Elementary Grapevine

Hello everyone.  This is such an exciting time for our new collaborative blog!! For the next few days you are going to get to meet several great elementary bloggers with a variety of teaching experience.  I have the privilege of introducing myself first and sharing a back to school idea along with a freebie.

My name is Chelsea, and I am the teacher blogger found at

This year I will begin my 16th year of teaching.  Most of my teaching time has been in Kentucky, but I did get in a brief teaching time in Florida.  I have taught 3rd, 4th, and 6th grades and I have also been a Library Media Specialist.  I currently teach 3rd grade and LOVE it! I am also a National Board Certified Teacher. I began my teaching blog journey about a year and a half ago and have made so many great teaching friends along the way.  I think you are going to be impressed with the quality of teachers found here at Elementary Grapevine!

Well, it seems that the back to school (B2S) season is upon us (where did the summer go?).  In some ways I am sad to see summer end, but at the same time I feel that back to school buzz - when I can start everything fresh and try out wonderful ideas I have found over the summer.  Over the years I have varied a lot of B2S activities, but one thing I have learned (and I keep doing each year) is to take the time to really communicate with my new families.  Give them a way to share with you their hopes, dreams, strengths, and even weaknesses of their child.  Allow them to have a voice and really LISTEN to what they have to say.  Building these relationships are crucial to the success of your students for the next school year.

One of the free items I have in my store will hopefully give you one way to communicate with families and ease the B2S management stress.  This product includes a family survey, ask the teacher a question, a parent contact log, and a few other editable forms for the classroom.  Click the picture to download for FREE.

I am so excited that you stopped by.  Make sure you become a follower of Elementary Grapevine for great tips and products from experienced and quality teachers!

You may also want to consider following my blog, TPT store, Facebook fan page, or my Pinterest boards.  

Be sure to check back tomorrow to meet another blogger, get a great idea, and snag another freebie!

~Chelsea