I WONDER...ABOUT THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR

Day one of another school year has come and gone.  With a new school year, there is a lot of frenzy, a lot of anticipation, and a lot of wonder.  As I prepared for my new group of first graders, I couldn't help but wonder what this new school year would have in store for us.  We have a lot of new things things going on this year.  I have new teaching friends that I'm working with, a new student teacher, and new group of first graders that I'm getting to know.

During our morning meeting time we discussed our scheduled for the day, I shared my "About Me" bag, and we talked about some of our classroom routines and procedures.  However, I was anxious to find our what my new students were wondering about first grade.  Below is a list of some of the things they were wondering:

• Will we have fun?
• Will we learn to read?
• Are we going to use the computers?
• Will our teacher be nice?
• Who will be in our class?
• What will we learn this year?
• Will we play?
• What will our classroom look like?

These were all really good questions.  We spent a lot of time talking about the answers to these questions and learning more about first grade.  I love the last question (What will our classroom look like?).  I explained to my first graders how much work I had done in order to prepare for them and the new school year.  I'm happy to report that they love the classroom and they thought it looked great!  Take a look at the "after" pictures below and tell us what you think.

The Group Meeting Area

The View of the Front of the Classroom

The View from the Doorway

The Window View

What does your classroom look like this year?  Is it similar to ours or very different?

IS SUMMER OVER?

Everything indicates that it's still summer.  The warm weather, the green grass, the flowers, kids playing outside, and the calendar. Yet, in some ways Summer Is Over.  At least for me.  No, school has not officially started yet.  The first day of school in our district is September 4, 2012.  However, like most teachers, it's time for me to prepare my classroom for the start of a new school year.  When that happens, I feel like summer is over.

I went to school today to take a look at my classroom.  The custodians were still stripping and waxing the floors.  Until that's done, I can't get much done in my classroom.  I have a lot to do, so I'm a bit anxious to get started.  Here's my list:

• unpack boxes
• put away supplies
• uncover bulletin boards and shelves
• arrange desks, chairs, and other furniture
• change bulletin boards
• arrange and organize classroom library
• hang the alphabet and number lines
• label coat nooks
• decorate
• organize my office
• hang curtains

I'm sure there's a lot more that I forgot to put on the list.  I think it's enough to get me started.  Below are my "before" pictures.  This is what my room looks like right now.  I'll show you my "after" pictures once everything it set up.  Even though it feels like summer is over, I'm extremely excited about starting a new school year.  Stop by next week to see my room when it's all set and ready to go!  

Wish me luck!

What does your teacher do to prepare for a new school year?

Does he or she have a little fairy I can borrow to help me out?

Back of Classroom View

Side Window View

Front of Classroom View

Family Read-Along

Personalize your own photo album

BEGINNING OF A NEW SCHOOL YEAR - WORDLS

Ready, Set, Go!

School starts on Tuesday, September 6th.  I'm almost ready, and set, to go!  I've unpacked supplies, and arranged the room.  As you can see, it looks a lot different from the "before" pictures.

View of the SmartBoard and Meeting Area

I still have a few things to tweak, like my number line.  I didn't consider that it would be hidden by the curtains, until after the curtains actually went up.  I don't know about you, but sometimes things go up, and then they come down again.  I still have to place name tags on tables/desks, finish the coatroom area, and last but certainly not least, organize the classroom library.  I have bins to label and more books to put out.

I'm also planning to change the corner bulletin board, and I still have to complete my new board for math workshop.  It's a good thing I still have another week to tie up all those loose ends.

 I'll keep you posted on my progress.

View from doorway entrance

Small group work area and reading area

View of Friends and Family Board and Safe Place

More places to read

2011-2012) A New School Year!

It's August and it's time to prepare for a new school year.  This is what our classroom looks like before school starts.  There are supplies to unpack, funiture to rearrange, books to organize, and the list goes on and on.  As you can see, there is lots to do before school starts.  Stop by again to see our classroom's transformation.