Happy Sunday, friends! I LOVE Sundays. They are my day for relaxing and just spending time with family. But this Sunday my husband is away at drill. He is a sergeant in the Indiana Army National Guard. So this Sunday, along with my normal relaxation, I have time to update my blog! I have some fun stuff to share with you all! :)
First, because I'm SO excited about it.. is a sneak peak of my classroom! My mom came out and helped me move a bunch of boxes in and move furniture around! This is my first year teaching and the teacher who was in this room before left next to nothing behind, so I started with a pretty blank slate! :) I will have more pictures for you next week, but I wanted to give you a peek at my library/community circle area!
Before....
After! :)
Please disregard the lack of books... those boxes haven't made it to the room yet! They're so heavy!
I wanted to share a freebie with you fine, fine people! This is a boggle board and title that you can print, laminate, and hang up on your white board or bulletin board. I will use boggle as an option for my early finishers. It is a great way to fill some time, have a little fun, and practice working on words! I use magnetic letters with mine and will change the letters once a week. You could also write on it with dry erase marker after laminating!
Click the picture to pick up this download at my TPT store!
Last but not least, A Linky! I'm linking up with Amanda over at Teaching Maddeness to share my "New School Year Resolutions!"
1. Stay Organized! I've got four major ways to stay organized. Two binders.. One of which is a student data binder you can find for FREE at My TPT Store. I also just ordered a hanging file organizer to keep things to file, send home, etc. in. More on organization later, but here's hoping it all works out!!!
2. Make friends! I'm a brand new teacher and I would really like to find some allies at my school. I have already met my grade level team and so far so good! I'm hoping to make friends with others at my school and find some fabulous mentors!
3. Be reflective. I have had trouble reflecting in the past, whether it be on my teaching, my lessons, myself as an individual.. what have you. I think by frequently reflecting on my teaching and reminding myself why I'm here, I will be a better teacher and lessen my stress a bit.
As a first year teacher, there is SO much I want to learn and succeed in -- But I fear if I keep listing resolutions, I won't be able to stop and this lady is HUNGRY! Dinner time at the Kelly Casa.
Last but not least, A Linky! I'm linking up with Amanda over at Teaching Maddeness to share my "New School Year Resolutions!"
1. Stay Organized! I've got four major ways to stay organized. Two binders.. One of which is a student data binder you can find for FREE at My TPT Store. I also just ordered a hanging file organizer to keep things to file, send home, etc. in. More on organization later, but here's hoping it all works out!!!
2. Make friends! I'm a brand new teacher and I would really like to find some allies at my school. I have already met my grade level team and so far so good! I'm hoping to make friends with others at my school and find some fabulous mentors!
3. Be reflective. I have had trouble reflecting in the past, whether it be on my teaching, my lessons, myself as an individual.. what have you. I think by frequently reflecting on my teaching and reminding myself why I'm here, I will be a better teacher and lessen my stress a bit.
As a first year teacher, there is SO much I want to learn and succeed in -- But I fear if I keep listing resolutions, I won't be able to stop and this lady is HUNGRY! Dinner time at the Kelly Casa.
Hi, Sam,
ReplyDeleteJust a thought for you on coming into a new classroom where the previous teacher has left "next to nothing" - consider it a GOOD THING! If there's too much old stuff, especially outdated textbooks, you might never feel quite certain about getting rid of the old things. After I'd already been teaching 12 years, I moved into a classroom and found things in the closet marked with my own 1st grade teacher's name!! Now that's old!
You are full of wonderful ideas, the creator of bright and clever products, and will never be lacking in great resources for your students. And, if you are... well, you'll just go home that night and make exactly what you need! :) And your room and resources will suit the way you teach and the needs of your own students.
As they say, teach on!
Linda
Primary Inspiration
Thank you for the kind words! I think you are absolutely right!! I'm enjoying making the room my own and as far as resources go -- I'm sure I will come up with something! :)
DeleteSam,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for linky up to the party! Your link led me to your blog and I'm your newest follower! I love your #3...reflection is soooo important and is the best way to grow as a teacher! Look forward to seeing you around bloggyville! :)
Amanda
Teaching Maddeness
I agree that you are lucky in some ways that you don't have to clear out another teacher's old files and materials. I'm moving to a new room and found worksheets from the 70's! I filled up 3 recycling bins from my house! I'm your newest follower. Good luck this year and I'm sure you'll find a mentor and more new friends!
ReplyDeleteMary
Teaching Special Kids
Just wanted to say good luck for your first year. It definitely sounds like you have a great plan of action. Glad to have found your blog! :)
ReplyDeleteNotJustChild'sPlay
Being reflective can be so hard, and so rewarding at the same time! I have sometimes kept a little journal to help me keep track of lessons I learn and things I need to remember to keep me going...maybe that would be helpful!
ReplyDeleteNichole
Craft of Teaching
I just found your blog through the the linky party - I'm your newest follower!
ReplyDeleteI'm also a first year teacher! I love your #2, I think that it's so important to have friends in the teaching world. You are so lucky to have met your team already!
I hope you have a great year, I look forward to reading about your experiences. :)
Julie
4th Grade Haps and Hacks
Good luck with your new teaching position. It sounds like you have a good start already. Reflecting is so importatnt and will help you out during your career.
ReplyDeleteMs. Fiorini’s Stadium
I just found your CUTE blog through the linky and am a new follower! Your list of resolutions is awesome! I'll be starting at a new school this year, too (it's actually where I grew up and went to school) and am definitely looking to find some allies and mentors!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I'm your newest follower. Good Luck to your new year. I still have trouble reflecting. I think having a blog will help. I would love for you to come link up to my Before and After photos of your classroom. It's also a giveaway.
ReplyDeleteMichele
www.missnelsonsgotthecamera.blogspot.com
I found you on New (school) Year Resolutions linky! I love to connect with other teachers! I am new to my school, so I can relate to your#2! I am going to go back and read some of your older post! I am your newest follower and would love you to check me out!
ReplyDeleteFancy Free in Fourth
Making friends is an excellent resolution!!! I am lucky to work in the same school where my son attended K-6, and my daughter currently attends (her last year). My school feels like home and my colleagues, like family members. It sure makes dealing with all the stress of school a little easier. Good luck on your new year!!!!
ReplyDeleteYay to a new school and your first year. Your number two is fantastic. This was a huge help my first year. Align yourself with positive teachers as soon as possible. I am glad I found you today . . . it will be fun watching your first year unfold. Here's to a rockin' school year!
ReplyDeleteKelley Dolling
Teacher Idea Factory
Good luck with you first year of teaching! I remember the nervousness, but most of all the excitement. I need to work more on reflecting, the hardest part is finding the time.
ReplyDeleteHi Sam,
ReplyDeleteWOW! You have a lot of firsts here. Congratulations on starting your blog. I heard about it thru the TPT forum. Your site looks great. Best wishes on your first year teaching your very own class. How exciting! I'm your newest follower.
Mona
First Grade Schoolhouse
Yes... This has been a crazy year and it's about to get even crazier. Lots of exciting firsts... Thanks for following... I am off to check out your blog!
DeleteI agree with Kelley - get yourself some POSITIVE friends ASAP! They make the world of difference in your first year... and your 2nd, 3rd, 4th...etc. I can't wait to follow along on your first year journey!
ReplyDeleteSusan
T.G.I.F. (Thank God it's First Grade!)
I agree with positive mentors and friends. Just be careful to stay focused during planning times as the minutes fly by!
ReplyDeleteI found our blog on the New School Year's Resolution Linky and am your newest follower.
Tammy
The Resourceful Apple
Oh, sweet girl. I see you were setting up your room till dark. You know it's summer, right?
ReplyDeleteThat being said, your room looks GREAT! Love it:)
Cecelia
http://ilove1stgrade.blogspot.com/
I'm your newest follower! Love your Boggle board. Hmmm...be more reflective- I think I need that one too. Maybe I should stop reading everyone's resolutions, they just make my list even longer!
ReplyDeleteI hope you will come by and check out my blog- I'm a newbie also!
Stacy
Leading and Reading
I know... All these awesome resolutions are overwhelming! Off to check out your blog now!
DeleteIt looks like you are off to a great start!! I am your newest follower and look forward to following your adventures this year!
ReplyDeleteCome visit me at http://msshopesclass.blogspot.com/!
Julie
Thank you for leaving a footprint on my blog. I just picked up your boggle game (great idea by the way)! You seem to be off to a great start with your classroom. I'm sure that you will succeed with your new school year resolutions in that you already seem to have a plan.
ReplyDeleteAmy
Where Seconds Count
Oh, I forgot to mention, not only am I following you, but I am also following your TPT store.
ReplyDeleteAmy
Where Seconds Count
Great transformation. I love the colors you chose. I agree with the reflection part of teaching. I started a blog my first year of teaching, but I never kept up with it. I wish I did because I am starting my 5th year of teaching and there are so many things that I wish I would have written down.
ReplyDeleteJennifer
Darling Little Learners