1st Week with Students

Okay, so my classroom is totally set up and I actually like the new room a lot. My first week with students however, was less than ideal. After our first day with kids my daughter became ill and I spent the next two days at home with what we now know is walking pneumonia. So in total this week I worked like 2 1/2 days. I know that I belong at home in situations like that but it does make starting my routine with kids a little tough. Friday was a very long day and I am going to need to be very creative. I have several very high strung kiddos. Redirection currently lasts about two seconds. However, on a happy note we did learn how to clean out and organize our desks. We also played poison number and the kids liked it so much they asked to play it again. Hopefully, we will get more set in our routines and the learning will come easier. I was able to start the new SEB curriculum this week. I thought that would be a nice way to start wtih the kids. We really had a nice discussion following the book. I hope to finish lesson 1 up next week. I enjoy doing it in pieces. I think the kids hold on to the lesson longer if we keep coming back to it. Well my kids will probably wake up from naps soon so that is all for now. I hope to start posting once a week to help my organize my thoughts and my teaching.

Starting the Year

As the summer draws to an end my mind always begins to wander to my classroom.  This year I am moving rooms (again) which is totally fine.  In a funny way I am actually excited about it.  It always provides the opportunity to start again.  This year the classroom I am moving to is empty.  It was our IDEA room last year so I really get the opportunity to start fresh.  The only thing I am worried about is space.  Last year the room I had was a square share.  This the the room I am moving to is a rectangle.  Technically it is only 2 square feet smaller but the shape change makes it look smaller.  I am trying to think where to place everything.  I think right now I am at 21 kids.  I am thinking desk groupings of 5 will help conserve space.  I also have a sink in one corner and a door in another as well as a door between my room and the one next door (however, I have plans to block that with a bookcase).  Past that I have the typical things to work into a classroom.  Any suggestions as to set up.