Ideas For School!

I am attempting to set my classroom up.  If anyone has some creative or fun ideas to decorate, let me know!  I try to be creative, but it is just something I struggle at a bit, but I am all for taking other people's creative ideas! haha.. So if you ever had something you liked or enjoyed about a classroom (particularly a science one) let me know!

Also I am trying to come up with planning the first days of school.  When I was in school I always disliked the getting to know you games because the first few days I was shy until I felt more comfortable.  So I am struggling coming up with something good for those first few days to help me learn the students' names yet not go too crazy on the getting to know you games.  So if anyone has suggestions on that I would love to hear!  Thank-you much for your help and I will be sure to let you know how the first day goes!... in 12 days!

Alaska... I miss you

Before school starts I wish I could go back to Alaska for a number of reasons...

1.  I LOVE being an aunt and I miss my adorable nieces!

Kenzie's First Boat Ride

Nail Painting Time..

Dress Up

She loves her glasses

Silly Faces.. they are great at that

Jordyn Kay

Kenzie Rose

2.  My sister thinks I am funny even though really I am just a nerd. :)

3. It is BEAUTIFUL there.

4.  Playing games with Steph and Garrett (Killer Bunnies as a new favorite).

5.  Enjoying afternoons with my sister while we leave Garrett to fend for himself and watch the girls.

It is always a fun time visiting Alaska... and how I miss it!

First Day of School Planning

The first day of school begins in exactly three weeks.  I am freaking out a little bit.  How do I structure my first day of school?  Should I plan an activity?  What are my classroom procedures going to be?  Should I design a seating chart?  How should I arrange the physical set up of my classroom?  What will my grading policy be?  How will tardies and absences be handled?  What will my disclosure document say?  These are just a few of the questions on my mind for planning my school year...

I have a few of these things already figured out, but I still feel like there is always something else I haven't thought about. It is such an interesting experience being on the other side of school where you are now the teacher.  So much more to think about.  Not to mention I have an entire year to plan of lessons that actually teach my students versus turning my classroom into busywork. 

Although there is a lot of think about, I am grateful for the help I have received from my coworkers.  The district I work for provides quite a few professional development training opportunities which will help me answer the numerous questions I have crashing around in my brain.  So wish me luck and I hope I am able to be the best teacher I can be this first year and to just enjoy the ride. :)