Still Busy!

Until further notice, this is my "home away from home." With 26 second graders to keep me busy, I feel like I'm not seeing much of my real home. After 10 years without my own classroom and then moving into a new classroom with an entire curriculum that I have never taught (except for a lesson here and there in another teacher's classroom) it is expected.
I'm sure it will get better and the planning and organization of all of the materials will fall into place soon. Then I may be able to have my old life back. You will probably see me then!

Busy!



My Workspace

 I'm sitting here at the Ford dealership waiting while my car gets serviced; with my laptop. I have so many things on my mind that I want to create for my classroom that I think I caused the service assistant's joke to sink like a lead balloon. He "jokingly" said that he could get me out of here in 3-4 hrs. And, I said with a smile, "Okay, I have my laptop along. I'll just work." From his expression, I guess that wouldn't be the usual response!
Free wireless, free lunch, giant diet Dr Pepper, 70's music, comfy chair, big table... Who could ask for more on the Saturday before school starts?
"Sir, please don't call me too soon. I'm busy!"


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone which is a very advanced skill! ;-)

The Journey Begins

Here are the newest additions to my classroom. Don't they make you want to begin a journey? This last week I searched several used stores and ebay for suitcases just like these to use as props and activities. I was watching several on ebay but I hated the thought of spending $30 - $50 for one. I was about ready to give up when I spotted these two sitting at a Goodwill store. I couldn't make up my mind and, after several minutes of opening and closing each one, I decided that they needed to stay together. They are a perfect, stackable pair. A few travel stickers will add the right amount of intrigue to capture the imaginations of my students.

It looks as though they have spent some time waiting in an attic or down in a basement, but in their prime, I can imagine that they took many journeys. Trips in the trunk of a car traveling down route 66, in the cargo hold of an old prop plane, maybe on an ocean liner excursion to Europe.

I wonder where they will take us this year...

 - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone which is a very advanced skill! ;-)

A Chance to Use Your Imagination! Take the Journey With Me!

I have started a page (link to the right) where I will be working on my "Journey" classroom theme. I've started some idea lists. Please feel free to comment on that page if you have other ideas that you think you can use. Thanks!

Road Trip! (teacher style!)

Shortly after my last post I came down with a bad case of allergic bronchitis. It has taken me several weeks to get my energy back. I'm so glad to be feeling better! Now I'm ready to start planning for August.

A month ago I was so tired and sick that I couldn't think, let alone plan for next year. For a few weeks I couldn't bring myself to even talk about next year. Fortunately, I'm feeling much better. I allowed myself most of the month of June to relax and think about anything but school. I feel relaxed and reenergized; ready to get started with my plans.

June activities (with bronchitis)

• Closet in new room cleaned out and organized with the help of a good friend
• Room packed and closed up for summer
• Old office cleaned and closed
• Interviewing and hiring of another 2nd grade teacher for our team
• 2nd grade team meeting
• A week of vacation

July: Road trip!
Today, our 2nd grade team took a road trip to Overland Park, Kansas to buy out, I mean visit some teacher stores. The drive up and back allowed for some nice discussion time. It was definitely a fun team-building activity. Setting up a new room after 10 years out of the classroom isn't cheap! I spent a larger chunk of money than I'm used to. I'm hoping to use these things for a few years!

Our Teacher Treasures by the end of the day!