I feel like an epic failure when it comes to blogging this summer. So many distractions (in other words, summer F.U.N.) and unfortunately blogging seems to fall towards the bottom of the list. I keep thinking, "I need to blog about this" ... and then I don't, oops!
But I'm still here... and actually being quite productive. Seeing so many classrooms ready for the first day of school is getting me excited and motivated! I haven't been in my classroom because we don't go back for three more weeks. Three weeks seems like a long time, but there is A LOT to get ready in those three weeks and I know they will fly by.
This past week I have been putting a major dent in the back-to-school to-do list. I've been working like crazy to get a lot done because tomorrow at 7am I'm heading back to Chicago to spend time with my sister, bro-in-law, and fabulous-adorable-smart-beautiful nieces! When I'm with them, nothing else matters, so I needed to get some work done so I can play for the next week and a half! Yeah summer!!!
Here are some random projects I've been working on to prepare for back-to-school...
Until next time!
But I'm still here... and actually being quite productive. Seeing so many classrooms ready for the first day of school is getting me excited and motivated! I haven't been in my classroom because we don't go back for three more weeks. Three weeks seems like a long time, but there is A LOT to get ready in those three weeks and I know they will fly by.
This past week I have been putting a major dent in the back-to-school to-do list. I've been working like crazy to get a lot done because tomorrow at 7am I'm heading back to Chicago to spend time with my sister, bro-in-law, and fabulous-adorable-smart-beautiful nieces! When I'm with them, nothing else matters, so I needed to get some work done so I can play for the next week and a half! Yeah summer!!!
Here are some random projects I've been working on to prepare for back-to-school...
My classroom library needed some major overhauling! I reorganized and streamlined my book baskets.
Of course, a reorganized library deserves new cute labels, right? I would love to share these, but I got some of the pics of the book characters from Google image, so I'm not sure about the sharing rights. Anybody know what the deal is with that?
Found this on Pinterest and it led me to the step-by-step directions and FREE labels at First Grade Glitter and Giggles. This seriously took me less than 5 minutes to do!
So then I applied the same principles to make my Marbles jar. In my classroom, I add marbles to each table's cup when they are working well together and transitioning quickly and quietly.
This summer, like many others, I discovered Washi tape. Oh the LOVE! Thought I'd buy a cheap-o light switch plate and jazz it up a bit. Totally random, I know!
Spray painted some popsicle sticks and glued on these fantastic FREE numbers from 4th Grade Frolics to make my student number sticks. LOVE that her numbers go perfectly with my love of all things chevron and my aqua/green color scheme.
Job chart complete! I had this small bulletin board from WAY back when I was in college, haha. The iPods have a Velcro dot on the back so I can easily change my classroom jobs each week. You can find my Rockin' Responsibilities Job Chart {HERE}.
I've also been reading this FANTASTIC book by Jan Richardson. SO many amazing ideas to incorporate into my small group reading time. I absolutely LOVE teaching reading and any strategies to add to my repetoire are helpful. I'm looking forward to reading more tomorrow on my flight.
Until next time!
