"You're off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way! ~ Dr. Seuss

Saturday, August 3, 2013

My Room is Ready!!

Can you believe we had our Open House today??  It's August 3rd.!  I am still shocked at how early we had to start back.  Actually, we started back the same time last year.  I think what has me discombobulated is the fact that we started back on Thursday and our students start next Thursday.  Who starts the school year on a Thursday - LOL.

Anyway, my room actually got finished before the first family arrived (thank goodness!)  Since this is the first time I set up a classroom for the beginning of the year since I started blogging, I just had to share a few pics.


Here's what parents saw when walking in the door.  I can't believe how large my classroom looks in this pic.  I wish is was this big, but alas, it is not. 


This is our circle time area.  See the brightly colored book baskets lined up?  Those are going to be the students' baskets for Read to Self.  I decided to take some advice and implement the Daily 5 slowly.  We are going to start with Read to Self and see how it goes.



I love how my word wall came out.  It is easily accessible for me so that I can add words without having to be an acrobat or contortionist!




I am really excited about my portable "stage".  Most of my students are language impaired and need lots of opportunities to speak.  However, I know that many times, children are uncomfortable speaking in front of others.  So, in my travels this summer, I found this pocket chart puppet stage at an awesome teacher supply store in Greensboro NC.  I put it on a chart stand and put "STARRING..." at the top. The plan is to bring it over to our carpet area whenever students will be speaking.  I'm hoping that being behind the "stage" will help them feel more comfortable when speaking in front of the class.



Next, is my birthday board and basket.  I found this idea on Pinterest (and as soon as I find it again, I will edit this post and give credit to the originator.) There is one gift bag for each month.  Student birthdays are written on candles at the tops of the bags.  I am in love with my birthday basket.  I found a white basket at a thrift store for $2.00.  Since I am unable to make a bow, I also spent $6.99 on a cool-looking bow from Micheals.  Inside the basket is Eric Carle's book, The Secret Birthday Message. I am going to be on the look out for other birthday stories.  Then, students will choose a book from the basket for me to read aloud to the class.  In addition, there are birthday crowns, bookmarks, stickers, and certificates.  Everything I need to celebrate these special days in one convenient spot. 




I found a great set of Line Up Songs from Mrs. Ricca's Kindergarten. They are available for free in her TPT store.  Here is the link if you want to check them out http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Line-Up-Songs-Cards-565582.  I decided to attach them together and hang them by our classroom door.  Now, I can grab the cards, choose a song, and help my students get ready to head out.

I found a second, awesome basket at the thrift store.  This one is silver.  It just screamed "Treasure Box". So, I brought it back to Fl from North Carolina and spruced it up.  It is up high enough that my little ones can't touch it, but they sure can see it! LOL





Finally, my favorite part of Open House.  First, I create tags with a short message on them.

Next, I attached them to colorful lunch bags with bright blue ribbon.  The finished products made the room look even more colorful.  The looks on the kids faces this afternoon when I told them they were getting a gift to celebrate the start of a new school year was fun.  Lots of smiles and giggles. Again, I can't take complete creative credit.  I modified a pin on Pinterest to work for me.  I found all of the items at Party City. I will admit I spent more money on the ingredients of the bag, but I thought it was so much fun, I didn't really care - LOL.  There is no candy or food in the bags. I wish I had the close-up of the finished bag, but for some reason that is the one pic that would not upload.  Anyway, you can see them on the desks in the first pic.





I hope you enjoyed the tour of my classroom.  I am really looking forward to sharing the different activities we do this year.

Happy Blogging!

5 comments:

  1. I love your birthday board - so cute! I also love the gift bags that you gave your students! I can picture their smiles. :)

    Amy
    Teaching Is Sweet

    ReplyDelete
  2. Crystal HatziyianisAugust 3, 2013 at 9:22 PM

    Looks super cute! I love the Birthday board! Now, I don't actually have to come over to building 2, to see your room. LOL! ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Vanessa BridgewaterAugust 3, 2013 at 9:39 PM

    Your classroom looks amazing! I just love your birthday board (great idea) and your treasure box.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your room looks great! I love the birthday board and the gifts!! Hope you have a great school year!!

    Resource Room Rules

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love your room: it is so inviting and I bet your students will be eager to jump into their tasks. It is always fun to walk into a new classroom! I do envy you that your room is set up - I have yet to set mine up and it always seems like a insurmountable job!

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