Classroom Happenings

I feel like my fingers are going to fall off. Last week was full of design, print, cut out, laminate, cut out again, put velcro on, put up in room... Rinse and repeat ;)
Here are a few of the things I was busy creating and putting up.

Classroom Labels part 1

Classroom Labels part 2

Cheetah Jobs Checklist, students use these to record chores as they are done.

Zebra Jobs Checklist, same thing as the Cheetah Checklist, just for the other team :)

Chore Checklist Binder Covers

Job Signs 1

Job Signs 2

Jungle Birthday Cards to give to my kiddos...

Jungle Blank Greeting Cards for other occasions...

And a whole lot more...

Classroom Job Board in action... This was made with a folding presentation foam board and bordered with designer duct tape. I attached it to the back of one of my Library Carts with zip ties. By attaching the labels with velcro I am able to switch up the job assignments as needed. I also have duplicates of each student and job, bordered with the opposing design in case they need to switch teams.

Our FACE of a Reader - customizable, interactive anchor chart beginning

One of my students needs to get out of his wheelchair and stretch out throughout the day - here is his tricked out lounger...

Computer Center

This is a shot of the back of my classroom...

Up top is a pennant sign that says "It's A Jungle in Here"

I have most of my boxes and bins labeled.

The two zebra and cheetah wall hangings on the door are soon to be our word wall and our calendar.

More pictures later this week...
Rita
...and remember ...always stay 'Wild About School!'

Sorrowful Times

I just got back from a four day trip to Kentucky with my daughter where we laid my 93 year old Grandma to rest. She was one of the most beautiful women I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and I pray that I am able to example in my life the teachings of so precious a soul as hers.
One of the happy sides to all of this is that we were blessed to have her as long as we did... It was a wonderful weekend spent remembering how she had touched all of our lives, friends and family alike. The word I heard used most to describe her was precious. And that just about sums her up... precious in every way!

Granny Marguerite and I when I was a baby...

Granny Marguerite and I when I was all grown up...

My beautiful daughter Kristina with my beautiful Granny Marguerite...

My wonderful son and I with Granny Marguerite...

My grandpa Billy, my granny Marguerite and my mother Lucy.

Granny Marguerite fed our bodies as she fed our souls...


I love you Granny and miss you, but I know you are in Heaven watching over me...

Pinterest Link-UP for Educational Pinners

Head on over and join in her Pinterest Link Up for Educational Pinners!!!

8 Must Haves

I am always looking for cute new ideas to use to decorate my classroom. When I find a theme I like I have 8 must haves that I immediately create. As a matter of fact, that is what prompted this post. I found the cutest little mice clipart over at Scrappin' Doodles and had to create my 'must haves' with it. I am calling them My Schoolhouse Mouse Collection. Read on to find out what those 'must haves' are for me.

1. Desk Name Plates - Well, everyone must know where they are suppose to sit :) Also I use them in my area where my kiddos hang their backpack. That way we all know which backpack goes with which student. In my top 3's in order of creation.

2. A Calendar Set - I use this every day with my students so it falls in my top 3's in order of creation.

3. Classroom Signs Set - I label everything in my room and of course I want it all to coordinate so I have to create labels/signs in order to accomplish this. It also helps my students remember where things are or where they go. Also in my top 3's in order of creation.

4. Word Wall Set - We love learning new words, so this is next up in my line up.

5. Newsletter - So I can communicate with parents and tell them everything we are doing in our classroom.

6. FACES of a Reader Headers Set - Who doesn't need these up to keep us focused.

7. Readers Workshop Headers Set - I love to have these strategies posted in my classroom.

8. And finally, my eighth must create is Classroom Passes.

I would love to hear from others about their 'must haves' in their classrooms.

Rita
...and remember ...always stay 'Wild About School!'

Interactive SmartBoard Blog Hop

Margret over at Kinder Journey is hosting a great Blog Hop! So head on over, sign up and choose the top three sites that your class uses and link them up! She's looking forward to seeing the ones that you use most and so am I.




1. My first site is one that does require a paid membership... however, with that said, I have paid for access to the Reading A to Z and Raz Kids for the past 3 years out of my own pocket. One of the things I love the most is the ability for my students to read books at home over the Summer. If they have a microphone attached to their computer they can record their reading and send it to me so I can listen. It gives great feedback to me on who is using it over the Summer, how often, how long, what books they read or listened to, etc. Great site.
Learning A to Z

2. Starfall is a cute little site that I use with some of my little guys. They have a little bit of everything.

3. National Geographic's site for kids.

And about a million more...

Rita