The Transformation of Rm 105

The countdown has begun! In less than one week, we will begin our year long journey of exploring, learning, and growing. I can hardly wait! One of my favorite things to do is "design" our classroom. I just love creating a space for students that is welcoming and inspiring.

I want to share with you what I have been doing over the past month. Here are few "before" photos. We pack our room every year for cleaning.

 

 This is the view from our door. I love my large window! I think I have all the space in the world when everything is contained in one area.

 This is the room divider. It is never opened, but half of it is bulletin board and half is magnetic. We have lots of space for displays.

 This is the magnetic part of the wall. It will be transformed into our word wall.

I decided I wanted to change things up this year. I can't wait to it all comes together! Here are some photos of the progress...

This is where we will display our Hopes and Dreams and our Community Standards.

We will use the board above the computers to display our work. This area is not complete. I purchased new tables for our computers. I'm SO excited!!! Just wait!

 

This is my desk. I do not have a traditional teacher desk. I chose to have just a computer table to allow for more usable space in the classroom. You can see all the goodies I had purchased that day...stickers, birthday hats, pencils, and of course a snack mix to get me through the day.

 My break time. Between the heat (No air yet, but we will on the 22nd! Yea!!!) and all the ideas I wanted to do, but couldn't, I was felt stuck. Thank goodness for Debbie Diller and Iced Coffee! I was ready to get back at it! 

 Part of our writing area. The Imagination Station came from First Grader At Last. We will put our Writing Workshop mentor texts in the book case.

This is the front of the room, by the SMART board.This area will be used mostly for storage.

 Remember the brown, magnetic wall? Here it is complete! Have you noticed a theme yet? Everything is blue and green. Most things have two or more purposes in our classroom. We will meet in guided reading groups at this table, but students can complete work at the table throughout the day.

 Closer view of the word wall. Fadless blue paper, new frog border, and the adorable alphabet stick kids. We will add five new words a week to our wall. 

 This area is a work in progress. This will be my guided reading shelf. It will hold some of the books, tools, and resources I use while meeting with groups.

 This area is not complete yet either. We have new bookshelves!

Well, there's a sneak peak. Check back Tuesday night for the big reveal!

It's Back to School Time!

Welcome Back Families! I've had a wonderful summer and am so excited to jump back into a new year. The teachers at BES are "busy bees" right now getting everything ready for the year ahead. You should have received a letter from Mr. Lovell about Packet Pick Up. It is next Friday, August 19th. This is "Early" Packet Pick-up. In order to receive your packet with teacher assignment, school fees are to be paid in full.

Here are the school fees for the 2011-2012 year:

KD: $38

1st: $52

2nd: $62

3rd: $70

4th: $49

5th: $49

6th: $30

Easy Pay will be up and running at Packet Pick Up. You can pay the fees and get your child's lunch account going at that time.

I will be posting photos this week of our classroom. So check back soon!

Teach to Reach All

Dear Blog Friends,

I began Langston's Learners over a year ago as a way to connect families with the daily happenings of our classroom. Since then, many teachers have began to follow us. Which I LOVE! I am passionate about teaching first grade, but also enjoy reaching out and helping other teachers.  Therefore, I created Teach to Reach All.  I am so excited about this new adventure! This blog is designed specifically for teachers. I will not only share what I am doing in my classroom, but give tips on creating a community of learners where all students thrive. Though, I hope you will continue to follow Langston's Learners, please hop on over and follow my new blog.

Around Town

Cincinnati has so much to offer!  You can find amazing daily events...especially in the summer.  This weekend, in Madeira, Madcap Puppet Theater is coming to McDonald Commons.  They will be performing "Tales of Flight with the Wright Brothers" at 11:00 AM on July 16th. 

Yoga Home is having a week long summer camp for kids ages 5-12 in August.  There are two sessions to choose from...one in Oakley and one in Symmes Township (Mason).  Click here for more info.

Hope you're are enjoying the summer!

Mr. Popper's Penguins

Each January, I read aloud Mr. Popper's Penguins as we study Penguins and other arctic animals.  It is a favorite among first graders. It is a classic, written in 1938 by Richard and Florence Atwater. The students just love the story.  When I heard about the movie I was so excited.  We learned that it was "loosely" based on the book. Even though we knew it would not be like the story, the students and I decided to take a summer "field trip."  So on Tuesday, I met all the families that were able to attend to watch the newly released film. 

Let me tell you, it was a hit! I think I was laughing more at the students laughing than the film. I believe the children would give the film five stars.  It was great! They did a great job turning the classic into a more modern tale. I definately recommend taking the entire family.

It was great to see the children. I know we have only been out for three weeks, but it seems like much longer. The children are enjoying their summer by swimming, particpating in camps, and traveling.

Have a great weekend!  Happy Fourth of July!!

Howdy Friends!

We have been celebrating Right to Read Week all week.  It is a Western theme.  Andy the Armadillo fom Texas Roadhouse came out to visit and read to the students.  Today was western day.  Students dressed in western attire.

Flying Pigs

Just wanted to send a shout out to my team members who ran the relay yesterday in the Flying Pig Marathon.  So proud of them!