Spring Cleaning in the Classroom

I've taken some time to relax this spring break. I've also taken time to make a list of things that need to get fixed or taken care of before the kids return from break. One of these items is new name tags. The kids' name tags have been torn apart and destroyed since September. I used bigger tags that required multiple pieces of tape to hold them down. I'm now trying Learning in Wonderland's skinny name tags. I am excited to see how they look on the desks. I am also going to put new numbers onto the kids' desks, from Ladybug Teacher Files.

A job that I am excited to start in the next few weeks, is fixing up my classroom library. I have a HUGE library. I will not only be adding colored labels to the spines of the books, but also add a genre sticker to the back. These are from Ladybug Teacher Files. My classroom library has been a hassle since August, but it's one that will work out so beneficially in the years to come.  

Are you cleaning your classroom? How do you reorganize the room during the year?

Classroom Set Up-part 1

It's that time of year again....setting up the classroom! This is my first official time setting up a classroom that is MINE!! YES! IT'S ALLLL MINE!! I finally got a permanent job. I'll be teaching 4th and 5th grade science along with 5th grade language arts to my homeroom students at a Catholic school near to home. I've been going in at least 2 times a week since the end of July to figure things out. The room I inherited has LOTS of things in it, so I've spent most of my time in the room trying to organize it, and see exactly what I have.  Here are just a few pictures from my set up. My video and more pictures will be up by the beginning of September when it is FINALLY done!

Post of the Month-February-Creating a School Culture

       As a new teacher/substitute teacher, it's hard to create your own classroom culture, when your classroom changes every day. Most schools that I have been in portray a positive culture. Most classrooms are also positive. The one thing that has bothered me as a substitute teacher, is seeing teachers in the teacher's lounge, and seeing negative energy. Sometimes they are not welcoming to the new subs, and sometimes it is just hard to fit in. Other times, teachers are wonderful in making sure substitutes are welcomed into the culture of the school. 

       As a new teacher, I help contribute to the culture of the school by displaying a positive attitude in everything I do. From saying hello to janitorial staff to being enthusiastic about the learning the students are doing, every little thing helps. We change the culture by continuing to be positive and work towards the mission of the school. 

       I help foster a community of growth and learning in any classroom I am in by showing students that I am continuously learning too. I am always reading, writing, or looking into furthering my education. I help promote learning by being a learner. This is one of the few things I hope to bring into my own classroom.