Balbaugh's Besties
341 Followers
Fort Worth, Texas, United States
About the store
Welcome to Balbaugh’s Besties: Littles & Learning!
I’m Valerie Balbaugh — a Kindergarten teacher who believes in the magic of connection, curiosity, and purposeful play. My classroom is full of joyful chaos, growing minds, and Kinder Cubs who love to learn.
Here you’ll find hands-on resources designed to support literacy, STEM thinking, and meaningful routines that work in real classrooms — because they’ve been tested in mine! Whether you're looking for decodable readers, play-based centers, or goal-tracking tools, I hope these materials bring learning to life for your littles, just like they have for mine.
Thanks for stopping by — let’s make learning wonder-full together!
🍎
I’ve been blessed to teach for 20 years across five diverse districts in Texas — and every year brings new joys, challenges, and learning. I currently teach Kindergarten on a STEM-focused campus and serve as a literacy advocate and instructional leader in my district.
Certified in Reading Specialist K–12, Master Reading Teacher, and ESL, I hold an M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction with a literacy focus. My heart is firmly rooted in growing confident, capable readers and real-world problem solvers.
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Editable Primary Desk Name Tags | Soft Rainbow | Alphabet, Numbers & More
Bring calm and color to your classroom with these Editable Primary Desk Name Tags in a soft rainbow pastel theme! Designed with young learners in mind, these name plates are perfect for desks, folders, or cubbies — helping students stay organized and supported throughout the day. Each name tag includes: ✏️ A primary writing line for student names Upper and lowercase alphabet (A–Z) Number line from 1–20 A quick reference for primary colors 4 primary shapes A mini hundred chart These tags
PreK - 2nd
Alphabet, Geometry, Numbers
TEKS
MA.K.2.A
, MA.K.6.A
, MA.K.5.A
+1
FREEBIE: Colorful Sticky Notes for Student Encouragement | Editable & Printable
Brighten your students’ day with this set of cheerful, printable sticky notes! This freebie includes: Encouraging mini-notes like “I made my teacher smile!” and “I am a kind friend” Simple student to-do list sticky notes A blank template to write your own messages Perfect for folders, desks, take-home notes, or morning greetings. Teachers love how easy and joyful these are to use! ➕ Created by Valerie Balbaugh How to Print on Sticky Notes: It’s easy! First, print the included template pag
Not Specific
Classroom Community, Other (Arts), Other (ELA)
Mama at Work - Signs for Nursing and Pumping Mothers
Mama at Work — Nursing & Pumping Privacy Signs for MamasAs a new mama, finding privacy to nurse or pump can be a challenge. These sweet, easy-to-use signs help you set clear boundaries with friends, family, and coworkers by gently letting them know you need a quiet space to care for your little one. What’s included: 12 printable signs total: 6 in English and 6 in Spanish Each language set includes both a pink and blue version for personalized use Simple, charming designs perfect for hanging on d
Not Specific
Simply Sight Words - Fry List 1 - Bingo
⭐ Simply Sight Words – Fry List 1 Bingo Game Make learning sight words fun and engaging with this Simply Sight Words Bingo Game! Designed to reinforce the first 25 Fry words, this resource is perfect for small groups, word work centers, intervention, or guided reading warm-ups. Students will love the game-like format, and teachers will appreciate the easy setup, clear directions, and purposeful practice! What’s Included: ✅ 6 Unique Bingo Cards (Fry List 1 – Words #1–25) ✅ A Blank Custo
PreK - 2nd
English Language Arts, Reading, Spelling
CCSS, TEKS
RF.K.3c
, RF.1.3
, RF.2.3
+9
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About the store
Experience
Welcome to Balbaugh’s Besties: Littles & Learning!
I’m Valerie Balbaugh — a Kindergarten teacher who believes in the magic of connection, curiosity, and purposeful play. My classroom is full of joyful chaos, growing minds, and Kinder Cubs who love to learn.
Here you’ll find hands-on resources designed to support literacy, STEM thinking, and meaningful routines that work in real classrooms — because they’ve been tested in mine! Whether you're looking for decodable readers, play-based centers, or goal-tracking tools, I hope these materials bring learning to life for your littles, just like they have for mine.
Thanks for stopping by — let’s make learning wonder-full together!
🍎
I’ve been blessed to teach for 20 years across five diverse districts in Texas — and every year brings new joys, challenges, and learning. I currently teach Kindergarten on a STEM-focused campus and serve as a literacy advocate and instructional leader in my district.
Certified in Reading Specialist K–12, Master Reading Teacher, and ESL, I hold an M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction with a literacy focus. My heart is firmly rooted in growing confident, capable readers and real-world problem solvers.
Teaching style
Each morning begins with a hug, a smile, and a reminder: “You are safe and you are loved.” Relationships are the heart of my classroom, and connection is the foundation for all learning. I believe in teaching with joy, wonder, and intentionality — through engaging lessons that meet my students where they are and challenge them to grow.
In our classroom, we try hard things, use big words, and fail forward together. I design lessons that empower littles to collaborate, think critically, communicate clearly, and love learning — all while becoming kind, capable humans.
Awards & shining teacher moments
Teacher of the Month – November 2012
Northside ISD Education Foundation Grant Recipient – 2006–2007
Weatherford Education Foundation Team Grant Recipient – 2015–2016
DonorsChoose Grant Recipient – 2014–2015, 2015–2016, & 2025
Grapevine-Colleyville Education Foundation Grant Recipient – 2025
I’ve served as a Literacy Advocate, ELA/Humanities planner, curriculum writer, and mentor across multiple campuses and districts. I’ve also planned and presented professional development at the campus, district, and state level — including presenting at the TCEA Elementary Technology Conference.
My own education history
I was born and raised in the great state of Texas and earned my Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies EC–4 from The University of Texas at San Antonio. I later earned my Master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction with a Literacy Emphasis from UT Arlington.
I hold the following certifications:
EC–4 Generalist
ESL K–12
Reading Specialist K–12
Master Reading Teacher K–12
Additional biographical information
When I’m not teaching, I’m spending time with my husband, children, and our amazing circle of family and friends. I also enjoy volunteering at our church and cheering on my own kids as they grow. Being a mom is my greatest joy — and the adventure that inspires everything I do in my classroom.
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