Time Flies... When You Have No Time!

I can't even believe it... it's week 6!

Getting in the groove of school came back far too easy. Although I was somewhat nervous to get back in the classroom, it turns out that my research, reading, thinking and even CRAFTING have all given me a big head start this year. I feel like a totally new teacher!

If I could give a new teacher one piece of advice it would be... just GET THROUGH the first year. It doesn't matter how... just get through it! The second year is a whole different experience.

Here are some things that have happened in the last 6 weeks:

1. I decorated my room... and it's adorable - I feel like the classroom finally fits ME!

The word wall! Alphabet letters made on paper plates. 

 Family tree with pictures of some of my students and their families.

Math/Calendar wall

Library corner

Behavior BINGO!! AMAZING... this might deserve its own post!

Writing pencil where kids track where they are in the writing process!

Flower clock!

2. My kids are great. They are cute, they are smart, they are kind. I am excited to see them each and every day.

3. Our classroom culture has quickly developed into a friendly, loving, intellectual environment. Students celebrate each others' successes and help each other when a fellow student is struggling.

4. Whole Brain Teaching is FANTASTIC! I've implemented several strategies and they have already helped improve class dynamics, management and ENGAGEMENT! Looking forward to learning more and using them with my kiddos.

5. I started a book lending system and it's been a huge success! Students are taking home 4 books a week in ziplock freezer bags. Each book is labeled with my name and a "book card" inside the bag lists the books included. All four books are expected to come back to me in the bag on Friday morning. What a great way to share my favorite books with my students without the hassle of a one-book-at-a-time checkout system.

A look at the library

The basket of book bags (by kids currently have them checked out for the week so they're not in here).

 Book Bag Management... the cards with the pink numbers rotate to each kids card every week.

A look at the book bag. I tried to make the selection of books inside as diverse as possible to meet the need of any/all readers in my class. 

There you have it... my top from the last 6 weeks. More to come, I promise