Classroom Tour 2011

Hello! Well, school starts Monday...and I think my room is ready. There is always something to work on...we could be there 24/7 doing school work! But, I am pleased with my room and excited to meet my new class. Here are a few more photos:

This is the view as you enter my classroom. To the very left is my writing center (you can just see the chairs and part of the table in this picture.) I have a very small classroom and need to be efficient about using my space. 

                                                This the view from the opposite corner.

This is my computer center. I have 3 MacBooks for student use. I use iTunes for my listening center at this table as well.

This is a picture of my "games" center. I have board games as well as handmade learning games.

Right next to that is my ABC center. Right now it has letter matching activities, alphabet puzzles, letter magnets, and an old computer keyboard to practice letter recognition. I made those "munchers" a few years ago, but they are still in great shape and the kids love using them.

I have my helpers chart hanging on the back of my file cabinet, next to my desk. I change helpers every Monday.

This is the shelf that holds puzzles and to the right of that are the "building" toys like legos, lincoln logs, and Knex.

I have a few more photos to share, but it seems to be taking a long time right now, so I'll be back soon with another post on a couple of writing center activities. Thanks for looking and have a great day!

"Listening" Bulletin Board

Hello! I've been working in my classroom a little bit. Most of my bulletin boards are done. Here's a picture of my "Listening" bulletin board. I originally saw this idea on Pinterest. Here is my version. I think it's a great way to encourage children to use empathy and treat each other with kindness.

I also made some polka dot pillows for my reading area.

This is my Reading Focus Wall. The pocket charts are set up for rhyming words and letter focus. The smaller alphabet will the word wall for class names. I printed the vowel cards from Mrs. Lemon's site.

The last picture is the board where I will display the children's "Masterpieces." I know....it looks a little busy, but I think it will be ok if mat their work with black construction paper. : )

Thanks for looking and have a great day!

Beginning Sound Gems

Hello! I have a FUN idea to share with you!! I saw this idea on Pinterest using large "gems" from the dollar store. It's a great way to practice sight words, so I thought why not use this same technique for other skills??? I printed small clip art pictures and letters and made beginning sound matching gems. I love the way they turned out! I still have to make a cute bag to put them in. I can just see all of the possibilities for these gems...can't you??? Thanks for looking and have a great day!

Binder Easel Cover

Hello! Since I can't get into my classroom quite yet,  I have been working on projects at home. Have you seen the cool binder easel on Little Miss Kindergarten??? I found a binder and have started collecting poems and songs to put inside. I made a cover for my binder so it looks cute when it's closed. Here it is if you are interested in printing it. I used DJ Inkers clip art.

 

Here is a picture of the completed binder. I added a piece of scrapbook paper behind the cover... it goes along with my polka dot theme. : ) Thanks for looking!

Another Pinterest Idea!

Hello! I have another idea I found on Pinterest to share with you today....it's the scissor holder made from a mug tree. I painted mine red (like the original one I saw). I am going to put it in my classroom to hold extra scissors and the "fancy" scissors the kids can use. Thanks for looking!

Polka Dot Organization!

Hello! There are so many blog ideas for classroom themes; it's amazing! I decided to go with a polka dot theme after viewing many ideas...especially the ones on The Polka Dot Patch.  With that theme in mind... along with hundreds several ideas I've seen on Pinterest...  I put together this organizer. I am going to file daily items/activities for easy access. I purchased the polka dot folders at the Dollar Tree and they are plastic, so I am hoping they will be somewhat durable. There are several versions of this organizer out there; I will put pens and pencils in the utensil holder. I will begin my classroom set up soon and will post more polka dot pictures. Thanks for looking!

Crayons for Students

Hello! Like many other teachers out there, I am already thinking about "back to school!" I do enjoy the extra time in the summer to be creative with cards, scrapbooks, and craft projects. I used old crayon pieces to make happy face crayons to give my students when they come to our August parent teacher confernces.

I used my candle warmer to melt broken pieces of crayons. While one was melting, I had another color on deck, ready to go. The most time-consuming part of this project was peeling the crayons!

I poured the melted crayons into a happy face candy mold. It only takes about 15 minutes for them to cool enough to pop out. I teach in a Catholic school, so I thought I do something along the "Jesus loves you" theme. I will probably add some cuteness like coloring or a ribbon and a personal note to the students from me. I just put this one together quick to give you an idea. Thanks for looking and have a super day!