New Classroom Layout



Here are a few pictures from the work I've put into my classroom.



Classroom Library
All books are labels by level and AR points

Back Corner - storage cabinets and student mailboxes

Mountain Math and Mountain Language boards with student cubbies below

Student computer stations and side view of class library

Teachers Area before table skirts are added

 A few more things here and there and my 5th grade classroom will be finished! I can't wait to start my 6th year of teaching!!

Engaging Research - 20 Minute Brain Break

During the summer I am usually obsessed about deep cleaning, organizing and working on homework. This summer however I am finished with deep cleaning and organizing and have completed my masters degree so I have no homework. Instead I've been a reading machine. I'm up to date on Karen Kingsbury books (my fav author), the Women's Murder Mystery Club and another series that will remain unnamed.

So I thought I'd start researching engaging and brain boosting techniques that are easy to manage and implement, as well as free. I found this great website full of "brain break" tips! http://www.minds-in-bloom.com/2012/04/20-three-minute-brain-breaks.html Most of the activities take 3 minutes or less and are fun!

Student Work Display

Here is the finalized product of the hallways display for student work that I created for school.

I used my Cricut for the banner and I LOVE the way it pops against the wall. I wasn't sure about painting the clothes pins black and white but it also turned out great against the typical school color wall.

GEMS Science Day #1

Today the GEMS group began our new unit WHAT A FIND! by taking pre-assessment 1.1. All students were excited to find out that our new unit is all about archeology and the processes that are involved with it.

I also shared with them that they will start blogging (through ClassChatter) and starting their very own Twitter responses (not online). I still find it so refreshing how excited kiddos get in using technology and I can't wait to let them start sharing their own experience on here and in their own blogs.

Idea for Hallway

I am looking for a cute and inexpensive way to hang student work in the hallway at school. I have one set of sentence strips that can be used, but its not enough room. I looked at ordering more sentence strips but in order to have enough room I'd have to spend another $50-$60.

Here are few ideas that I found and am interested in.....give me your opinion!
Option #1 - Use thin boards and clips to display student work.


Option #2 - Student Work Tree
I love the look of this tree and would LOVE to add a few glittery clothes pins in the mix to hold student work but I'm not sure.   


Option #3 - Yard sticks and clothes pins...

I would love your opinion on this matter..... come on...give it!! :0)