First Day of School #34

I think I’m ready! That’s right – most of you have had a week with children already, and I start tomorrow.  Even though I have had 33 “First Day of School” experiences I am always excited and a little nervous about beginning a new school year. Do I have everything ready? Is the classroom arranged to meet the needs of this group of children? Do I have a Plan B? This is the first time we’re letting the parents walk in with their children so they can take first day pictures. Was this the right decision? We’ve always waved them off and sent them to the Boo Hoo/Woo Hoo Breakfast to commiserate or celebrate. Hopefully every thing will “snap” smoothly.

BUT no matter what – I’ve learned to to take a deep breath and I don’t let beginning of the day upsets set the tone for the rest of the day. I also have a few tried and true tips that helps my year begin on a successful note.   

You gotta feel good – so to feel good you gotta look good!  I always have a new first day of school outfit.  Here’s mine! 

                (Big decision: Do I go with the safari or the German Drindl?)

Be prepared for the little things!  We often address the obvious things but it’s those little duties that can set the tone for the day!  Since we are required to do home visits the week before – I pick up most of their supplies (that’s if they didn’t bring them to orientation).  This allows us the opportunity to put things away, mark items that need to be labeled.  It’s one less thing to feel exhausted about AND it gives us more time to focus on the kids.  For those parents who are less prepared and want to ask a ton of questions – I have a cart I roll out. 

 

 On this cart – I have crates labeled for any late supplies, clipboard of questions, reminders….. I also have folders so that they can place any late forms I’ll need asap.  I’ll also have the lunch basket for placing boxed lunches.  Believe me, when I say DO NOT wait until the students walk into the room to do all these small things when you can get the parents to help out!  Trying to deal with the little – but important things can set the tone for utter chaos when you are dealing with 17+ children who are experiencing school for the first time!

Recruit help!  Even though we have our fabulous assistants who run around trying to get the attendance submitted on the computer, lunch count…..(the list goes on) – it’s great to have another pair of eyes, ears, hands!  What I do is recruit a former parent volunteer who knows your room and routine.  They’re great to have on the first day – especially in the lunch room to assist in directing little ones to their tables, opening milk cartons, walking them to the bathroom…… 

Make sure your plan includes a temporary seating chart – although by now you may have already figured out who has to be separated….   I also have a carpet seating chart with names penciled in so that I can make last minute changes.  I love my carpet!  It’s been a wonderful management tool for me! After you’ve gone over the rules and have shared your classroom management routines – go over them again and again and again.  Role play, act it out, line up again, and again!  Believe me it will be worth your time! They have to know your expectations!  Remember, if it doesn’t go well by the end of the first day you still have the rest of the year to improve! 

Last but not least, don’t forget to smile!  I simply don’t believe in waiting until Christmas to smile and laugh!  Let them know you are human.  I even bring in my “Woogies” for the class to meet!

More random pics of my classroom: 

 

 

 

Buzzing off for some extra needed Zzzz!

 

Random:  Moving Art

 

Got Keys!!

As you know I'd been waiting to get my keys to get into my classroom and now that I have them I've been working furiously to organize, decorate, throw out, and file - all at the same time! Although we don't start until next week, kindergarten has a building to set up not just a classroom! Now I can't complain - it's lovely to have so much space but 14 bulletin boards to put up can be a killer! So with the additional space comes the added workload! As I set up an area I took the liberty of taking some pictures. So here it goes! 

 

The first four pictures are of the front door and hallway.  Where you see an animal rug hanging it may be there to cover some of the peeled off paint!  Or it may be that it’s a filler to cover the blank walls until we get children’s artwork up!

 This second picture shows my word wall and 4 bags that hold daily riddles and questions about the learned skills from the week.  At the end of the day a student from each animal group goes and pulls out a riddle and work together to come up with the answer. 

Picture 3 shows the tables I use for fine motor time and literacy centers. I use the zebra, giraffe, tiger, and leopard to form four teams.  These do change every quarter.  Their take home folders also match their animal print theme. 

 Picture 4 shows my trash cans!  Aren’t they too cute!  Animal print is so easy to paint that even I managed to paint them AND even made tissue boxes out of animal print poster board!  I have the pattern if anyone cares to create their own! Just email me or leave a comment.

This picture shows my files.  Anyone who knows me knows that I hate to file so I have to work at it to stay organized! The animal print platform is for the kids to stand on since our Smartboards are mounted at the same level throughout the school.  How do you like my paint job?

  

The last picture shows a display of animal print poster board that I used to make my display numbers, tissue boxes, student portfolio folders… the list goes on.  So here it is in a nutshell.  Hopefully I will be able to take pictures of the back room where we have loud centers.

Before I head to bed, does anyone think poster board is a great idea for another giveaway?  The German stores carry every kind of print! It’s amazing what styles you find.  I hope to remember to carry my camera into a store one day to take pictures of the different designs.  Love to hear from you – if you think this would be a great giveaway idea! Buzzing off to bed!