A place to share thoughts, ideas, gadgets, and giggles from my classroom. 💜

Welcome to my Classroom 2015

Well it's that time of year again...

We go back MONDAY. Yes, you read that right, Monday, this Monday, the one after tomorrow. That Monday. Usually I'm more than ready, but this year, I am one big procrastination! It's coming, whether I am ready or not! I better get prepared! I have been in my classroom working all week. Here is what I have so far! 
I added balloons to my classwork clips....One has already deflated, see the green one!? It must have had a hole in it. The desks are all set up with the name tags, books, and folders. If you look across the room, I still need to get my stability balls blown up! Our PE teacher is usually pretty helpful with that! I only have 16 kiddos this year, so far! I haven't had this small of a class in a couple years. It will be a nice change!
I also start the year out with Play-Doh. It makes dealing with supplies and incoming students so much easier. It's probably one of my favorite {Pinterest} ideas!
I'm doing my homework plan a little differently this year. When they turn their homework in to the tray(which is right below the last magnet strip), they will take their number and put it on the Homework Hero board. This will help me to take a quick check of who has or hasn't brought their homework. 
The Hero board is a pizza pan from The Dollar Tree that I spray painted gold last year. This will be my first year trying this, I'll keep you updated if it works!
I have a new "cool down" area in my room. I already know I have a few kiddos with strong emotions. I'm so excited that I was able to find a place for them to cool off when they need a break. The rug and pillow are from Ikea. 
Inside the tote are:
-{One of Those Days} by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
- 2 journals(for the 2 kids that may utilize the space most)
- crayons
- pencil
- eraser
- 3 minute sand timer
- two stuffed animals to comfort and squeeze
{Number of the Day} is a freebie in my store! 
I'm very proud of my subject areas that I have started this year. I tried last year, but I just couldn't make it work. This year, I nailed it! I am even letting them use one of MY(that was bought for them in the first place!) pointers! That is a big deal! 
This is my writing board. I think in the blank area I want to put what "Writer's Eyes" do, but I'm still looking for ideas. We have our "Fancy Words" at the bottom instead of taking up a whole board(even though it was super cute) like last year. Students can also keep track of which part of the writing process they are on. I am very excited to work this into our lessons!
This is about the same as my board last year, but I needed to add more prefixes and suffixes! I love {Melonheadz} clipart! My room is full of it! The pencil was made by one of my students who I was fortunate enough to loop with a couple years ago! He did wayyyy better than I would have! Oh! and see that princess light!? It is from the Dollar Tree too! When the light is on, students cannot talk to me, unless they are bleeding, barfing, or not breathing. This works amazingly during small group time! I just love it! 
So that's what I'm working with so far this year! There are a lot of changes from {last year}, and I believe they will better the flow of my classroom and the learning environment for my students. 


4 comments

  1. Your room looks very inviting...if i had a 2nd grader I would love this room...what is yr stay posters for

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    1. Well thank you! The STAY posters are the rules for our stability balls.

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  2. I love your classroom. It looks all ready for your kiddos. I especially love your cool down area, I am trying to create one as well and may "steal" a few ideas :) I have also wanted to try playdough. Seeing that I am moving down to grade 2/3 I think I will definitely have to do it this year.
    @ Wiley Teaching

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! Steal away! The play dough is just awesome for the first day. It keeps hands busy and kids occupied so I can deal with parents, supplies, and incoming kiddos!

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