So it begins!

The time has come! First day back for ALL district employees is tomorrow. I am very excited. I have been back for a week and a half now doing training and new to the district PD's. I have honestly learned SO much this past week and feel even more PUMPED UP to start this year. I sure hope I can remember everything I've learned throughout the week. 

I am not posting ANY pictures of my classroom until it is complete. For some reason I am having a really hard time making it fit my vision that I had over the summer. :(

Today I finally went through all my cabinets and ORGANIZED, ORGANIZED, ORGANIZED! I am hoping this will help me  remember to use all the wonderful materials my district provides.Can I just brag about my district real quick... I seriously am SO lucky to work in such a awesome district that provides us with so many resources!!!

The 'cake' came from an Edible Arrangements - I just filled the bottom with Styrofoam and bought a box of Tootsie pops from Costco (I think they were like $8.00 for a hundred- it will last me a few years... unless... CLASS SIZES INCREASE DRAMATICALLY- ha!). For each students birthday they will get to pick a tootsie pop and I will write them a special Happy Birthday card. I also picked up a chair cover from the Dollar Store so that they can show everyone who walks in their room that it is their birthday.

I saw this idea on pinterest and immediately fell in love. Last year I used socks and I thought it was a great idea.... until... I found one on the floor and thought it was my student's dirty sock! Never again! It was gross! I was so proud of this until my other half (who NEVER voices his opinion about anything I do for school) plays the practical card... "You teach second grade, the caps are small and now you have made it so they are unable to put the cap on the end of the marker." OOPS! I thought I was being so smart too! We will give it a shot anyways! I think it's fun to add the color since I only let them write in black marker.

Today when I was rearranging my furniture (for the 348374893 time!) one of my book cases where I put all my math manipulative broke. I want them to be on display and not hidden in a cabinet so I had to make a quick stop at Wal-mart. While I was there I found these cute tubs! They are a little less than $5 a piece (you do not have to buy them in 8 packs). Since I do not like the clutter of backpacks hanging from the back of their chairs and we do not have hooks. I am going to have my students unpack their backpack in the morning and place it in the backpack tub until the end of the day. (Hopefully this will prevent my little pumpkins from sneaking their flaming hot Cheetos during my lessons, too!)


What are you adding to your classrooms this year?