Sunday, July 14, 2013

Sunday Smorgasbord 2

I'm back for another one of Michelle's Sunday Smorgasbord's.

This week went by pretty quickly for me and I wasn't able to blog much so here's a teaching and non-teaching recap:

For the last 3 summers one of my besties (Sharon) and I have hosted a summer book club for the students at HR.  We normally do it for students going into 4th grade but this year had such interest from the younger grades we are doing two.  I was once again am reminded that my heart is truly with younger kids. Our first book club is for 4th & 5th graders. We are reading From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler (does anyone know if its a long e or long I in weiler?). The girls in the group couldn't be any sweeter and I love getting a chance to catch up with my old students but the energy and interaction is so much higher with our 2nd & 3rd graders, I love it!! In that group we are reading Stink and the Incredible Super Galactic Jawbreaker. The kids interrupt more often and have so much more to share. It made me realize that what normally drives me crazy during the school year, you know when  you're reading or telling a story and E-V-E-R-Y student has something similar to share, they're making text to self connections left and right, well anyway I realized I love it. Discussing books with the older girls is harder, they are less likely to put themselves out there and share. We'll definitely have to work on that this summer.  All and all though the opportunity to read kid books, snack on yummy treats, share my love of reading with former students is one I can't pass up. We're considering running Basement Bookworms year round we enjoy it so much!
Moving on...

Since I was at school two afternoons this week for book club I got a chance to peek in to my class room, well what to my wondering eyes should appear on Thursday but WAXED floors!!!  Here's my sweet AJ (she's in the Stink book club) sharing in my excitement, poor child doesn't realize this means mama's going to be getting to work on this room earlier. 
Last year I was left for last my room wasn't ready till about the 2nd week in August and we go back the 3rd. Some teachers might not care, they can walk in teacher prep week and have their rooms ready for sneak-a-peek Thursday, not this ADHD teacher, no sir!! It takes me F-O-R-E-V-E-R and a day. I move my furniture every possible which way before settling on a layout. Then I move it again mid year. I had to go back Friday to help out on two interviews and used the rest of the day to move stuff back in. I may have done most of the maintenance crews job when I moved all the following back in.
Sharon and I couldn't move my teacher desk in so we left a note saying where I want it to go. I'm hoping to put it flush against the wall and use it as a check in center, the kids a can turn in homework and nightly folders here. That way no matter who's in correcting work that day knows what needs to be corrected and what needs to be filed and returned.

I'm currently searching for the perfect 8x10 rug. I want it to be bright, cute and not expensive. I can't believe how much classroom rugs cost, ain't nobody got money for that. So I'm hoping to find one that's $100 or less. 

This table will flip up and hold all my writing center materials. 

All that's missing here is my kidney table. It has a missing screw so I couldn't put it in place. Besides my library this is my favorite spot. I love guided reading and the time we spend in small groups.  In the tall book shelf I hope to put all my leveled readers. The top shelf of the small bookshelf will hold group bins, readers, materials, the bottom my teacher manuals and resources.

Not sure I'll need the mail sorter if I use the checkin center I mentioned. I love the antique desk and may move it to the letter sorter spot?  I don't know I may just not have room for it. I'm a hoarder who's trying to change her ways. In these shelves I will keep the math manipulatives, word work bins, and indoor recess games.

I mentioned above that I helped out with interviews on Friday.  My old partner is moving to middle school math and we interviewed for the 2nd first grade teacher. I really liked both final candidates and am so happy with who we picked. I am also happy I'm not the principal that calls the person who doesn't get the position, because it that girl was so sweet and also would have been a good fit. In the end I have a new first grade teammate and couldn't be more excited. She's responsive classroom trained and I am so hopeful she'll teach me what she knows. 

About a year ago while almost dying on a run, I asked The Lord to help me make it home, I was that tired y'all... Well I swear that I heard him respond to stop drinking Red Bull then (random I'm sure but when God speaks to you, you don't question the message).  I haven't had a Red Bull since that day last May. For a girl who had moved on to a 12 oz can once a day it was a huge change. This summer I decide to give up coke too, well at least during the week.  Can I just tell you I love water as much as the next girl but it can get boring so for when I have one of those I just can't drink another bottle moments I found this...
I love all things lemony or lime (hello margarita) and this is just delicious. 

Finally for the me the best part of summer is spending time with my kiddos, specifically this girl
My older two get to go to school with me and are my carpool buddies the hour or so each way, so I feel like I don't get as much time with my sweet, cheeky, fun littlest. Ellie is my most intense child. She's always all in, I feel like her motto in life whatever your going to do, do it 100%. Whether that's giving hugs, playing, being naughty and sassy or sweet and loving, this kid does nothing halfway. Her current obsession is Sophia the First, so now Sophia joins us in bed for morning tv time. 

Did anyone make it this far? I'm wondering if I should have left my room layout pics for another post?!  May be I'll do the update that way. Any-hoo, be sure to link up with Michelle and share your randomness!  
http://fabulousinfirst.blogspot.com/2013/07/hi-friends-its-sunday-and-you-know-what.html 
If anyone knows how do embed links through the blogger app please share with me.

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20 comments:

  1. I loved seeing your classroom photos! Thanks for sharing. I also get somewhat (super!) uptight when my room is not ready until the last minute - it used to happen to me a lot! Your daughter is adorable!!! I love your blog AND read every word of it. :)
    -Lisa
    Grade 4 Buzz

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    1. Thanks so much for the feedback. I tend to be long winded and worry about it a lot. I appreciate hearing it's not too bad.

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  2. Loved all your class pictures. I want to go up and redo my room soon.

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    1. I saw all the great pics of your house on your blog and have seen your classroom pics from last year,I'm sure it will be gorgeous again this year!

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  3. Love it all! I need a drink to replace diet coke too! Thanks for linking up!

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    1. Soda is so hard to give up, try the Pellegrino it comes in more flavors.

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  4. Love your blog! Glad I found it. Great layout for your classroom, your room looks huge! :)

    Nicki
    Mrs. Thigpen's Kindergarten

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    1. Thanks that's so sweet of you to say! I always think I have a big room then I put in 21-22 desks and change my mind. We'll see how I fit them in this year :)

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  5. I loved your lass room pics! That's true life. We all walk into a room like that and then create a wonderful learning environment! I can't wait to see the after pics!

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    1. I love setting up but it takes me forever! I will be sure to post once I get it just how I want it.

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  6. Oh my goodness - I can't stand how cute your blog is...I'm changing my theme to owls this year and am in LOVE with your blog!!! How fun I found you!
    xoxo
    Vicky
    Traditions, Laughter and Happily Ever After

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    1. My blog was designed by Jen from Finally in First. She did a great job I love it!

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  7. Your daughter is super cute!!! Thanks for putting up all the classroom pictures!

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  8. Your room looks great! Try Rugs USA for your rug. They have larger rugs for under 100 and they usually ship for free. I have been eyeing a chevron rug,for my classroom:)
    Anais

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    1. Thank you! I will totally check it out. I want a chevron one too but am scared I may get too upset when it's a mess at the end of the school year.

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