Monday Made It!

I've been busy this week - mostly printing things for my classroom! The first thing I worked on were the signs for my guided math groups. Sorry, not a great picture here...more will come when I do my room reveal!

I have one thing I do every year - signs for each of the subjects for the front of my whiteboard. I use these signs to write out our daily plan so that students may copy the work into their planners. This year I am especially excited because I will be incorporating more of a student-lead classroom from Learn Like a Pirate. Make sure to click the link if you haven't read this book!  I'll include "times" by each of the signs so that students can help keep the day on schedule. 

I found some great free photo booth props. Google "photo booth props" and you will find lots of ideas - black/white and color, too.   I thought they would be a fun activity for the first day of school - choose a prop, then take a photo. 

I typed up some sentence starters to hang around the whiteboard area in the front of the room. These will help students with discussions and answering questions in a full sentence. I just used PowerPoint, created word balloons, and typed in the phrases. I created the same border to match the other items in the room. 

Finally, on a personal note, I've been training for a half marathon! If you know me, I enjoy cycling but have never liked running! In fact, I've never run more than 3 miles at a time...up until now! Why am I running?  I'm running for Team World Vision to provide fresh water to families in Ethiopia. A few years ago I traveled to Ethiopia and saw the water problem first hand. I know that I want to do whatever can. If kids walk up to 18 miles a day to get fresh water, I can run for them. (Well, I will try!) I have a goal of $2,500 that I am trying to raise. I've LOVE your support! CLICK HERE.

Or - Support my DONOR'S CHOOSE project here!

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I Wonder

Do you read to your class?  I have several books that are all time favorites and I am adding to my list this next year!

I usually begin the year out reading A Wrinkle in Time.  I love the book and my students love listening to the various voices of my characters! I have Mrs. Which and Mrs. Whatsit down to a particular voice I use every year. Even Meg has the same voice. (smile)

Next, I usually read Where the Red Fern Grows and Summer of the Monkeys. I can NEVER get through Where the Red Fern Grows without bawling my eyes out. It's because I had two dogs very similar that died around the same time. So sad! But I love the story. Summer of the Monkeys is just funny!

This year I am adding on Wonder by R.J. Palacio. It's the story of a boy named August who was born with facial defects that prevented him from going to school until 5th grade. The journey is told through the perspective of many different people - August, people at the school, and even his sister. It's a great way to teach about kindness, empathy, compassion, and acceptance.

It will make a lot of great conversations during our morning meetings!  Watch this trailer to learn a bit more about the book:

Finally, here are a few resources just for teachers. CLICK HERE.

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Made It Monday!

I am excited to link up with #mondaymadeit . It's so much fun to be back in elementary education again and to begin back up with my blogging adventure!

I've been inspired by SchoolGirlStyle forever. Her designs are simply amazing. One thing I really like are all the paper flowers. I decided to search for flower rosette making on YouTube and found a few videos that helped me make my own flowers for the middle of my table groups and decorations by bulletin boards.  Here is a video that may help you make your own flowers!

And... here's how mine turned out:

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My Classroom...Before I Begin

I am going to try to post pictures along the way of my classroom makeover. The sad thing is - I had 25 years of school stuff. Yes, way too much. BUT, I got rid of it all when I went into working at the university. HELP!  I'm not starting off brand new again. On the bright side, I got rid of some things that I should have gotten rid of years ago. I will be starting with items that are current and new. But let me just say, it gets expensive starting over again and I have a new appreciation for teachers just starting out going into the field!

The classroom pictures here show what I have to start out with. It's not quite cleared out yet from the past teacher. Once July hits, I'll get in there to work!

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I'm Baaaack!

Well, I have been away for a few years from elementary blogging!  In the mean time, I've been working at a university but after much consideration, have decided to go back into the classroom!

YES!

I am so excited! I will be teaching a 3rd/4th grade class in Georgetown. Although I enjoyed teaching teachers, there is just nothing like teaching younger students...which is what I ultimately enjoy doing!

Soon the blogging will begin!

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