Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Updates. . .

I can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel. . .Here's a sneak peek at my room!  
There are so many fun little spaces in this room-I can't wait to post more pics!  I have more things to do so April if you're reading. . .I can still use your help!  I still have to finish my word wall, add my fish tank, add the reading loft, add the palm tree, get out all of my back to school goodies, add in new shelves for my classroom library, and label a few lot of things!  

My favorite part of the room so far is the Promethean board cover. . .it's amazing how something so small and inexpensive can really make a room look and feel great!  I spend a lot of time in my classroom so I want it to be a place that reflects my personality and a place that's warm, cozy, and inviting.  I still have 5 additional tips to share for a How "Tues"day post that I started several weeks ago.  Once the room is completely finished, I'll post those-hopefully by next Wednesday!

The Letter Exchange lists are almost ready to go. . .I hope to e-mail them out some time this weekend.  We actually need more teachers to complete the 4th group-18 to be exact!  I apologize for running behind on my original date, but I want to try to include a few more teachers if possible so that the 4th group will be complete.  If you know of a teacher on your team who you think might be interested, please tell them to e-mail me.  I'll e-mail out the list of teachers who are in your group, along with your assigned letter, some great books to read while completing the project, and the template of letters.  I know you have 1, 284 things to do during the month of August so I will really do my best to get the information as soon as possible.  

One last thing.  .  .
Here's a cute and simple project for the first day or first week of school.  It's actually a project that can be ongoing.  It was inspired by this create your own-time capsule that I saw at Target.  I think this would be especially cute if you have a pirate or ocean/beach theme, but it's a great activity for any group of students!


For this project you'll need an empty canister with a lid and scrapbook paper.  

I used this one which was full of some delicious popcorn. . .


  You can have your students draw a self-portrait, write a message, or complete a more specific task (depending on the age of your students) to place inside the capsule.  Select a time frame when you would like to open the capsule and review the contents.  Another idea (which I'm going to do) is to hide the capsule somewhere in your school.  Create a map and guide your students to the location.  I'd like to hunt for our capsule when we study about maps and Christopher Columbus.  I would also like to place something else in the capsule and complete another hunt close to the end of the school year.

Maureen from First Grade Splash has a really cute printable that can be used, and I found this really cute treasure map from an amazing blog that I recently discovered called Hip Hip Hooray-little kids, big celebrations

We're on day 33 of triple digit heat here in Texas. . .yes-33!!! Yesterday it was 110 degrees, and it's almost unbearable-hoping it cools off in the next couple of weeks-you know how important recess is-for students and teachers!

14 comments:

  1. I like the curtains for the Promethean Board!
    Miss B, Busy Bee

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  2. I am wondering how you created your library loft? What does it look like? I am trying to create one:)

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  3. Your room looks so awesome. You have put a lot of work into your room. I love the ideas on the time capsule. I had a loft at one time, but they made us get rid of it...fire hazard I guess?!? I miss it so much. I am anxious to see what yours looks like!!
    Stay cool!!!!!
    BusyBees

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  4. Loving the pictures so far and I really love your curtain for your board!
    You're right, this heat needs to get out of here! I can't take it anymore!

    Adventures in Teaching

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  5. Question because I'm blonde and buzzin' on cupcakes....did you use 2 shower curtains or cut apart one. I love that. I need to find a bee one!!! I love the shiny-ness! [=

    Marcy @ http://busybeesandcupcakes.blogspot.com

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  6. I left a comment to join the letter exchange but when I went in to add my address, I couldn't type on the pdf so I just sent you my address by email. Just checking to make sure I'm on the list :)

    donna_richards@whitfield.k12.ga.us

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  7. Hi Brooke,

    I would love to be part of the letter exchange. I loved the valentine exchange we were part of.

    Mandy
    mum_to_2_boys@yahoo.ca
    http://aspecialkindofclass.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Your room looks great! Can't wait to see more pics. Thanks for organizing the letter exchange. I'd send you my information by email and was wondering if I'm on the list.

    cheryl.slay@polk-fl.net

    One of my colleagues would like to participate as well. Could you add her to the list? Thanks!

    jennifer.osteen@polk-fl.net

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  9. I would love to be a part of the letter exchange! I dont start until after sept. 1...i think that would be enough time!
    clsohio22@bex.net

    Thanks!
    Carrie Collins

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  10. Brooke! Your room is absolutely gorgeous! I have some questions about your Promethean cover. Could you email me @ whattheteacherwants@gmail.com? Thanks darlin!

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  11. We do Time Capsules too! We use empty Pringles cans... and make them in June. I attach a label that says, "Do not open until High School graduation!" The kids (and parents) LOVE them!!
    Karen :o)
    Mrs. Stamp's Kindergarten

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  12. I noticed the curtain behind your board too and thought it was cute- and how did she do that!? I hope I am on the list for the letter exchange because I signed up but havent heard anything.. so I will stay tuned :)

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  13. I would love to be a part of the letter exchange if there is still room! This sounds like so much fun!

    My email address is janellemjordan@gmail.com

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  14. My desktop computer for some reason wasn't letting me comment on blogs...but, I've been meaning to write in and say THANKS for posting my link! I really appreciate it! :)
    Maureen
    The First Grade Splash

    ReplyDelete

 
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