Poster Printer Phun... and a Giveaway

Sorry about the title... I couldn't resist 3 P's... :)

Our media assistant printed my poster today.  She said several people saw it in her office and went crazy over it!  Love! :)  It turned out much better than I thought.  I'm impressed.  My principal stopped by my room this morning saying how much she loved it!  Woot! :)  Who knew poster printers could be so useful!!

P.S. I know the memory board and therefore the picture are off center; however, the nail in the wall hanging the memory board was off center (and already there). :)

Giveaway Alert!!  Tonya at Tonya's Treats for Teachers is having a big giveaway!  Stop by her blog to enter!! :)

When We Grow Up...

On the first day of school, I took all of the kids pictures in front of my chalkboard door and wrote what they want to be when they grow up.  (I'm sure you've all seen the inspiration on Pinterest.)  I finished it today, and I must say...  It is PRECIOUS!!  I wish you could see their adorable little face, but I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post pictures of them on a non-county website.  They're funny about that stuff here.  The two kids that want to be Paleontologists didn't know how to spell it, and I, obviously, didn't know how to spell it either!!  Haha, oh well!  Now, I'll never forget how to spell it! :)

I sent it to my principal and she LOVED it! :)  I'm having our Media Assistant print it using the poster printer.  I'm going to put it up on the smaller bulletin board above my desk area.  I'm so excited for them to see it!!!  :)

I just realized... this can be a Monday Made it!!  It's been so long since I've been able to participate!  Yay!! :)

School Ghosts?

I decided to work at school today.  Yes, I realize it's a Sunday and I shouldn't be working, but I just couldn't handle the way I left things on Friday.  I brought The Notebook with me and watched it on the SmartBoard while I worked.  I think I got a lot done... you tell me:

1. Organized my gigantic closet - Last week, things were literally thrown into the closet.  It was a wreck.  Now, most everything, has a proper place and I can find things!
2. Finished labeling books - My school does Jan Richardson's First 20 Days.  The kids had to pick out books from the library and explain whey they picked that particular book.  Well, I didn't let the kids keep the books because I hadn't finished labeling. (I know, BAD TEACHER!) Problem Solved!
3. Math Manipulatives - I put those in containers on the back counter so the kids have easy access to them.  AND I realized, that I don't have all the math stuff that I need!!
4. Organized Papers - Most of the kids returned all the "required" papers on Friday.  While they were separated into separate stacks, I had no idea who turned in what.  So, I went through and checked off what was turned in, and I realized that many sheets hadn't been signed.  The organization was a huge stress reliever.  
5. Figured out morning work for the week, and have Monday ready and on their desks! (PS, does anyone use Sunshine Math?)

I think I could have stayed all day, but once The Notebook finished, I started hearing strange noises.  I should note, that my school is in a not so great area.  We have been told to NEVER be at school alone after dark.  I probably shouldn't even be there by myself on the weekend...  I SWEAR I heard something slam on the floor in the hallway.  It goes without saying that I did NOT unlock the door to the hallway, and I made sure my back door was closed tightly.  Once I started hearing the school ghosts, I didn't stay much longer.

Does anyone else get freaked out being in school alone??

Classroom Tour!

Well, folks, tomorrow is the first day of school, so I suppose I am finished with my classroom, for now.  I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out.  This is going to be a quick entry, because I'm sitting at Goodyear having new tires put on my car, so I'm not sure how much time I have.

Picture tour:

This is what was on their desks for Open House.

My closet doors: Ron Clark Essentials and Behavior Clip Chart.  5th grade also painted our back doors with chalkboard paint! :)

Ron Clark Essentials

Shelf Cart: Pod Book Boxes and a shelf for their Data notebooks.  The other side has book baskets on them.

Library:  I forgot to take a picture of the book basket labels I made. :(

Inspiration/Quotables Wall:  I thought of the mirror and graduation cap over the summer.  Everyone at school seems to love it!

Inspiration/Quotables Wall

College Wreath: We are required to have this... it's a good idea, but I need to actually put my college name somewhere on it.  It hasn't been a priority this week.

View of the room from the door

Homework (magazine) Rack :)

Information Center:  I'm loving my lunch count/attendance area.

Meeting Area

That's my room!  What do you think?  The walls are pretty bare, because we put up tons of anchor charts...  Any suggestions?  I can't wait to hear your comments! :)

 

I'm Still Alive!

Oh my!  What in the world did we do before the Internet?  It has been absolutely awful to be without it.  I still do not have internet at my new apartment; however, it has been scheduled to be set up next Saturday.  I am so disappointed I couldn't get it done before then, but school takes up so much of my days!  I have made a lot of improvements in my room, had a few set-backs, and taken a few more steps forward.  We have open house tomorrow afternoon/evening! EEK!! I am hoping to have *most* everything ready.  I promise to post more pictures when I'm finished.  Until then, thanks for sticking around!  I love reading the comments that continue to pop up in my email!  Keep them coming! :)

Monday Made It #6

This is going to be a short post. I have moved but my Internet has not, so I am having to post from my phone. I have two things to share.

1. Supply Boxes: I used Ladybug's Teacher File's label. I promise I'll provide a link when I can get to a computer!

2. Fish Bowl: I got this idea from one of my 5th grade teammates. She has "fish bowl coupons" that the students can earn for various reasons. There are coupons like free ice cream, trade desks, sit with a friend at lunch, etc.

Im sorry this isn't the most exciting post. I hope everything comes out ok since I'm using my phone.

I will be working in my room again this week. I'll post more pictures once I have finished! :)

Until next time...

Classroom Pictures (so far)

I'm exhausted! I wanted to take a nap my entire drive home. Thank goodness I'm moving closer to school this weekend. Ok, so I have been working in my classroom most of the week. My team had planning yesterday, so I didn't get much done. Once I get started, I can't seem to stop... Even if it seems like I haven't accomplished anything. I realized this afternoon that I CANNOT work tomorrow. As in, no one will be in the building and we don't have keys, yet; however, that is probably a blessing in disguise. I HAVE to finish packing my apartment. Without further adieu, I'll show you what progress I've made so far. I'll start with pictures of how the room looked when I walked in on Tuesday.

From the entrance. 

From the back of the room. 

Other side of the room.

Progress pictures:  You will notice that my overhead lights are off.  I don't use them unless I absolutely have to.  They give me a headache.

 Again, from the entrance.

 From the entrance across the room.  I took this room over from a 4th grade teacher.  I will be helping get her stuff out starting Monday.

 From the side of the room.

 My "desk" area.

 Writing table/VOICES wall.

 Library... a big work in progress.

 My computer area and another GR table for Reading Specialists.

 From the back of the room.

 I love this! :)

 My mess...

Curtains up! :)

I'll most more pictures next week!  I'm really tired and I can't think of anything else to say.  Wish me luck with moving this weekend!

Classroom Pictures Linky Party -- Call Me Crazy!

With everyone starting to post pictures of the classrooms, I am super excited to see all the possibilities!  I started thinking last night, "I wonder if anyone is doing a linky party for classroom pictures?"  I did a quick google search and turned up nothing.  So...  I'm making a linky party of my own!  It could end up being a colossal fail, but it doesn't hurt to try!  Honestly, I'm not sure if I should do this since I am just moving into my classroom today! I can join my own party later, right? :)

So, if you would like to join my Classroom Pictures Linky Party, please do!  Spread the word!  We have shared ideas all summer with Tara's Monday Made It Linky Party and Elizabeth's Fabulous Friday Finds Linky Party, so let's continue sharing!  P.S. The Linky Party will be open until October 7th, so please don't feel rushed!

UPDATE:
I have a long way to go but here is one picture from my exhausting first day in the classroom.

Curtains are up! :)

UPDATE:
I decided to give up on the linky...  better luck next time! :)

Monday Made It #5

Let me start off with an apology.  I didn't realize until last night that I had "word verification" turned on.  Apparently, it's a default setting.  Sorry about that, folks!  Those things drive me nuts!  Let's move on...

I've had a busy week of packing, and was away from my apartment dog sitting this weekend, so I only have two things to share.  Both were very quick and easy to make. :)

Teacher Notes Box: This one was inspired by Pinterest.  For the life of me, I can't find the pin.  If anyone has the address, let me know and I'll add it.

The one I saw on Pinterest, was a wooden box with a hole cut in the lid.  I bought new shoes last week and had a shoe box sitting in front of me when I got the bright idea to paint the box!  If you're thinking about doing this, let me give you a friendly warning: don't even consider acrylic paint.  It doesn't coat well and with each coat, you actually remove some of the paint.  Go straight for the spray paint!!  I was able to use acrylic paint for the pink and white after a coat of the blue spray paint.  I had a clear sealer left over from making my supply box, so I also sprayed on a coat of sealer to protect the cardboard box.  It's kind of funny that I want to protect a cardboard box. :)

Kiss Your Brain Jar:

I first saw this idea on Amanda's Blog (Teaching Maddeness).  I wasn't going to make one, but I saw this jar for cheap at the Christmas Tree Shop, so I decided to go ahead.  The hardest part??  Deciding on letters.  I seriously stood in Walmart for 20 minutes trying to decide which letters to buy.  I don't normally switch back and forth with caps and lower case, but there weren't enough of each in the pack I bought... and I wasn't about to spend the money on a second pack.  So... It just looks funky and fun! :)

Brownies:  I don't have a big sweet tooth, but I do love brownies!  What's more, I love slightly burnt brownies!! :)  I picked up a $1 box of Duncan Hines brownies at the grocery store today.  They are not the best brownies, but for $1, they're great!! :)

Yep, I couldn't wait to taste them. :)
**Update: I just realized I put the brownies in the refrigerator.  WHY???

That's all for this week!  I get to start working in my classroom tomorrow, and we have 5th grade planning on Wednesday, so I'm not sure I'll have time to make anything new this week; HOWEVER, you can expect to see classroom pictures as I get everything set up! :)

P.S. I have one last picture to share.  Last night, I packed my car full of school stuff that will be taken on Tuesday.  I would have done it tonight, but there is rain in the forecast and I didn't want to take the chance.  So, as of last night, this is all the school stuff that is left in my apartment (that I didn't want exposed to outrageous heat)!!  Woot!!

And yes, those are twigs and that is a pumpkin.  I never bothered to take down my fall decorations, but hey... It's almost fall, again!!!  Too bad I have to pack it all up, though. Haha :)

Thanks for reading! :)

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I was just asked to join a "teacher fashion" linky party for tips on how to dress.  Mind you, I'm not the most fashionable girl (I just can't make myself care when I'm not trying to impress 5th graders), but I do know what's comfortable.

1. Do you have a favorite store for "teacher clothes"?

I am a loyal Kohl's shopper.  While I realize that the prices are marked up only to be put on "sale", I cannot help but love the clothes.  They are somewhat affordable and wear very well.  New York & Company is good, too.  I don't find their clothes quite as comfortable, though.

2. What are some of your favorite accessories?

I have to admit, I'm not an accessories girl.  I wear my pearl studs, my Clemson ring, and my Citizen watch everyday and that's about it, besides my Clemson lanyard for my ID. :)

3. What type of shoes do you teach in?

If you're smart, you're not going to go for fashion where your feet are concerned.  I'm lucky in that we are allowed to wear flip-flops every day of the week.  So, if it's warm, I'm usually in my Rainbows.  During the winter, I opt for Dansko's.  They're comfy and ergonomically correct for your feet.

4. Do you have a "go-to" item in your closet?

My closet is full lightweight cardigans.  They're great because you can wear them all year (especially when you want to wear a cute tank that isn't exactly school-appropriate.  Like these:

5. Have you ever had a fashion "uh-oh" at school? 

Ummm, last year, at the end of the day, I realized that a pair of my dress pants had a split in the back.  Luckily, it was in a position that no one could see!!! :)

Holy Mackerel!

The reason for the blog title?  As of yesterday, my blog has had over 11,000 views!  That's a lot!!  Also, always begin with good news, right?  Well, TUESDAY I can start working in my classroom!!!  Woot woot!!  Which means I can get all of my school stuff OUT OF MY APARTMENT!!  I'm beyond excited if you can't tell.

 

Since it is summer, I am having a hard time remembering my favorite picture books for the classroom, but I wanted to join the Picture Book Linky Party (a little late).  These are a few I can think of:

1. The Man Who Walked Between the Towers

We used this book last year to do a lesson with tracking thinking.  The strategy was thrown out the window, and we ended up having a long, in-depth conversation about 9/11.  5th graders are so interested in the topic, and it's fun to hear what they know and what they think they know.  I have a mental picture that I don't think I'll ever forget of having all the kids' attention when I was telling them about my memories from the day.  You could have heard a pin drop!

2. America's White Table

 This is a great book for kids who have no idea about the impacts of war on individuals and families.  I read this during my student teaching experience, and honestly, I had to pass the book off to my cooperating teacher because I couldn't stop crying.  It is such a great book!

3. Sunsets of the West

This is a GREAT book to introduce Westward Expansion.  As you can see from the cover, the illustrations are gorgeous!  It is out of print (silly) but you can find it used online and if you're lucky, it might be in your school library.

4. Enigma: A Magical Mystery

I love this book!  If you're doing a lesson on rhyming or poetry, this one would be great!  The illustrations are amazing, too.  While you read, you're trying to solve a mystery.  It's great, but WARNING: There is a "key" at the end of the book.  I had to take it away last year, because they were playing with the key instead of reading!  But...Honestly, any book by Graeme Base is wonderful!

That's it for today.  I'm dog/house sitting this weekend.  This is the licking monster I'm watching...

P.S. I'm going to try to do a giveaway for "The Quietest Classroom Pencil Sharpener" but I have to have 100+ followers before they'll consider me.  So, follow and get your friends to follow as well! :)

(If you want...) :)

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August Currently!

No matter how many times I see episodes of The Andy Griffith Show, it never gets old.  I think it's one of the best TV shows to ever be produced.  Just a random thought for the day.

• Laminator - Like I said yesterday, it's been very handy getting ready for school.
• Children's Books - Can you ever have enough?  I definitely need more!
• Storage Containers - I need containers to put markers, colored pencils, crayons, etc in.  I know what I need, I'm just not sure I can afford it right now.

Click to link up!