Chicka Chicka Boom Boom!

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Look Who's in our room!

I always love the beginning of a new year!  Seeing the new little ones and their faces as they begin to learn what school is all about!  They can be tiring days but in about 2 weeks they have the routine and we are rockin'. The first activity I do with them is a Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Glyph!

Teaches students to make choices, listen carefully, make tally marks and graph and count!  Great math activity!

Made it Monday!

 So I made those adorable name sticks for my classroom!  I am going to use them to take turns with the iPad During group instruction. They could be used for all kinds of different things.   

First start with the larger popsicle sticks and some cute paper

cut the paper to the size of the  stick.  I wrap the paper around the stick.  paint on mod podge. (my nieces wanted to help).

Wrap the sticks with the paper and let dry.  When dry, cut rounded edges  and stick or glue on your favorite character or thematic element.

Ta da!!!  We are done....cute monkey sticks!!

DIY Project

I saw these really cute clipboards on Instagram and had to try them for my classroom!  I made six different styles in the  jungle/safari theme!  They are very easy to make, I know you all can do it!

So here is how I made them....

First start with a clear clipboard, cute paper, ribbon, stickers (stuff to match your theme).  You can also use spray glue.

Using a clear clipboard(I bought mine at deals). You only have to put the paper on one side if you use double sided paper.  Put the mod podge all over the paper stick down carefully.  I used a 2 color scheme.  I sprayed with clear coat when I was done to give it a shine.  Then wrapped with the ribbon and put some of the ribbon tied in a knot on the top to give it a finished look.  I added a jungle animal sticker and 2 zebra printed gemstones. (I am picky about the look).  I love the way they turned out!

This is the back of my clipboard.  I love only having to use one sheet of paper!

My Under the Sea Adventure!

Ohhhhh! How I love a theme! I think my fascination with themes began when my twins (a boy and a girl) were born...
It started with their Nursery.... God keeps His promises and He sure did! Everything was Noah (and it was the sweetest nursery ever!)

Kim made up the words to this
announcement!  One of her amazing
talents! Love, Liz

And then the Birthday parties came... their first Birthday was a Carnival Theme...from clowns and old fashioned games to selling tickets for popcorn and cotton candy it was a hit! People at the park actually thought it was a real Carnival and wanted to buy tickets!

Each Birthday became another opportunity for me to express my love through a fun and exciting party. A Garden theme for their 2nd, a Pooh Bear & Friends for their 3rd, and a Princess/Pirate for their 4th. My babies are now 12 and this past year we had a "Double Blessing or Double Trouble Party" and played all kind of wacky games that had something to do with a dozen!

Well, I guess it is no surprise I love turning my classroom into a Thematic Wonderland... from Honey Bear Lane, and a Race Car Theme to a Beautifully painted Under the Sea Adventure... it is something that I will never grow weary of.
Let me show you just a few pictures of my classroom... with more to come when I set up again in the Fall...

"O" is for Organization!

New tags and cards to help me organize in my
Under the Sea Theme!  Get the unit HERE!

You've been Organized!
Or at least that is the note I leave my family and friends after I spend countless hours organizing their garages, closets, and offices! And for some strange reason I LOVE it! The last 2 Summers I have spent some time organizing other peoples personal spaces... my husband shakes his head in disbelief wondering why I get so much joy out of arranging others peoples junk and not our own?! I love the whole process of figuring out the best way for an area to work and that also relates to my classroom as well! Whether it is the organizing aspect or the WOW factor of a theme when you walk in the door... I love it all! Here are a few shots of how I try to keep my room productive...

This idea came to me after trying several different bins and crates... I just simply cut a hanging shoe rack horizontally and tacked it going across our Art table. The students can reach all of their materials for directed or independent play and they LOVE it and so do I! For an even more organized look, I hot glue the craft item to show which art supply belongs in each pouch! So little hands know where to put it when they are finished!

Further down is a look at some of my cabinets... I try to label each row so I can stay as organized as possible. Remember to always use tape when labeling so you can easily pull it off if you want to change things around.

These are some of the things I label.  If you don't see
something here you need, let me know and I will add it!

This is my main cabinet... when my students start off the year I label each table 1,2,3 and 4.
The matching green numbered container is filled with crayons and the matching blue is filled with
markers. Each week a student or "Table Runner" is in charge of getting the container before work time. In the past I have had containers for each child, however, I found for this age group this was a quick and effective alternative to chaos of boxes everywhere!

My new table labels

My scissor box always stays on top of my counter for safety, and I quickly pass the scissors out... when the students are finished they place them on their table number and I pick them up. Later in the year I do have a "Treasured Student" who is in charge of taking the box from table to table and picking them up.

As you can see I absolutely love these cute boxes... I found them at the dollar store and use them from everything from Play-doh, to Lost & Found (something EVERY class should have!)

My last idea is one that has made things much easier for my little ones, thus helping keep me sane... it is simply putting a picture of the manipulative in the container and showing through the outside of the box. I do this for EVERYTHING in my room and it really helps things to get back into their proper places!
Happy Organizing! And please share your ideas... I love new ones!