Recess and Summer Days

Normally, every child is all about recess! 
The kids are all about recess. Seriously-the kids will ask from the minute they get to school til the minute you actually line up to go outside, they will ask if we are going outside today.

Usually teachers really like recess, too!  It gives us a chance to take a break, get some fresh air, and let them run their wiggles out!  I go over the weather report every morning with the students and we will talk about if recess is an option for the day.  This week is quite a different summer scenario than most summer days.

According to KSPR, our county is under a Heat Advisory.
If it is dangerously hot, we will NOT be going outside.  Their little bodies are easily overheated (especially when they run and jump and swing!)

PARENTS---Please talk to your child about the heat and what it can do to your body.  They need to know that excessive temperature is just as bad as when it's really cold.  Also, please make sure to dress them accordingly!  Short sleeves, tank tops, shorts or capris. 
NO LONG SLEEVES, JACKETS OR COATS OR STOCKING HATS are necessary right now.  They will want to wear them and it's too hot for that. Also please dress them in LIGHT COLORS!  Dark colors attract light/heat and can make them even hotter, even faster!

Here are two examples of PERFECT outfits for this week!

 

KIDDING! JUST KIDDING! It would be both adorable and hilarious if you sent them to me like this however, this is not what I mean! ;)

 

Also, tell them not to be mad at their teachers when they say we have to stay inside because it's too hot to play! :) 

Our first project of the year

Can I just take a moment to stop and say...
Paper plates are AWESOME.

You can just do so many different things with them!!!!

Our first curriculum unit of the school year is "Same and Different." It's really more like an "All About Me" type unit that most of us preschool teachers may do.  The kids really seemed to enjoy making their "Plate Face!" 

It has been a very busy first full week of school but I can't wait to continue to share more of their work as we go along!

HAPPY BACK TO SCHOOL!

Facebook!

So not many preschoolers are on facebook, right?

THEY ARE NOW!!!

Not only will they get a chance to blog with me, but they will also get to decide things that will get posted and shared on our facebook account!  I believe most of them will have probably heard of it through either their parents or siblings, so I think this will be something they will be excited to share in as well.

Find and like us on our facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/mrschristysclassroom!

Western Theme Back to School Bulletin Boards

Our Back to School and PBIS Theme of the year is a western theme.  After searching pinterest and googling for days, I think I found some ideas with a little modification to make them work for me!

 This board IS NOT a bulletin board set!  This was made on my computer by finding a font that looked "old western" style and then by googling "wanted posters."  COST: $0 :)

 This board was a pinterest inspiration.  The phrase with it said "Lasso a Good Read" but I thought "Ropin a Good Read" had a better flow.  The rope AND the bandannas came from Dollar Tree.  The bandannas were actually a 2 pack so I got them for $0.50 each!  Cost: $5

This board is made from a cricut and really cool background bulletin board paper!  You can order premade background bulletin board paper that fits a standard bulletin board from almost any classroom supply catalog now.  The boots were cut from my mom's Cricut machine!  Thanks Mom and Lori for having these supplies for me! :)

This board was also created from a Cricut machine.  The little people and the horseshoes were cut and placed together for our "3 B's" Esther Expectations Board.  I thought it turned out CUTE!

I will blog about our outside bulletin board after it is finished tonight.  I have created an interactive bulletin board for Open House!  The kids will get to chose what shape their name will go on (hat, star, or boot) then they will color it and it will get hung up during open house!  That way they are already a part of our classroom.

Before and Afters

BEFORE

 

AFTER

 

BEFORE

 AFTER

 Two of my most FAVORITE areas!

 Cute "Entry way" made with a set of moveable cubbies,
but you could use a sturdy shelf of some kind!

 

 My Desk area is pretty awesome! :)

 I think it came out nicely ;)

I am pretty happy with the way things turned out.  I am thankful to have such wonderful parents to help me create these things to use, thankful to have such a wonderful teacher friend that hoarded such wonderful items for me to use to set up with, and thankful to have the chance to move and teach these little lives in this classroom.

T'was the Friday before Open House

Twas the Friday before Open House
and all through the school
All the teacher were stirring
and using their tools.

All the folders were stuffed in the cubbies with care
with hopes that the children soon would be there.

The children were all snuggled down in their beds,
while visions of new friends danced in their heads.

When out in the hall there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my chair to see what was the matter.
When what to my wondering eyes should see?
Parents, and siblings, and 40 new friends for me.

This little, sweet teacher so lively and quick!
She knew in a minute they were the ones she would pick.
More rapid than busses her courses they came,
she smiled, and waved, then called them by name:

"Now Suzy, now Billy, Now Julie and Jim!
On Michael, on Lisa, on Caden and Kim!
To the cubbies! To the tables! To the centers and rug!
Now meet your friends! Find your things, give your teacher a hug!"

They heard the teacher exclaim as the families all drove out of sight,
"Welcome back to school! And to all a good night!"

First Item For Sale!

I created some signs for my centers this morning while drinking my morning coffee.  I think they turned out well! I searched for other pre-made signs but nothing quite fit exactly what I needed.  These signs were created in powerpoint, so it is easily accessible, easy to edit, and easy to print!  Click on the picture below or this link, Teachers Pay Teachers to visit my store and get your centers signs!

Step One: Completed

A Teacher's "Step One" consists of assessing your situation and putting things back where they need to be.  Room arrangement is KEY in setting up a successful, smooth running classroom.  It can take HOURS to set up your furniture just the way you want. 

I should know. 
I worked for a MONTH on getting my room to look the way I thought it would work best. 

This was my step one.
I used this picture I took after getting my room just the way I wanted it during summer school.  My room looks IDENTICAL to the pictures I took in June.  Saved me soooo much time this August!

STEP TWO:::
Bulletin Boards
Finish Decorating

STEP THREE:::
Stuff Folders
Stock Shelves
Name Tags & Bus Tags

STEP FOUR(if time permits):::
Organize book tubs

BONUS:::
My Momma is staying with us so that she can help me for a couple days so we can bust a move and get things done!

Zero

 BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
Time's UP!
Summer is OVER.

It's August 1st! Rise and SHINE teachers!  It's our first day of school!

Time to get back into the classroom and work like crazy people until every folder has been stuffed; every decoration has been hot glued; every shelf has been restocked.

Today is the day.
Let's do this!