I am teacher a group of 4 kiddos, 2 in first and 2 in second. 3 of the 4 kiddos are very low academically, and struggles with letter vs. number recognition. So i'll be finding work for pre-k, kindergarten and focusing a lot on very simple concepts.
Which is exactly what i wanted to do!
My room doesnt really have a color theme or anything. Honestly, I was more focused on having the essentials than buying the correct detailed item.
After the first workday (last monday), I had (very) basic set up with my room thanks to friendly teachers:
Which leads me to my next point...
Helpful Hint #1 for New Teachers:
1. Don't be afraid to ask: As I was preparing my classroom, I was kind of bummed about the lack of items. I didn't have any book holders, calendar items, or decoration posters. A sweet teacher across the hall overheard me talking to someone about going to a teacher store to buy supplies and immediately stopped me, saying "just shoot out an email asking for extra items". You see, most teachers at the beginning of the year are also doing a slight inventory. They may have bought a newer/nicer item this summer, so they can throw out the old one (which may often look brand new).
So I just shot out an email to the staff saying, "Hey, i'm on a hunt for any extra classroom book holders. If you have any, or anything that you are getting rid of and may think it may be helpful for a first year teacher, let me know". And my goodness....on my step within minutes was a teacher handing me an attention chime. I immediately hugged her!
Here is a list of hand-me-downs that have helped my room (not all pictured):
*Chime
*calendar items
* library book holders
* month posters
*feelings posters
* number signs
* flip chart cards
* white board
* cornered white board (will take pic asap, its so cool!)
* flip chart weather
It took off so many items on my list, all for free!
So school starts on Tuesday, and although I'm still a little lost at what I'm going to do on the first day, I'm actually really excited! It's going to be a day to really find and figure out where they are academically. I also still have to figure out the schedule for the kids to come see me.
But my general plan is:
1. Go over class rules/introduce self
2. Practice saying my last name
3. Go over incentive system
4. Independent welcome worksheet
I got this worksheet from www.superteacherworksheets.com and its great. You do have to pay to use their worksheets, but 1 yr/$30 is well worth it!
5. Read half of "skippy jon jones, class act" book--discuss
This book is actually only $5 at Kohls, and it's so CUTE!
6. Go over tracing notebook----future blog post about that to come!!!!
7. Go over personal goals (based upon their IEP goals)
8. Play on computer (for break)
and if there is time:
-go over firedrill path
-go over quiet time procedure
-go over self-reflection paper
I'm actually getting more and more excited for everything I get to do.
I promise to post more often...only for all 3 of my readers...
Thanks!!!
Emily
