"BACK TO SCHOOL, BACK TO SCHOOL, to prove to Dad I'm not a fool!" - Billy Madison

     I cannot express my excitement for the start of my first full year of teaching.  I have spent my summer reflecting on my first few months of teaching in order to create a better classroom environment for my students and more meaningful learning opportunities.  Although I got a lot accomplished, I still have lots to do!

     Wishing everyone an incredible start to the school year!

   

     Yours truly,

      Shannon 

Tissue Paper Pom Poms:  SO EASY!

Here is the link that I used in order to make my pom poms.  I used more tissue paper then they called for in order to make mine more "full."

While they are time consuming, the end result is very rewarding! They completely brighten up my classroom! LOVE LOVE LOVE THEM!

Here are some other improvements that I made in our 2nd grade classroom this year....

First of all, I GOT A BRAND NEW DESK! (And may I add that I put it together all by myself.... that's talent.)

A new classroom INCENTIVE!  My kiddos LOVE glasses.... student's that I "SPY" working hard and remaining on "task" will receive a pair of glasses to wear for the remaining time allotted for that particular subject.

Shapes Wall

Flash Card Bins

Sharpened and unsharpened pencil pails

Nothing drove me more crazy than the pencil sharpener running throughout the entire day... hopefully this will help to eliminate that problem.

NEW BUCKETS:

I bought actual buckets for our bucket filling wall.  We will now use pom poms every time that a students has done something to "fill his or her bucket."  If students have at least 5 pom poms in their bucket by the end of the week, they will have an opportunity to visit the "treasure box."  (5 pom poms = at least one bucket filling act)  "Have you filled your bucket today?"

UPDATED LIBRARY

JOB SPOT/LISTENING CENTER

The Infamous Word Wall

 Pick-up can become mayhem... hopefully this will help to eliminate some of the stress!

"I'm Through... What Can I Do?" Wall

Zebra Mailboxes

Our Class Birthdays!

"Look who's wiggled their way into 2nd grade!" *My own creation :)

Math Focus Wall:

More will be added to the wall depending on what we are learning about in 2nd grade!

My NEW Easel!  (I wish I had a before and after picture)  

 Possibly my favorite purchase this summer! 

Adorable!