The Setup Continues! Supply Organization

Hello!

I was back in the classroom today for a few hours working on getting things ready for the new school year.  These 2 pictures are of the bookcase I use for my book group books and literature circle books.  Basically this is where I store my multiple copies).  I use plastic bins to expand my space and then I cover it up with a piece of fabric that ha been sewn to fit the front of the bookcase.  It takes the distraction away and it keeps it private like a closet.  One project hat I would like to work on is to inventory all of these books so I have a list at my finger tips.

The pictures below are of my supply drawers.  Last year I bought these 2 drawer crates at AC Moore (with a coupon) and then last summer I taped them, painted them, taped them again and finished.  I then made a "map" of where everything is located.  You can peek inside to see how I organized them.  The little bins are from Target's dollar section.

I'll be back shortly to show my progress.  I started working on some bulletin boards before I left today so I am hoping to finish that next.

Open House Letter

I'm about to send out my open house letter.  In the past I've done a postcard through snapfish.  Choose a picture, type up a message, add address labels and mail out.  I liked that way but I found I needed to say a little bit more than the space that was allowed.  Now I do a simple letter with a picture (from my summer) and a question.  Last year I chose a picture from Stowe, VT and the kids had to guess where the picture was taken after I gave 5 clues.  At open house I had the picture poster sized and the students had to add their answer with a post-it note.  This summer I chose a picture of my daughter, because we worked on an ABC book.  I used instagram as my app of choice.  You can see the pics @abisig77.  I also include information about open house night, my website and other links that may be helpful.

Bookcases and Buntings | The Name

"Bookcases and Buntings" came from my classroom decor and setup.  Learning is a celebration, and what better way to symbolize that then to create and hang buntings.  (I sew my own and green is my color scheme of choice).   My library is the most loved part of the classroom, with different sized and painted bookcases and organized bins.  So came the name "bookcases and buntings".

This picture is from my "apartment" classroom.  The new classroom is still in the process of becoming amazing.

I made this for my laptop on my new Silhouette Cameo!

First Projects

The beginning of a new school year is approaching!  
I've already been in my classroom unpacking boxes and getting a head start
on things so I can hopefully focus on other "to do" list items the week we return to school.

I am excited about a new school year but also about sharing my year by blogging.

This week I worked on the following projects:

1.  Classroom Jobs
2.  Calendar Overview

I decided to do something a little bit more fun and creative for my job board this year.  I've been preparing the items this week and then the next time I'm at school I'm hoping I can hang it up and have it displayed to post.  First thing I did was chalkboard paint some printed clothespins I found and fell in love with at Michaels.  I did this so I could reuse them each year by writing each students' name with chalk pen.  One name per clothespin.

UPDATE!

Bulletin Board is done.  I actually went out and bought this cork board at Michaels (on sale).  I used my Silhouette Cameo to do the sign sections and I love how the tags came out.

Then I typed up and printed tags on Avery 5168 (2 in by 4 in), which I will laminate for durability at school and hang with twine.  I also found the tags at Michaels.  Stay tuned for the final result!

I also worked on getting my calendars set up (book and iphone).  This year I can not wait to use my new plan book.  Over the years I've done only one thing and that is type my plans into a table format and print them out this week.  As life goes on, I find that I have less time to type and print and last year I found myself handwriting all my plans, which I actually liked.  So I went on a hunt to find the perfect plan book and I think I found it!  It's an all in one plan book/grade book/life book.  Teacher Plan Book

Here's mine:

I then bought a new iphone case to match :) iphone case
Looking forward to a great year with my new book!

Getting Ready....

First day in the new classroom (I moved rooms this year) and I was anxious to get in there.  The custidian even texted me to let me know everything was moved and ready to go.  For the past 4 years I've been in an "apartment" room (outside trailer)  with AC and a view, so going into school (the building) on a hot, humid July day seemed crazy to some.  Luckily my husband understands my neurotic behavior!  I wanted to get in there and empty those boxes.  I can't wait to share the final product.

Usually at the end of the school year I print my "Giant Back to School To Do List" which has been a work in progress for years.  I update it as I go along through the months of August and September and then it sits and waits in my dropbox to be printed again in May.  I have that printed and ready to go but the first thing is set up the room.

Here I go!

This is the year!  Thank you for joining me in experiencing a brand new journey and a brand new school year.  I am excited to finally get my teacher and classroom blog up and running (I've had my blogspot name for months now but never had those extra moments to get it going).  The new school year seems like the best time to start.  This year is sure to be as fun and exciting as the ones before it and I am thankful for another wonderful opportunity to meet new students and families. Here we go!