Friday, April 18, 2014

And So It Begins...


Well, hello there! Maybe it was the 3 day weekend or that we only have about 30 days of school left, but I finally felt like I could start easing into the teaching blogging world that I have come to love. I will be learning along the way, so any help or encouragement is appreciated. I am learning from each of you as I read your posts, follow you on Instagram, and talk to you. Many thanks to Alisha from Missing Tooth Grins for spending so much time guiding/supporting me as I created this blog today! 

So I thought I would start by just showing you my classroom. Now, I must be honest...these pictures are from the beginning of the year. Some anchor charts have been added and the desks are "well lived in." But hopefully, this gives you an idea.



This is the view when you walk through our door. Throughout the year the chalkboard fills with anchor charts. I've been proud of my 2nd graders for making those flags last all year.


We compile all of our goodies at the beginning of the year. I love this set up because the students know exactly where to go to get more supplies. I have learned that dry erase makers and glue sticks are hot items. (note to self for next year)


Here is my desk, which I am rarely found at until after school. The cream colored unit has been moved behind my desk because math manipulative bins have been added in place.


This has to be my favorite place in our classroom. The students have learned to navigate their way around the bins. I slowly add topics throughout the year so it isn't overwhelming. Camping chairs were a hit and perfect for my theme.


Students' goals are now hanging from their owls. We take NWEA at the beginning, middle, and end of the year. So we track our progress on a bar graph, as well as plot our goals. 


This is the back of my room/storage area. The table you see has been turned vertically to close off the classroom library. My small group table is to the left, not pictured. We focus on the comprehension strategies from Smekens Education. My dear friend, Linda, helped bring my back wall to life. I love how it turned out. 


Thank you for joining me on the tour of my classroom. I hope to share much more with you in the posts to come. And so it begins...




12 comments:

  1. Girrrrrl, I love love LOVE your blog! You did a fantastic job getting it all together and I love your first post! Your classroom looks HUGE and I love how you have decorated it! I can't wait to see all of your future posts! Soon, you'll be on TPT too. Just wait, I know it's coming ;) I am so honored that you asked for my help and I am proud to be your first follower! Yay! Go you!
    Alisha
    Missing Tooth Grins

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    1. Where would I be without you? Haha! What a whirlwind, but I am so glad to be here among all of you lovely bloggers! My classroom is very open! We are one school for one city so when they made the building I think they took that into account. I'll have to figure out all the linking up you do! --TPT, mhmm...give me time. HA! I love that you were my first follower, just like you said!

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  2. coool theme in the classroom allison! I totally agree on the glue sticks and dry erase markers. I think kids eat those glue sticks. I've had to ask for glue stick donations tons of times this year!!

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    1. I'm so glad you like it, Amna! My colors have always been earth tones, so I had to stay true! Plus so many cute designs for camping on TPT! I've done donations too! I had one parent send a whole bag!

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  3. Love the theme and set-up!! Very cute!!

    Noelle

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    1. Thanks Noelle! It took some time, but was well worth it! I figured boys and girls could both get into it!

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  4. Hi there! It looks awesome! Congratulations and good luck! I will be following along on bloglovin' :)

    xo
    Elizabeth
    MissVerickersAdventures

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    1. Hey Elizabeth!
      I just want you to know that you made my day on Instagram! Love that we are in this together! I'm following you there as well! Thank you for everything!

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  5. Love it!! Welcome to the blogging world. :) your classroom looks awesome!

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    1. You're so sweet! Thank you, Crystal! A lot of time went into that room. No doubt in my mind, we can all say that about our rooms! Thanks for commenting! :)

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  6. I finally made it over! Love your cute new blog! Welcome to blogging :)

    Amanda
    Teaching Maddeness

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    1. It's so nice to see you on here! I appreciate it so much, especially because I frequent yours and your tpt store often! Thank you for your kind words! :)

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