We just finished our third week of school. Finally my firsties are beginning to settle into the routines of first grade. How many times a day can a six year ask if it is lunchtime yet or if it is time to go home yet? I smile and say that I will tell you when it is time. It is a huge transition for our kids from our half day kindergarten program to a full day in first grade.
My classroom is starting to feel more like home. I only moved across campus but it might as well be another country with the differences between fourth grade and first grade. The good news is that I love it even more than I thought I would. The amount of materials in first grade to be stored and organized for ready use is a little overwhelming at times. I consider myself an organized teacher, but I have done and redone some things a few different ways before it felt right.
I have an awesome team of first grade teachers to work with. All different - all talented - all helpful. I am truly blessed. I also have the privilege of working in the same grade level with one of my teacher friends for the first time and we are having a blast figuring out first grade together.
Here is my classroom. It is a moving, breathing organism as I try different things and experience success and challenges along the way. Enjoy the before and after tour.
Clean floors and furniture all in the room
Table groups arranged.
Empty bulletin boards ready to be covered with fabric and decorated.
My plan was to come into school one day a week for the summer and ease into the new year. That was a no go as my room was used for storage while carpet was installed and other cleaning was being done in the first grade pod. Then the wet wax... yadda, yadda, yadda. So I couldn't begin until a few days before school began.
My boxes have been moved to my new classroom. I have started unpacking in this pic and every surface is covered with my boxes and books.
Endless piles to sort through.
Books, books, books.
Handsome hubby came and helped cover the bulletin boards with fabric. The colors are teal and purple.
Picture books sorted into themes.
Using the vertical space above the cabinets for the book bins. I plan to rotate the bins into the class library. My current plan is to have 12 bins out at a time. 12 is the magic number because they will fit nicely into the space I have for classroom library.
Calendar Bulletin Board
Teacher Area - Needs a little more work.
Cubbie labels - Binder clips with names added
This sure makes adding new kiddos easier. Just move the clips and voila - done!
Welcome to first grade banner for the window using Eric Carle letters and animals
View from doorway
Here's hoping for an awesome year of
Growing, Changing, and Learning in First Grade!
I welcome your comments below.
Teaching 365 with Sunflowers and Ladybugs in First Grade
~ Clara
