Progress! We're getting Closer!

Lots going on lately! Progress is being made in the classroom though we are getting down to the wire!  I still feel as though I'm learning the curriculum and what I'm actually going to be teaching, but the room is at least coming together and getting finalized! I have been working on some do-it yourself projects and also had new teacher workshop this past Thursday and Friday.  I met my mentor who teaches 1st grade at Starry and she is great!  I have been able to learn more about the Marion Independent School District which is great and am getting acquainted with other teachers in the building.  I think I am going to be working with wonderful people!  The district is back to work on the 14th for the week until kids begin on the 21st!  It is getting so close!  I will leave you with some pictures of my do-it yourself projects and also the updates in my room! (Disclaimer: Some of them uploaded with weird coloring....sorry!!!)

Earlier this week I worked on my "Call On Me" sticks.  I painted them the Marion School Colors-half red and half yellow (Also Cyclone colors!!!).  I will number them and keep them in a little bucket with all of the same color sticking up, and after I call on a student I will turn it the other way down so it is a different color.  The next project you see is my way of signing out of the room.  I took one of the many cookie sheets we had at our house (we received MANY as bridal shower/wedding gifts!) and then bought Duck Tape sheets and cut strips of the tape to border the cookie sheet.  I also bought circle magnets and colored label stickers to put on each magnet.  Finally I created four different sections: In the Room, Office/Nurse, Bathroom, and Other.  When a student leaves the room they will move their magnet to the appropriate place...I'm hoping this will help me keep track of everyone and also if anyone should come to my room wondering where a child is, I will be able to tell them!

Final product!  Now I just have to find something sturdy enough to hang it on the wall by my classroom door.

Originally I had my calendar set up on this bulletin board, but after talking with some co-workers, I decided to create a "Bucket Filler" board where my students will be able to write nice things or compliments for one another every day and we will share out (after establishing guidelines/boundaries/manners of course!).  I found the tin buckets at Target in the $1 section!

Right as students enter the room in the morning they will indicate their lunch choice by placing the correct color paper strip in their pocket.

Finally, here is our main meeting area at the front of the room.  I think it has come together pretty nicely!  Huge thank you to a teacher from back home (Jeri!!!) for the color mat squares, you see on the floor!
More to come!  I'm hoping to get a number of things done tomorrow and then work begins Monday/Tuesday!  Check back!
Mrs. Clough