Blog Hoppin' Teacher Week: Classroom Pictures

I'm not ready!!

 I cannot post pictures of my classroom yet, because...

1. Today was the first day of school and it looks like a small tornado hit.
2. Most of my shelves are completely empty. Seriously, this is how I start school. I don't put out anything until we have gone over the expectations for it.

Exhibit A: Art Center

 
Exhibit B: Writing Center

We learned about crayons. gluesticks and scissors today, so they are now in the table buckets. But we don't even have pencils, yet! (We have to learn about the sharp/not sharp bucket--tomorrow!) We will also do the whole dried out marker lesson, and then we will add those to the shelves, as well.

In a few weeks, the shelves will be full of paper, stamps, drippy glue, fun foam, watercolors, even glitter and a stapler! And the kids will be able to use them as they need/want. But the key is laying a strong foundation and going over expectations explicitly. That takes time--but it's worth it. The kids become extremely independent.

So, I promise I will get some good pictures of my room soon. In the meantime, here's a sneak peek of my new Expedit shelves in the library:

 
And here's a link to last years pictures:

2010-2011 Classroom

I am exhausted and am off to bed now!

Sweet Dreams!

 PS...

I'm sure there are lots of finshed rooms over on the Blog Hoppin' Blog. Check it out! 

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Comments

[Cortney Lyon]

I like your idea of waiting to put stuff out...if that were the case in my room there wouldn't be anything out. Ha! I looked at your classroom from last year- I'm very jealous of the red locker shelf from IKEA that you have-I was going to get 2 of those for my room but I had to cut my budget back a little bit. Maybe next year.

[Shana Joyce]

Love, love, love! You have got it down, sister! Thanks for sharing. I can't wait to see the incredible growth your kids will experience this year because you are taking the time to plant the seeds of learning now.

Warmly,
GracehopperLearning

[Lisa Peterson]

I absolutely LOVE the idea of not putting out materials until the routines and procedures are in place! Too bad I missed this year...always next year:)

[Tanya]

So happy to have found your blog! You have so many wonderful ideas!!! I pinned some of your pics {even if they were taken on your iPhone ; )} because they are very inspiring! Have a super year!
❤Tanya
Ms. Solano's Kindergarten

[Jonelle]

I picked you as one of my Top 10:)
Jonelle
A Place Called Kindergarten

[Beverly]

Love your blog! Thank you for sharing your passion for teaching and all of the downloads. Fantastic!

[Kim]

I just fell upon your blog today and am SO happy I did!!! I'm a first year kindergarten teacher (fresh out of college) and after seeing all your ideas wish I could rewind and start the year over again! Thank you, thank you for all your fantastic pictures/downloads! You style 'tastes' are right on with mine! I can't wait to keep checking back and see what new things you'll post!

[Little Lilly Polka Dot Bedtime Blog]

Hi! Thanks so much for the great blog!! I wanted to let you know that TEACHERSFIRST.com recommended that my fun interactive website be used in the K-1 classroom. I do hope you get a chance to try it out!!www.littlelillypolkadot.com

THANKS!

Wendy

[Katie Westacott]

The cat scratch "thingy" is great!!

[Sue]

I know you must be very busy with the beginning of the year but I want to let you know that I love your blog and I have enjoyed reading your old posts. That is why I listed you as one of my top ten blogs and gave you the I Heart Your Blog Award.
:)Sue
The Very Busy Kindergarten

[Brooke Mountain]

I miss you! Please come back soon!! :)

[Becky Campbell]

I started using your math journals in my class and my kids love it. When are you going to post some more questions for the math journals. I have used all six weeks now!!!

Becky Campbell

[Erin Huber]

This first year teacher misses your posts...We were doing amazing things with your Math Problem Solving Notebooks.

Erin

[Kayla]

Hi Kathryn!

I'm certain this can't be your first, but I nominated you for The Versatile Award! I simply wanted to recognize all your hard work and amazing creativity! It's been a sincere pleasure keeping up with your blog and I'm forever checking back to check your category pages when I need something specific. Seeing your lessons and the obvious passion you have for children makes me want to go back in time and be a kindergartner again :)

Of course, if you wish to accept, the details can be found here at my blog: http://kindergartenlessonplans.org/1461/the-versatile-blogger-award/

Have a wonderful week and thanks again for sharing your brilliance with others!

Kayla Johnson

[Think, Wonder, & Teach]

I love the idea of not putting anything out until the expectations have been taught. That way you won't forget to teach something! Thank you for sharing!!

Misty
Think, Wonder, & Teach

[Ana]

Magnific blog! Lots of new ideas and very well explained!Thanks for sharing your experience.
¡ BRAVO !
Greetings from Spain.
Ana (your new follower)