at the beach all year long. . .

This year my first graders will be at the beach all year long! 

I have had SO much fun shopping for "beach" stuff this summer.  Here's what I've collected so far. . .

a giant beach ball to hang over the reading loft/classroom library. . .

mini-beach balls. . .

mini-sand castles for each table "number". . .

supply trays (with glue, scissors, erasers, crayons) for each table. . .

watering cans for pencils. . .

a wall hanger for my keys. . .

alphabet rug-I know this has nothing to do with the beach, but I LOVE the bright colors and wanted to make sure I have a clearly defined space for my "word work" area. 

Here's what I'm adding. . .

new chair pockets. . . I want to get ride of my red/blue traditional pockets, and they're in great shape-let me know if you're interested!

I'll also be adding a new reading loft with lots of bright colors!  

And of course a palm tree. . .the room wouldn't be complete without it!

Hopefully the entire room will be ready by the first week of August-I'll post lots of pics!

Teacher's Corner

Head over to Lakeshore to find 75 free summer activities for kids.  

There are three categories:  pre-school, early learners, and elementary.   You can click on the logo to check it out.   The teacher's corner also features ideas for classroom activities, printables, and grant opportunities for teachers. 

I also love the Classroom Designer Feature which will allow you to  create a model classroom without lifting a finger (other than clicking and dragging)!  This year I measured the dimensions of my room, and I'm planning on making sure that I have a layout in place before I begin the heavy duty work!  I also love Debbie Dillers's Spaces and Places:  Designing Classrooms for Literacy.  

 

I'll definitely be reading it again this summer as I decide on a great new layout.  If you don't own it, I highly recommend it!  I have to make quite a few changes since I will be using my Promethean board for my whole group instruction and I want it to be the focal point of the classroom.  

On a completely different note, I have to share a few updated pics of the boys.  Yesterday afternoon we headed out to take pictures as part of a Father's Day gift.  I thought I was being smart by taking care of it early.  However, I was SO wrong.  On the way there Christian and I talked about how we were making something special and it was a surprise for his daddy.  This was definitely not a good approach for me to take, but I guess I'm out of teacher mode a bit.  When Mr. Perry arrived home from work yesterday evening, he asked Christian (as he does every day) "How was your day?  What did you do?"  Christian said (with a huge smile), "Yes, I took a picture for you daddy!  It's a surprise!"  I SO did not do a good job with that one, but that's o.k.  because the pictures turned out pretty cute.  I love my little fellas!