Getting ready for August!

Making the move from fifth grade to second grade is quite a lot of work...but it's fun work!  My classroom has its basic set-up now.  All I need to do is add the finishing touches.  I'm still trying to work through the logistics of some of the new things I'm trying this year (like Daily Five and Cafe).  I am excited about focusing on teaching reading strategies instead of just focusing on rote reading like a lot of curricula propose we do.  I am also excited about implementing 6 + 1 Traits Writing into my curriculum.  In a later post, I'll share some of the awesome Cafe and 6 + 1 resources I've found on the internet.  I've had a blast planning, creating, and brainstorming this summer....and I'm just getting started!  :-)

Kudos to my hubby who helped me soooooooooo much this summer.  He steam cleaned my carpet and helped me finish painting the HUGE room.  Plus, he was my furniture-mover as always.  I couldn't do it without his help and support!  I'm having fun with the Western Theme in my classroom!  There's a little bit of hodge-podge going on, too....but I've found too many colorful and fun storage items to turn them down just because they aren't western! ;-)