

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  76. I love the clip art Can think of alot of ways to use them.

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  77. LOVE these...especially the cute fall ones! I think you're a great artist, and I'd love to win!
    Kirsten
    tgraves4883@att.net

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  78. I love the clip art! The eyes are adorable.
    Thanks,
    Stephanie
    Svuono@gmail.com

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  79. Cute clipart! tjulch@mpsomaha.org

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  80. All 3 sets of your clip art are cute! I would love to have these. I discovered clip art about 2 years ago and have enjoyed putting them on papers and even lesson plans. Keep making wonderful clip art!

    Diane
    The Teacher's Jungle
    dkbradner@gmail.com

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  82. You are seriously the cutest teacher ever!! I love your clipart....it's adorable!!

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  83. Adorable! heathercoyle3@gmail.com

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  84. Love clip art! First year teacher...need as many as I can get! They're so cute!

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  85. Your clip art is adorable!
    Addiegirl724@msn.com

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  86. Oh Heavens...the eyes on those pumpkin babies made me giggle!! Lovin' the clipart!!

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  87. Absolutely adorable! So creative!!

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  88. Ohhhhh my goodness I freaking love your cute clip art! Would you consider a post on how you do it? I am so obsessed with clip art and I lovvvvve to doodle. I would love to be able to make mine into clip art but I wouldn't know how to begin. Tips would be marvelous :) Pleeeeease? :-P

    Thanks for the opportunity on this cute give-away kawright317@gmail.com

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  89. Seriously your clipart is SOOOO stinkin' adorable! You ARE an artist truly! I wish I had half your ability. :-)

    Karyn
    Kideducator@comcast.net

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  90. These are so adorable!! I would love to get them :)


    Owl Be in Kindergarten

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  91. Love your fall doodles!

    rineay18@hotmail.com

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  92. I can't believe how long it too me to figure out how to comment on this. Love the clipart!
    Katie
    katherine_chapman@charleston.k12.sc.us

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  93. Great work!!! I think they are cute!! teachreason@gmail.com

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  94. I LOVE your clipart and everything you do!!!

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  95. Super cute! I love the pumpkins!
    Liz
    Teaching in the Valley
    teachinginthevalley@gmail.com

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  96. Tried to post from my phone... don't think it went through. I love doing the erase a rhyme in my class as well. The kids love these quick, but beneficial activities. Also, your doodles are great, so adorable!

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  97. You're totally an artist. I love your doodles! I'd love to win the set. :)

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  98. Ugh, I have recently developed a clip art addiction for making things for my students and my tiny little TPT store. Free clip art would be AMAZING right now!!! :)

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  99. Oh my goodness, what CAN'T you do?? Love these! How great that you can create your own for your creations!!!

    Kiah
    kiah.m.berg@gmail.com

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  100. I love your doodle! Unfortunately I do not have a lot. I am a student teacher and am currently in first grade. I have been really enjoying your blog as a resource for me to follow!
    Lgaray2391@gmail.com

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  101. I love YOU! I seriously hope to be as an inspirational and motivating teacher as you are!! I would love the clip art to add to my files and to my classroom!!!! Much love from all the way up in New Jersey!! xoxo

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  102. I love them so much... adorable! maryelizabethpike@gmail.com

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  103. Cute! Pick me! :)
    lorepuckett at verizon dot net

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  104. I love the happy apple faces! Have a great night.
    Jennifer
    loularkin@comcast.net

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  105. Nothing like a little doodle to add some spice to the lesson!

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  106. Adorable. katelyn.wray@gmail.com

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  107. Adorable. katelyn.wray@gmail.com

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  108. Love your clipart!! It's really cute!

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  109. Your doodle clip art is all kinds of precious!! It's on my TpT wishlist right now... ;)

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  110. Love. Love. Love! Looks super cute!

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  111. Love all of your cuteness! Thanks for making my job fun - and making me look good! :)

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  112. Our Title teachers use this and I have always wondered where it came from! Thanks for the resource and for a chance to win!! Yay !! dmorrow.tch10@gmail.com

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  113. Oh Cara!! I LOVE your clipart!!! And would love to win it! caitlinzrichards@gmail.com

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  114. I can't imagine there isn't anything you can't creatively make! I love seeing what you've come up with and you make me excited to use all the fun things you make in my room. My kids get excited to use it and I get excited to show them what we will be doing! Thank you for making it all fun!

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  115. What you talkin' bout Willis?? You are totally an artist!! :) I'm so loving your clip art doodles!!! They are absolutely, positively precious!!!!

    Elisabeth
    elisabethdelk80@gmail.com

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  116. I love your clip art and it would come in so handy this season! keorth18@gmail.com

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  117. I recently bought your Write the Room for October. and OH MY GOSH!! The kids are obsessed with your clipart! They love love love!! I would really like to add more of your awesome clip art to my collection!! Thank you for sharing.

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  118. YES!! All of the different ability levels! PHEW! WEARIN' ME OUT! By the end of the year, we will all be excellent readers, though! Thanks for sharing that activity! Love it! Using it tomorrow! I'd love to win this, Cara! It's precious!!
    Amanda
    Mrs. Richardson's Class

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  119. Your ideas and creativity are amazing ! I got sucked in to spending my entire planning period looking at and downloading clip art ! These are too cute and would make my flipcharts even more enjoyable to make and.use !

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  120. I love clipart!! Yours is adorable! Thanks for the chance to win. :)

    Amanda
    mrspauleyskindergarten@gmail.com
    Mrs. Pauley’s Kindergarten

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  121. I am a horrible at drawing!!!! So I live for clip art and I'm a little obsessed! I would love to win your packets!
    agayle1908@gmail.com

    Ashley Shelton

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  122. I wish my doodles looked like yours! So cute!

    Lclements728@gmail.com

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  123. Your clipart is adorable!!
    Mandijoiner@gmail.com

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  124. These are so cute! Love these, especially the fall ones!!

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  125. Jax is calling my name too!!! I have been using that same book for years and it was a popular book back in my Reading First days.
    imtheirishgoddess@yahoo.com

    PS I named my dog Jax. ;)

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  126. Ooh! Your doodles are so cute! I love doodling too, but have NO IDEA how to make them into clip art! Ha! :) Thanks for sharing your wonderful ideas!

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  127. You continue to amaze me!!! Love everything about your products and clip art!!
    Sarah Mackey
    sarahmackey2@yahoo.com

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  128. Love, Love, Love your clipart! The eyes are just adorable!!! Oh, and yep, LOVE the Phonemic Awareness Book. I have had it forever and pretty sure I have TWO!!!!! Not sure how that happened?!!! LOL!

    Beth :)
    A Kindergarten Life For Me

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  129. You are amazing! Plain and simple :) I'd love to win the clip art sets!

    Ashley
    flyinghighinfirstgrade@gmail.com
    Flying High in First Grade

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  130. If you are anything like me, your bedtime is probably coming up pretty soon. I am wiped! Love your clipart! The big eyes are what makes it. :)

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  131. SO SO CUTE! please please please! :)

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  132. I think your clipart is ADORABLE! Kudos! :)

    sarahraulli@gmail.com

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  133. You're so talented! Super cute!

    Thien.ca.nguyen@gmail.com

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  134. Love the fall doodles!
    Mslaurenbeck@gmail.com

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  135. I adore your work....wish I was half as talented as you are. I would love to be a winner!
    dawn.kocmich@k12.sd.us

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  136. I could make some cute work stations with your fall doodles! Thanks for all the great ideas!
    m.w.noland@gmail.com

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  137. love this and love that book too

    fentont@harneyesd.k12.or.us

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  138. I'm so envious of "artists". You are in the category! :0)

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  139. Your clipart is beyond precious! Would love to win. ;) teachinginhighheels(at)gmail(dot)com

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  140. You have so many wonderful gifts! Thanks for sharing them!
    jleininger @cableone.net

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  141. These are so adorable! As an non-doodler I have to say, you are so talented!
    Love to Learn
    lovetolearn2012@gmail.com

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  142. I love to win!
    valeriePT@comcast.net

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  143. Love to doodle myself. Super Cute! Hope I win. tchr24@gmail.com

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  144. I'd love to WIN! colormekinder@gmail.com

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  145. Cute Cute! If you printed out your clip art on magnetic paper you could have to kids take down the one that rhymes! :)
    Nicole
    One, Two, Three: Math Time

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  146. So, so cute! These are awesome! :)

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  147. You are seriously amazing!
    jadan79@gmail.com

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  148. Love your doodles, Cara! You certainly are a multi-talented lady!

    michelle@creativeclassroom.co.za

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  149. Too much cuteness to handle! Love it! ;-)

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  150. Wow! If only I had as much creativity as you do in your little toe. House decorating, classroom decorating, clip-art,... girl you do it all!
    Ashley
    ashleyp77@yahoo.com

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  151. Beautiful doodles!! Thanks for all u share!

    Jes
    Jesann1981@yahoo.com

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  152. Too Cute and yes, I very seldom use plans over. Each group is totally different.

    Myra
    simmons1993@yahoo.com

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  153. I think the most effective teachers change each year. I also think that your clip art is adorable and am glad to know that other people might have a clip art obsession. :) abramsky@sbcglobal.net

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  154. Love, love, love the clipart! And, sorry to break it to you- Jax is calling my name! ;) lol
    esmyers1120@gmail.com

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  155. I hope I'm not too late for the drawing! I ADORE everything you do---such an inspiration to all of us in the Kinder world!
    Jessica
    thesills5@gmail.com

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  156. Hi Cara Keep creating! You're a great artist!! I just gave your happy leaves a shout-out on my blog - luv them!!
    ✿Sue✿
    Science for Kids Blog

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  157. Super cute! They made me smile when I really needed one today!

    Sharon

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  158. So cute! :)

    davis.ashleyb@gmail.com

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  159. Great doodles!
    jrfoxuse2@woh.rr.com

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  160. Love it! Very jealous since I can't doodle. :)
    lorisherrin@gmail.com

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  161. Cara, super cute. Love them all! Great job.
    Jenny
    iteach907@gmail.com

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  162. LOVE this clipart! Fingers crossed!
    Melissa
    m_bangle@yahoo.com

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