So much to do...so little time...

We have made it to the last week of school.  Where did all the time go?  This year has flown by.  For me, I think partly because of how much the dynamics of my class has changed over the last year.  At the beginning of the year I had one 1st grader and four 3rd graders.  Now I have five Kindergartners, one first grader, and one second grader.  That makes the year fly by when you are constantly changing academic gears.
Some probably question how much I change my room over the course of the year, especially since I preach about consistency, organization, structure, and routine.  BUT that generally is the thought when you start and end with the same group of students each year.  However, you have to be flexible in knowing that if you are in a transient building different sets of students have different needs.  What works for one class may not work for another.  Our basic structure and routine has stayed consistent through the year, but some of the environment has changed a little.

Things that should stay the same:

• Routine for lining up
• Raising your hand to talk
• General classroom expectation
• Hallway expectations
• Classroom/Lunchroom manners (this is a biggie for my little guys--and yes I am talking burping and farting)
• Entering the cafeteria and getting our trays
• Location of classroom meetings/mini-lessons
• Classroom Theme (mine was Cooking Up a Great Year)

Things that may need to change:

• Line order
• Seating arrangements
• Location of supplies and materials (our writing center was a big hit when we changed to the lower grades--needed more space and materials)
• Workshop partners
• Location of centers
• Seating options (especially for ADHD kiddos) during classroom meetings/mini-lessons
• I have carpet squares, bucket seats with bumpy seats on top of some and cushions of top of others, and a long wood bench--choice is always good
• Classroom colors (I stuck with Cooking theme, but toned the red down with blue towards the end to see if that helped with talking and noise levels in the room---and I think it did)  
• I did a lot of research on classroom colors and think I will stick with the pale blue, green, and pale yellows from now on.  Thought I wanted to try something bold, but I really did know better :)

With all of this in mind--I am so excited that we have 20 days of extended school year (summer school) to catch up on some of the skills I feel we need more work on.  And to top it off, I get to focus on Reading/Writing only this summer!  Yippee!!  

Planning Ahead

As the end of the year is fast approaching, can't help but to think about next year.

• Theme for next year:  Country Western 
• Classroom arrangement:  Just how it is now (It took me nine months to find a layout that works well for all students)
• Departmentalization:  I am going to teach Reading, Writing, and Social Studies to both classes and my partner is teaching Math and Science (I have 3 months to minimize anxiety of letting go "control" over math, but I can do it!)
• De-cluttering a few more areas of the room (giving away items to new teachers or packing it in storage until I think I need it or find someone who does)
• Pinterest Projects (too numerous to mention one by one, but will definitely post pics as projects are completed)

School wide changes are being made too!  I am super excited about the possibilities we are going to have to make significant changes to all students grades K-5.  We are meeting this week to discuss the possibility of grouping students based on performance, small group instruction, and other individual needs that can be met by Title 1 reading intervention and Special Education support in the classroom instead of pulling out.  I personally think students are pulled out too much and creates a bigger gap than if they didn't receive intervention services.  Can't wait to see how are meeting goes and who is on board with change--we have a chance to make some monumental changes with full support of the principal and district!

Here are some pictures of my favorite projects, organization, management, and centers from this year!

Self Inking Stamps from Vista Print

Behavior Bingo
Names are randomly placed on board.  At the end of each lesson a name is drawn and if that person followed classroom expectations they placed a mark on the board.  5 in row wins a Lego Party, Paint Party, or Free Prize of Classroom Store

Small group table with bucket seats.  The kiddos love bucket seats and I now have a total of 9 in my room.

I purchased this off of Craigslist and it was missing the legs.  I used storage bins for the legs and now have extra storage for small group lessons and projects.

Writing Center
The kiddos absolutely love this part of the classroom.  Imaginations run wild!!

Teacher Desk
I finally got rid of my metal desk and replaced it with a small table to work one on one with students when needed.
It also gives me plenty of room to work when completing paperwork while working on the computer.

Student Desk Area
We now have a blue team and red team.  Part of my country western color theme for next year.

Red Team

Bench with storage underneath.  The students love this alternative seating during mini lessons.

What a fabulous year!  Cannot wait for next year!