Frogs in First: classroom tour

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Classroom Digs

Pin It

I made it through our first two weeks and

things are starting to settle into a nice routine.

We're "Flying Through First Grade!"

This is the display outside my classroom. I'm thrilled with how it turned out.

I used my panorama function to get the whole wall...

It turned out a little funky...but you get the idea:)

My new Math and Literacy Focus Walls are

wonderful additions. They have truly become the focal points
in our classroom. My students are constantly referring to and using the resources that are now all located in one spot. Love!!

The very best thing about this year are the seven extraordinary, funny, generous, wonderful, talented women I work with every day!!

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Teacher Week 2013: Classroom Digs

Pin It

Welcome to my classroom!! School starts for me one week from today. My room is getting close to being ready, but there are still several things I want to do:) Here are some of my favorite things so far. Check back later in the week as I finish a few final summer projects.

My Daily Five/Cafe tree was inspired by Marissa at First Grade Glitter and Giggles.

This kiva is my favorite thing in my classroom! I taught with the incredible Sheree Peterson for a bit, and she had an amazing kiva in her classroom, and because I want to be her when I grow up, I wanted one too:) So, I sent my sweet, unsuspecting hubbby (Mr. Fix It/Build It) to take a look and see what he could build for me. He built it in three pieces, but it is still super heavy. I hope I never have to move out of room 105 because the thing is a beast:) I love having my little kiddos close to me, and sitting on my kiva is much more comfortable than the floor. I do close to 75% of my whole group teaching here. I won't complain about having extra storage on the back either!

I have been thinking about this project for a while. I have been storing my books and CD's for my listening center in crate seats. Let's just say it wasn't working out so well. I needed a way to access them quickly and store them where they wouldn't get damaged. I had thought about using the hanging bags you can buy, but those little buggers are pricey!

Here is what I did. I attached (ok...Rob attached while I watched) closet rods to two Ikea bookcases. Then it was just a matter of using clear packing tape to tape a child's hanger onto a ziploc bag. Voila! Now I can find my listening center books, and between the two rods, I have stored almost a hundred books with room for around fifty more.

I shared the story (here) of how I became the happy owner of two gorgeous dart frogs named "Jack" and "Annie". My frogs are a lot of fun and my kiddos are so fascinated by these beautiful little animals. Best class pet ever!

My youngest daughter had a huge collection of stuffed animals. She is going to be in fifth grade this year. and in the middle of last year decided that she had outgrown most of her stuffed friends. She donated them to my classroom and the first graders have loved reading to a fun, furry buddy!