Classroom 2012-1013

I did it.  I made it through the first week of school.  (My 17th one!)  I'm tired, but I seem to have a good group of kids and they picked up on most of our procedures really well.  I am introducing every aspect of my classroom bit by bit and as slowly as is necessary so I don't have to pick up the pieces later.

I am trying to use more chants and callbacks to help with transitions this year. I hope this will help the kids stay focused on the transition task (like putting away supplies or moving to the carpet) and not get caught up in conversation with a neighbor or tattling on someone.

 My favorite one so far is for when we move from a circle on the carpet (or from our seats) into rows on the carpet.  We sing, "Row, row, row your self gently into place.  Quietly, quickly, we sit down, crisscross applesauce!"

I have a few pictures of my classroom (finally).  They may seem a little plain - stations haven't officially opened and they are still a bit sparse.  They will look a bit more inviting and 'lived in' after a few more weeks.