Holy Moly!! It has been WAY too long. Just *very* busy since the last time I posted (had to double check...I am CRINGING at the length of time).
In the past week and a half or so, I've been back in my classroom, prepping it and had school start on Tuesday, the 13th. Yep, already back in the grind. While I enjoy having time off - okay, physically away from teaching ( you know what I mean)- I am glad to get back to normal.
Here are some getting-the-classroom-ready photos...
This is what I came into... Horrible, right? :P
Most of what I needed for this next year, I left up. They don't require us to take things down. Although this wasn't my EXACT classroom arrangement when I left, I feel very fortunate and thankful that our custodial staff does their best to return things to how they were before they started on floors. I also like to leave as few "little" things out as possible to avoid any potential problems with the moving of stuff. I was only able to get one before shot due to crummy batteries on camera.
Here are some AFTER shots...Note: no matter how much time we spend there, it doesn't feel like enough. I always want it PERFECT AND DONE before Day 1 but alas, that doesn't always happen.
Same angle as before shot, furniture was moved around a bit and class library was relocated.
Not much different LOL
I love my word wall. It's blank now. I put them up as I introduce them. I created the word wall cards (we use CA Treasures), color coded by unit. I'll be uploading them to my TPT store soon.
Classroom library/group area
Going to TRY this...it feels a little small (reality is a little bigger than pic) but I don't like how it's so close to one of the classroom doors. Pros/cons of this design are about equal LOL Notice no rug? That's right. No rug/carpet this year. I requested *gasp* for it to be removed. While I much prefer a rug, due to classroom space, Breakfast in the Classroom, etc. it got dirty very quickly. Due to district budget cuts, the vacuuming occurs only about once a week (egads!) I'm thinking about getting some little cushions (if the school will foot the bill) or something. That way if there's an accident or something, easy cleanup!
My desk area
I angled it this time and I FINALLY covered the front part of my desk! Just need to decide how I want to decorate it. I need to finish the little teacher BB area to the left on the wall.
Love my simple mason jar with colorful flowers :)
Calendar/Focus wall next to group area
This is one of my many Pros of keep my group area here. I can demo/teach calendar concepts right in front of them.
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My closet doors with class schedule, rules, jobs, etc.
I know it's always a work in progress. Trust me...I've got my list! Also, student work/projects are some of the best decor!
I had my first day with the kiddos last Tuesday. Seems to be a pretty bright group overall, but quite chatty...some need a lot more reminders about talking during instruction and other things but I already see an improvement :)
My one regret - I did not take photos of them the very first day :( I wanted, and even had, a "First Day of First Grade" sign all ready but time and all the hustle and bustle from the first day got in the way soooo...next week...I do photos that say something like "I'm in First Grade"...I know I saw some somewhere. And we have Back to School night this upcoming Tuesday!! O_o Yes, already!
I finally made my birthday crazy straws/bday balloons! They aren't the original crazy straws but I purchased mine at Dollar Tree...6 in a pack. I used these adorable balloons made by Amelia over at Where the Wild Things Learn.
Click here to go to her TPT store for the FREE download!
It's good to be back everyone!
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