Classroom Pictures

These books are organized according to when/why I read them to the class. Some of those stickers say plot, main idea, retelling, reading/writing connections, writing procedures, and some are organized by author. I have this addiction to books. I love them! There are certain ones that I REALLY love to read to the kids, like Bubba the Cowboy Prince, Recess Queen, Catalina Magdalina... and ... and ...

Introducing...the awesome tree! Thanks to Mrs. Jump's blog I was (with my hubby's help) able to incorporate this fabulous addition to my jungle. I used PVC pipe for the trunk and I taped the base with duct tape, which I probably should add to my "Every teacher needs" label. The kids will love the writing station under the palm tree! 

This year, my first graders will be able to enjoy some shade while at the computer station. You cant see them (the computers) because of that itty bitty pile under them and the ugly cords, all of which will be cleverly hid.

This is how I will manage writer's workshop. Actually, the kids will manage writer's workshop. On the clothespins will be a picture of the students. When they are prewriting, they will use their writing journals (which they will decorate and keep in their desks). When they are ready to write their draft, they willmove their picture clip to the drafting ribbon and keep their writing folder (with the draft in it) in the sloppy copy bucket. They will repeat this for revising, editing, and publishing. I am going to make another version of the signs and then post them on teacherspayteachers.

Welcome to one of the most important places in the classroom! Those snazzy little Pinterest seats were made by hubby. He was clever and made them hang over with a lip on the inside so they don't slip around. Inside the crates, I can keep reading logs, whisper phones, comprehension question cards, TPRI tests, and all kinds of helpful tools for guided reading.