Off to a great start! So, initially, I wanted to share these pics two weeks ago....school started....and time diminished. I'm sure you know what I mean. This year I am glad to welcome some students from the past! I taught some of these kiddos in first grade, and to see the growth is amazing! Ladies and Gentlemen, we really do make a difference!
Although I love all my kids, this particular group holds a special place in my heart. The year I had them in first grade, my husband was diagnosed with kidney cancer and we had just welcomed our son into our lives. We didn't know what was in store for us, but we had faith that God would take care of it all, and these kiddos, unknowingly, pulled me through a tough personal year.
Well here are a couple of pics I would like to share of my class. As always, it's a work in progress, but for the most part complete. I am very fortunate to have a nice size classroom. My school is made up of several buildings that have been added through the years, and my class is part of the original building, built in 1929. Last summer they removed three ceiling layers and replaced it with new energy efficient ceilings and brand new air conditioners.
A Quick Look:
This is the designated "front" area of the classroom. I have two doors, so one is an entrance door and one is an exit door.
Also: United States Flag and Pledge, and the Great State of Texas Flag and Pledge On the left wall I posted a friendly class schedule.
Class Schedule
To the right of the entry door: We teach Texas History in fourth grade, one of my personal favorite school memories, so I wanted to have a special place to display some important symbols and such. I created a timeline and as the year progresses, we'll add to the timeline, along with using an interactive journal. The kids are really enjoying it so far.
The front wall: I have a small whiteboard area for teaching. Homework Assignment Board, Alphabet Banner (
You can find the Alphabet Banner here.) Yes, I have a right and left hand posted on the walls, and boy do they come in handy! wink, wink
Front: If you notice, I do have a fabulous ceiling mounted projector, love it!
Teacher Work Station: I used an old AV cart and placed my document camera on top, laptop on middle shelf, and printer on the bottom shelf. I zip tied everything into place, sewed a skirt for it, and have a nifty moveable work station! I'm pretty proud of my filing cabinet, too. I used laminate
self-adhesive paper to "pretty" it up. Later you'll see I got laminate happy, but I love the result.
I found these great reading genre posters at our local teacher store.
A collection of my read aloud books. I remade the labels to match the room.
Learning Objectives:
AR classroom library. I like them organized by levels. The kids have an easier time finding what they need.
I love these reading comprehension posters. They are by Amy Groesbeck. You can find them
here.
Center of Classroom: The Wall of Windows... I have 5 huge windows on this wall and I needed a creative way to use the space. I wanted my husband to build me a temporary half wall, but then I found these 2'x3' bulletin boards, papered away, and set them in the window instead! They are perfect for anchor charts! Also in this area: Station Board, Station Tubs, Restroom Sign Out, Student Consumable Storage
The designated "back" area of my classroom. I have my teacher space here. I can easily transport my laptop from the workstation to my desk when needed. I am fortuante to have two closets in my room. Behind that gray curtain doorway is a large closet that was once the student "Cloak Room." I love it. I can store tons of stuff in there!
My desk: See all the pretty laminate paper? I know, I may have over done it. I even redid two shelves: a small 4 foot one behind my desk and a large 12 footer. It was easier than painting them, and they look great!-
After seeing Tara's Homework Club Board, from 4th Grade Frolics, I wanted to try it too. This is such a great idea. We started it last week, and the kids were really into it! Thanks!
Back Wall: Small Group Area, Student WOW Work Wall, and the Second Closet. I basically have the width of the wall and about 5' depth-wise of closet space. -Yes, I am pretty lucky!
I saw these on Pintrest, and I had to try making them!
Student Computer Area, Parts of Speech Board (I found this one from Ladybugs Teacher Files. You can find them
here.) Classroom TV, mounted on wall (Our morning announcements are broadcast
across the school by our very own students!) Also: Attendance and Lunch Count Board behind the exit door. I failed to take picture of the white board located on the right side of the computers. It's another teaching area. I have a big black carpet for our whole group meeting area.
Attendance/ Lunch Count Board
Hallway: Our school used a Dr. Seuss school-wide theme. It was difficult for me to find ways to integrate it with the upper elementary classroom. I found some great posters and created some lettering with Seuss-like font.....and tried to match as much with my classroom color theme.
Well that's a quick look into my class. Thank you for taking a look, and come back soon!
