First week of school

Well, I survived my first week with my fourth graders! I do have a mixed level 3/4 class, but since it's a little more advanced so I am basically teaching fourth grade work.  I have a wonderful, small group of 6 kiddos (7 for Daily 5/Reading).  They are very well behaved, and eager to learn so I know it'll be a great year.  But of course, I am EXHAUSTED! I worked all summer every week day for at least 6-10 hours a day, but there is nothing like being "teacher tired" and going back to school!!

 

I hope that I have enough energy to keep up with the best activities and lessons for my kids.  Fourth grade is new to my school (and last year when I taught third grade it was new as well) so it's a lot of work to do a new set curriculum.  The one thing that I am very happy about is looping up with 3 of my kids - they have been so warm and friendly with my 3 new students, and it's so nice for them to already know my expectations and know my routines/rules.  I am very proud of them and happy I can help them one more year!!

 

 I use this "What can I do?" bin for students that are finished and do not want to do the normal routine of reading when they are finished with everything, they can pick from this bin and I have included 3 activities at a time.. I have included Sunny Days Early Finishers in this bin, and will continue to put her different activities in there throughout the year! A must buy :)

 

Here are our classroom rules :) We wrote them down on chart paper and came up with our rules together so the students know we are building a classroom community, and having the rules more important to them since they created them.  We signed the bottom agreeing to following these rules. 

 

Our classroom schedule! I LOVE  this freebie from The First Grade Parade :) These schedule cards are my favorite, I printed almost ALL of them, and will keep them for as long as they last!! Check out Cara's beautiful Schedule Cards!!!

 Our first bulletin board is from Shelley Gray :) I bought this product on TPT, and will save it for next year as well since there are a few different templates to choose from.  Check it out here!

 

I just wanted to say that I am so proud of my friend, Mrs. Leander for reaching 1,000 followers. I am absolutely not surprised since she is so wonderful, but props to her !!!

 

She and many other amazing teachers will be a part of my 200 follower giveaway coming up soon.. there will be THREE winners.. not first, second, and third place, but 3 equal winners for all equally amazing prizes :) Don't miss it!

*If you would like to contribute to my giveaway, it's still not too late! You can e-mail me boudls89@yahoo.com or comment :) Thanks!!

I will leave you with a quote that I tend to keep in mind all year xoxo here's to a wonderful 2012-2013 school year.. I hope I continue to learn a lot, blog often, and make even better teacher products!