My Back to School Classroom
As you can see, I’ve got a nautical theme this year!
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I inherited the classroom and many, MANY materials from a retiring teacher. She was very generous and even left me her mini fridge – score! At first, I couldn’t really set up the classroom or organize because I was scheduled to get brand new carpet. (Definitely not complaining about that one!) I had to wait until it was installed. Oh, the anticipation! I could NOT wait until it was ready. So I started creating and printing. Yes, I printed everything I made from home in color, and that is a separate blog post that I CANNOT WAIT to share with you!!
This is my writing wall!
It is the first thing you will see when you walk in my classroom. I tried to use the anchor as a focal point in the room. The anchor was created from twisted brown butcher paper. My fabulous sister (seriously, she helps me ALL the time) and I literally twisted and stapled for about an hour until it looked just right. Then, I made the banner using Publisher. I’m not really a fan of that program, but hey, this is the bulletin board that will last me all year!
Each red rectangle you see is actually a two pocket folder turned inside out. I use large brads to slide the writing on each folder. It looks like each piece of writing has been meticulously matted onto red paper. Work harder, not smarter, right? We just finished our second final draft of the school year, and it is going to go right on top of the first one. At the end of the year when I take down the bulletin board, each student will instantly have a year-long writing portfolio!
Each anchor has the student’s name on it. Guess where the anchor goes at the end of the year? On the portfolio cover!
Our school is very traditional.
Every grade level has set “memory challenges” that students must memorize and recite in front of the class. These are the first grade memory challenges. I also have these posters enlarged to place on the white board when we are studying a particular memory challenge.
Next to the memory challenges are our district-wide first grade sight word lists!
Here is the front of my classroom.
Here is my computer area in the front of the room.
And I did a “Giving Tree” for Parent Information Night, or Back-to-School night as many schools call it. I wrote a wish list item on each apple and taped it to the tree. Parents read the apple and took the one they wanted to donate. Within a week I had all the supplies on my “wish list!” I highly recommend it!
Last but not least, I made this photo op for my students and parents.
Here is a picture of my mom and I on the first day of school! I If you didn’t read my “Meet Me” page, my mom and I teach at the same school! We accidentally showed up wearing the same style skirt. Oops! Good thing we look nothing alike. 😉 Our school colors are red, white, and blue, which explains why I look like the flag. 😉
Here’s to hoping my perfectionist ways don’t keep me from posting part 2 before the second month of school…
Luv My Kinders
Your room looks great. I totally get you with the re-doing a post thing. I have worked on my Vegas post at least 3 times to get it just right, and I have yet to post…lol. You have inspired me to just do it…I will be posting it tomorrow no matter what. Looking forward to part 2 of your classroom. You and your mom look great!
~Laura
Luv My Kinders
Jen Cullen//Sparkling in Second
I love it! I would LOVE to know more about the writing board!
ateachableteacher@gmail.com
I shall do another post then! 😉 Hopefully soon! Bug me about it! lol
Miss Kindergarten
Lauren, it looks SO good!! I love the writing wall! Don't be so hard on yourself!!!
ateachableteacher@gmail.com
Aww thank you Hadar!! XOXOX!
Lawren Christianson
Lauren, your room looks beautiful! I love the writing wall as well and the giving tree idea on the whiteboard! I must do that as well this year. 🙂
Samantha McMath
Lauren, how exciting!!! That was the most perfect, imperfect post I've ever seen. 😉
I ADORE your giving tree idea – it's awesome that you made buying supplies fun! I can't wait to hear updates about how your year is going. 🙂
Crystal White
I love your classroom! Would you mind taking a close up picture of the writing folders you have on your writing wall? I'm having a hard time picturing them in my head!
Primary on the Prowl
Kristin
Your room looks absolutely amazing!!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE! I have got to see these writing portfolios on the bulletin board UP CLOSE. DYING!
V Forbes
I like your cubbies. where did you get them?