Back to school time!

Well, it's back to school time here in Nashville.  I went back on July 29th, and kids came back for a half day on August 1st.  Tomorrow, the 5th is the kids first full day, and my first day for classes. I decided to keep my eclectic monster/alien theme for my classroom this year, and just tweaked a few things. I expanded my word wall (it used to be on the back of the door) and also created a whole board focused on the rubric that I use to grade the student's artwork.  I do reference the rubric when I explain the projects that I expect the students to create. Above the marker board, I have the visual standards posted, and plan on hanging the objectives for the various lessons on this board as well.

                                      

The door was fun to decorate. I don't typically buy too many store bought decorations, but I found a cute monster set (the monsters above the marker board that are holding the standards) online. It came with something like 24' of border, but when I got it, the border was a solid sheet, and was not easily torn apart, even though it was perforated. So I used it in my cricut and cut out the letters for the creativity part of the door. I also put the pink alien on the door, because pink is my absolute least favorite color, and I wouldn't be able to see it with the door closed. Lol!

                                                        

I collect Crayola items, and had to have my little stuffed buddies out on a shelf.

                                                           

This is my paper cupboard, with the elements and principles on it.

                                        

Big Bertha is back again, although she is starting to fade a little, I think that a makeover is in her near future.

                                                   

This year, my school is focusing on three main rules, which are be respectful, be responsible, and be safe. My rule area says "Out of this world artists are respectful, responsible and safe. They..." And then under each of the main headings are more defined rules, such as follow all directions, use inside voices, etc

                                                      

I consolidated all of my books, both teacher and children's books into one area. I didn't realize that I had that many books!

                                       

Back to school!

Metro schools have already gone back to school. The teachers had to come back July 27 and the students came back Aug. 1. I have been crazy busy setting up my room this year. All of the tiles in my room were removed due to asbestos, so my entire room had to be packed up as if I were moving rooms. As well as new tiles, my room was re-painted. They matched to colors of my room, and did a much better job than I did last summer, probably because I am so short that even standing on the ladder, I had to use a paintbrush taped to the end of the broom handle (lol!). Anyways, I just realized that I forgot to take pictures of my room until today.the black and blue quote board is in the hallway, and the inspiration comes from Painted Paper's blog. The other bulletin boards are in my room. One of the boards has my "kid friendly" standards on it. These are the TN standards re-written in language that the students understand. Our new teacher evaluation requires that we post the standards and objectives in the room, and this is how I have chosen to display them. The large monster was a gift from my friend Ted (Mr. E) last year. My students have named her big Bertha, and she sits on top of the student storage area, reminding everyone to put their names on their paper.