First things first

  

From the beginning we start working on our names.  I made this cut and paste page for them to draw themselves, then cut and paste the letters in order before writing their name.  It gives me a chance to see where they are with fine motor skills and so much more.

We use tiles and letter cubes to make our names.  It gives them an introduction to some of the manipulatives they will be using throughout the year and their proper use.

Since everyone loves to stamp we do some simple sheets to see what they know.  

Math is as much fun as center time. We introduce the simplest first to give them a sense of independence while working.  Routines and procedures are constantly being reinforced so everyone knows what's expected of them. 

off to a good start

We've been working on routines and procedures for awhile.  Introducing one ELA manipulative each day so everyone can use it, then incorporating it into the next days "centers" works out well for me.
We've done alittle cutting and glueing, but we need alot of help with our names.  They want to write them in all caps so I created a name cut and paste, I modify it for each child.  Wish I could figure out how to get it to show up on the screen, but oh, well.  This is the first time I linked to a worksheet, so I hope I at least did that right.
Hopefully I'll remember my camera so I can get shots of my busy room soon.

getting it all together

The teacher table in  the corner with the Smartboard.  I have to keep the laptop on the table as I don't have cords long enough to reach much further.

I started getting the library together.  It's straight across from the teacher table.  The computer center is right behind the book rack.  They love to lay down on the bench.  I still need to get a cushion for it.

Here is the computer center right behind the library.  

paper star

This is so cool!  I don't know if their little scissors could cut through that many layers, tho'.

T is also for Target

Like every other teacher who enjoys their job, I love a good deal for school.  After watching everyone else rake in such good deals and share what they would do with them, I had to join in the fun.

I got the mat that Fran got so inspired by.  I got 6 of the pocket charts for small group activities. I got alphabet stickers for a Chicka Chicka Boom Boom tree I like to do. I got enough of the wipe off boards for each child to have one.  I know there'll be lots of things to do with them.

The stamp are self explanitory.  I can't believe they were only a dollar.  The star pointers will be teacher gifts. I also got name stickers, labels and of course laminating pouches to save all the GREAT stuff I find on all these great blogs.

classroom birthdays

I always have trouble remembering to do something extra for the birthday child and I found this great giveaway freebie just for this.  http://peacelovelearning.blogspot.com,  I haven't figured out yet how to add the picture of this.  Thanx Donna

my summer read

This book was such an inspiration the first time I read it, before I ever started teaching.  I wanted to make a difference the way Marva did. I forgot about this book for years, then one summer day I came across it again at the library.  Of course, I checked it out and again it inspired me.  She does so much for these kids and does it her way.  This copy I found at a library sale and had to get it.  So every summer I pull it out and get reinspired.