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 

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