Classroom and Doggies!

Sorry to disappoint but I don't have much new to report with my classrooms.  I spent most of yesterday rearranging heavy furniture and figuring out a floor plan for both rooms.  Thankfully, my amazing sister helped me!  I haven't even started to unpack or decorate yet but that is planned for tomorrow.  Today I'm working on figuring out what I want to do with my bulletin boards.  Does anyone have tips on how to use a chalkboard as a bulletin board?!  I want to do my calendar stuff on a chalkboard covered in paper but I'm unsure how to mount/hang everything!


The pics you've been DYING to see (I know..........):
Classroom A (mornings, reading intervention)

I will have a comfy chair in that back corner with a lamp!

Bookshelves fit perfectly under my BB, yay!

Not really any changes here....

Classroom B (afternoons, kindergarten intervention)

dramatic play center

computer center

my area (to be shared with another teacher)

library/meeting area....still not totally sold on this layout.  IDEAS?!

Writing Center!  

Student tables.  I put it all together but it can be split up as well.

Be HONEST!  I want to know what you think.  This is my first time setting up a (big) classroom so I'm having some trouble figuring out everything.  If you have any ideas to make my classroom(s) better, please let me know!


Now to the doggies.  Earlier this week we dog sat for my mother-in-law.  Here is Roxy when she arrived (so sad and homesick) and an hour later (loving our house)!

I'm sure all y'all (why is that so fun to say?) have been dying to know what my pups are up to!  While I've been getting ready for school, Dixie has been resting and Chip has been enjoying his new toy (which we refer to as "nubbins")!

I hope everyone is enjoying their week!  Give me some honest opinions about my classrooms so far!

Adding your Email to Blogger!

I briefly mentioned this last week, but I want to make sure all of my blog friends see this!  I LOVE all the comments everyone has been leaving on my blog and want to respond to EVERY one.  However, if you don't have your email address linked to your blog, it makes it a lot harder for me to respond! 

Please see this post to help figure out how to add your email to your blog! 

Here is another post that explains the process of adding your email to your blogger account!

Classroom Pictures!

Don't get too excited, I have NOTHING set up.  I actually don't even have anything moved in yet!  Today was the first day I was able to go and check out my TWO new spaces for this coming school year!  In the morning I'll be teaching reading intervention and in the afternoon (at another school), I'll be teaching kindergarten intervention.  Check out my pics and feel free to send ANY ideas for layouts my way!  I'm trying to figure out how to arrange my computers and teacher desk for Classroom B!

Classroom A (reading intervention)

Looking into my room from the door

Looking out of my room....notice my cute little window to the hallway? Haha!

Classroom B (kindergarten intervention)

Looking into my room

better view of the computers and storage area (thinking about putting my desk by the window?)

coat hooks!  trying to think of a mailbox idea for the top of these......

I have a sink!!  (no water fountain though...)

I will be sharing classroom B with another teacher since I'm only there in the afternoon.  She will be tutoring English Language Learners in the morning.  I haven't talked to her yet about what she wants to do but it might be challenging to find a spot for two teachers' desks!

New Shoes and a Special Delivery!

For all of you runners out there, what are your favorite running shoes?  I'm not a "runner" at all, but I do like to try to work out on a regular basis.  This could mean elliptical, workout videos, biking, etc.  I don't really run but I wish I could learn to love it.  :/  I've always loved New Balance and bought a pair of 460's (see pic below) a while ago for working out.  I love how they look and fit (I have narrow feet) but they aren't very supportive and not really "running" shoes.

Out with the old (but not really, I'm keeping these!)....

I got an email for Famous Footwear for 20% off.  This coupon could be used on TOP of the BOGO sale.  Hubby has been talking about getting new running shoes for a while.  Unlike me, he actually goes running!  Anyway, since I'm not a runner, I didn't care if the shoes I bought were the best of the best.  I just wanted something that had decent support, fit my narrow feet, and looked somewhat cute!  I ended up going with Adidas ClimaCools.  I love how they fit and they're cute (obviously I didn't venture too far from the style of my old NB's).  I just bought them so I haven't actually used them yet.  I'll let you all know when I do, though!

....and in with the new!

Now for the special delivery!  Not too long ago, I found out that I won an amazing giveaway hosted by the lovely Shasta Anne!  What did I win, you ask?  A Clarisonic Pro!  I told you it was an amazing giveaway!  Shasta sent me my gift with some pretty pink packaging and even included a super nice note for me!  Unfortunately, my new beauty gadget has to charge for 24 hours before the first use so I'm impatiently waiting for it to be ready!  If you haven't checked out Shasta's blog, head on over!  She has another amazing giveaway for the month of August!

More Classroom Crafts, Baby, & PSA!

Last week I posted about a crayon wreath project that I had found on Pinterest.  I wanted to add something to my wreath, but I wasn't sure what to add.  I decided to buy some little wooden "fancies" at Michael's.  I was hoping they would have some school themed embellishments, but when I saw these cute animals for $0.59/ea., I couldn't pass them up!  I also found some mini letter blocks...each bag was $1.50.  I think I still might add some sort of bow or ribbon at the top.  What do you think?

I also posted about a fun reading corner that I found on Pinterest yesterday.  I loved the idea but knew that I wouldn't have as much space in my classroom.  I decided to do a smaller scale project and make a framed "READ" sign.  The frame was something I already had ($3 from Target).  I picked up the letters for $0.75/ea. at Michael's when I was buying my wreath embellishments.  I already had the craft paint and I got a piece of clearance scrapbook paper from Michael's.  I decided to add some ribbon from my craft collection to add some interest.  What do you think?!  I can't wait to put it on a shelf in my classroom library!

I also had to share this adorable picture of my "nephew".  One of my best friends, Lindsey, had her baby on July 22nd.  You can read more about it here.  Foster spent some time in the NICU due to being premature but he is now home and doing great!  I went up to visit Monday and I had a hard time leaving without him!

Now for my PSA for the day.  I've been getting a lot of comments (thanks for showing the love, ladies)!  I love responding to EACH and EVERY comment.  However, some of you haven't taken the time to set up your email so that I can respond via email.  If your email isn't linked to your account, I can't easily respond to your comments!  Like I said, I love responding to EVERY comment so please set up your email! :)  Katie from Keep Calm and Carry On did a guest post on Raids of Orange and mentioned this.  Here is what she said:
Make sure on your Blogger profile that you have your EMAIL ADDRESS added. If you only have your web page added, you will NOT be able to receive any emails back from people who you have commented on their blog.

I just want to be able to respond to all of you lovely ladies! 

A Pinteresting Post

Happy Wed-nes-day, everyone!  (Am I the only one who pronounces Wednesday like that when I am writing it out?)  Today I'm linking up (for the first time!) with Michelle at The Vintage Apple for..........












I'll start out with a few of my favorite classroom finds as of lately.

Source: misskindergartenlove.blogspot.com via Emily on Pinterest

A (super cute) desktop file system for papers that need copied, filed, sent home, passed out, etc.  I have seen this idea done other ways but I like that this one doesn't take up much space but is still in my face enough to remind me!

Source: ourclassweb.com via Emily on Pinterest

An observation system with post-its!  I love this idea for writing workshop conferencing (or even guided reading groups).  I like to keep a notebook with a few pages dedicated to each student and you can easily just transfer the post-its to the larger notebook and use them for parent teacher conferences, report cards, and planning!

Source: jaimiehart.blogspot.com via Emily on Pinterest

I love this idea for home or school!  I decided to use this idea for my classroom, but on a smaller scale.  Stay tuned later this week for my DIY project to spruce up my classroom library!  (Stay tuned??  Am I 80 years old talking about television programs?  Oh dear.....)

Source: firstgradefresh.blogspot.com via Emily on Pinterest

Love this idea!  Last year I had the same system set up but I used the plastic magazine boxes from the Target dollar spot.  My papers were always falling over and getting curled up.  This system will work much better and take up less room!  Not to mention I already have those containers....score!

Now for some non-teaching Pinterest finds!

Source: skinnytaste.com via Emily on Pinterest

Sweet potato fries.  I. am. obsessed.  Seriously, I can't get enough of these lately!  For my craving fix, I bought a bag of frozen fries but I'm planning on trying this homemade recipe soon!

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Emily on Pinterest

I'm going to attempt a project like this with some bookshelves I have.  I wish my bookshelves were white or black, but they're "maple" finish.  I'm going to have to figure out what pattern I can use to convince myself I shouldn't buy new bookshelves :)

Source: eighteen25.blogspot.com via Emily on Pinterest

Homemade bird feeders!  This would be fun to do with your kiddos.  Me?  I just think it would look cute hanging in my backyard :)  I love watching the birds.  I'm an old lady like that.

Source: walmart.com via Emily on Pinterest

I need this ottoman for my family room.  I know this trend is a few years old but I love the storage this ottoman will give us!  Now I'm just trying to convince hubby.  He doesn't believe in redecorating.  I know, it's a sin.

Source: bridalinquirer.com via Emily on Pinterest

How cute is this idea?  I already have these items sitting around (besides the flowers, which I could get from my garden).  Flip a wine glass (or martini/margarita) upside down and voila, cute centerpieces!  I like the idea of putting other things under the glasses, too.  Christmas bulbs, beads, etc. 

You can follow me at Pinterest here!

I hope everyone has a great Wednesday!

Currently.....

I'm linking up with Farley of Oh Boy 4th Grade to share what is currently happening with me..........

 I also wanted to share what is currently going on with my doggies!  Whenever I'm home during the day, we play fetch.  Seriously.  All. Day. Long.  Earlier the ball went in a box I had set aside to toss and this is them problem solving....

As I was recording that video, it reminded me of one my sis showed me the other day.  How cute is this cat?!

I hope everyone's week is off to a great start.  Stay tuned for some DIY projects for the classroom later this week!