Michaels...GET THERE!!!

Okay.  This is more for anyone doing a pirate theme in their classroom.  Again, my awesome team leader guided me towards this 'too-cute-for-words' find:

 {annoyed with the glare}  This bad boy was a whooping $4.99!  I bought 2 packets.  I was worried they wouldn't stick to my concrete walls well but luckily THEY DID!!!!

How freakin' cute are these?!?!?!  {don't judge my half-way finished boards} Here's the sad news...they're on clearance so get to your nearest Micheal's ASAP!!! :)   They also have cute-cute team sports wall decor stickers.

I'm about to begin another "DIY" project.  I'll post again later with more fun stuff!  Love, Love!

Soothing Preparation

As my to-do list continues to grow while days continue to dwindle, I'm left feeling a little overwhelmed, all kinds of stressed, anxious, and excited all at the same time.  After having only a solid 3 weeks of a summer vacation (after all was said and done), I go back to school tomorrow.  Granted I have spent some time already in my classroom {as you already know}, there is still a GOBZILLION things to do.

I was searching for a funny quote to send to my very dear teaching buddy when I stumbled upon this and thought I would share! 

How to Tell You're a Real Teacher {Don't you just love these?!}:

Real teachers grade papers in the car, during commercials, in faculty meeting, and in the bathroom!

Real teachers drive older cars owned by credit unions!!!!!

Real teachers have disjointed necks from writing on boards without turning their back on the class.

Real teachers have been timed gulping down a full lunch in 2 minutes, 18 seconds.  Master teachers can eat faster than that!

Real teachers can predict exactly which parents will show up at Open House.

Real teachers know the best end of a themed lesson plan can come from Blockbuster.

Real teachers know the rules don't really apply to them! :)

*Real teachers hear the heartbeats of crisis; always have time to listen; know they teacher students, not subjects; and they are absolutely non-expendable!!!*

The year is here for me, no turning back, and I am S.O. excited! I feel that I have grown as an educator solely by learning from those around me {ON THIS BLOG-WORLD}!  Thank you for helping me to master my craft! :) If it wasn't for teachers like you, willing to share, I wouldn't be where I am today! Woohoo!

Busy Little Bee

Man-oh-man what a busy couple weeks!  Between my limited summer vacation, working two summer jobs, revamping my room with a new theme, and preparing for another year (not to mention the hours spent blogging) time has just FLOWN by!  I wanted to share  a little bit of what I've been doing:

(note: there a TON of pictures :)

 Here is my new word wall!  This is my 'pride and joy!' I've been wanting an interactive word wall and struggled with where in my room to place it.  Since deciding on a pirate/nautical theme the banner word wall just made sense!  I'm so excited!  Below is a close up look at my awesome new word wall! :)

 Deanna Jump was my inspiration for this new job chart! Mine is a little different.  I used cardboard that I had readily available and made a some what smaller version.  I just got cute letters to write "All Hands on Deck" somewhere near the ship too!  Below is a close up (not so good...sorry) picture of how the job chart ship will work.  I printed and laminated 20 little pirates and then a map with the "job" labeled on it.  Each student in my class is assigned a number.  Under each pirate will be a number.  I will simply place the job map on the pirate when it's there turn for the job.  I hope that sounds right!

 Below is my "Sparkle" word wall of synonyms {took this idea from my amazing team leader}!  These were SOOO simple to make and they look so cute and they "sparkle" so well.  I just used my trusty glue and glitter! :) 

Two years ago I attended a kindergarten conference where Shari Sloane presented.  She had made these amazing Kindergarten Offices.  Since I moved up to first grade last year, I decided that I would make first grade offices!  I used a "freebie" of a office from Michelle Oakes at Fantastic First Grade.

 

 Above is a picture of the back.  

 I must say my kiddos LOVE these things!!
Below is my new Math Station area!! Another project I am BEYOND excited about! :)  On each shelves to the left and right are all my math supplies.  I am still in a kindergarten room so I have lots of extra space/storage that I can use! I also like that everything I need is right at hand.  I still have some more goodies to include in there but I think it's a great start!

Below is my new CAFE board!  Since the picture was taken I've added gold coins and stuff around the board.  The brown background is sandpaper and the border is ribbon.  I think it really makes it pop!

This is my new math wall. I wanted to keep all things math somewhat all together.  I making curtains to put on the shelves to hide all the chaos! Still has some work but it's on its way! 

 My final picture is of my amazing find at Target! I've been looking for a cute rug for my classroom and I finally found one!  For only $30 it was mine!  

Life continues to get crazy and as school is fast approaching (I go back next week), my husband is also in limbo with a job.  The economy has really taken its toll on our sweet family and I could really use all the extra prayers as he searches for a new job.  I know the power of prayer is amazing and I'm praying for some wonderful new things to come our way!

Happy new school year everyone! :)