September Currently...

I can't wait to hear the First Lady speak.  I feel like she is a great speaker, and a good role model for all girls.

It's only the third full week of school, but I am pleased as punch that it's already 1 down, 3 to go.

Next week, I will be conducting my second teacher training for my job as technology integration teacher.  In the previous session we covered classroom management in rooms filled with technology.  This time, I think I'm going to cover inquiry-based learning.  I would really love any suggestions!

Who is with me on this weather thing?  SW Missouri has been a firey inferno of awful.  Granted, on the days that it rained from Hurricane Isaac we went out of town, to dry old OKC.  I'm looking forward to the weekend forecast, two days in the 70s will heal this heart.

Anyone else running out of time before running out of tasks?  If you're not, any good time management tips??

I'm eagerly awaiting the Apple news conference next week, hoping for the launch of the new iPhone, I always upgrade as soon as new stuff comes out.  SUPER BAD HABIT!  Another bad habit?  Pinterest. Bad in a good way though.  I spend my entire life too much time seeking out pictures of awesome stuff.  I feel like I've become a better teacher thanks to this great site.  Books, what teacher doesn't love books?  Currently, I'm in the midst of reading 5 different books.  Perhaps that's why I'm not getting any of them done.  That and Pinterest. :-/

Back at it?

I can't believe that I haven't posted anything in over a month.  Sorry to all my fans (ha!).  What a crazy month it has been.  I've had flipped classroom meetings, technology integrations meetings, mentor meetings, school-wide retreat, PBIS meetings, my best friend's wedding reception, our 1st annual neighborhood block party, the list goes on and on!  On top of it all, I had a classroom to prepare ad kiddos to plan for.  Rather than dwelling on all the requirements, I'm going to focus on showing off my space as part of Swimming Into Second's Linky Party.

We were able to get back into our school on August 2, my classroom was a total disaster area.  I had packed up all of my stuff, in a very precarious way--obviously.  So that the floors could be waxed.

It became progressively worse...

Until finally, the day of Open House, I shoved the last of my things away in my cabinets and put on my happy face.  Here is the "final" product.

Welcome to Room 504!

I did an Americana/Election-ish theme, kind of.

A peek in from the door.

On the right side of this picture is my Science/Social Studies featured reads shelf.  I bought it at the school auction, needless to say my custodian wasn't happy to see it, but I LOVE it.  It's double sided, once side will feature books for my current social studies unit, the other will have current science unit books.

Over view of the classroom.

Storage areas, the blue cabinets have my teacher books.  The white cabinets have supplies and textbooks that I don't use.  The wheely carts have math supplies, and games.  You can also see my clip chart, and my lunch check in.

Left side of the room.  The white cart is my iPod lab.  The orange board is my Math Focus Wall.  

Then on my white board, I have my Learning Targets.  You can pick those up at my TPT store.

Right side of the room.  My writing process pocket chart (the pencil) will have reference materials in it that students can use throughout the writing process.  The white bulletin board is focused on writing.

Library and reading area.  The big bulletin board (actually a piece of insulating foam from Lowe's for $12!!) is my reading focus board.  Brought the couch out from storage.  Love that thing.

Teacher area with small group table.  I finally got them to take out my useless desk.

I have 21 precious 5th graders who have filled my classroom with laughter and learning for the past three weeks.  More to come on that soon.  Hope you've enjoyed the tour!

~Heather