Classroom Preparation Tip

As much as I'm trying to enjoy the precious weeks of summer fun I have left, I can't help but keep my thoughts from turning towards preparations for the upcoming school year. One of the first things that I like to do when I get into my classroom (after I clean the layers of dust) is to get it all setup and decorated. It always makes me feel so much better when my room is ready to go. Unfortunately, we aren't allowed into our classrooms until about two weeks before the students come back and many of those days are spent in meetings, professional development, or just about anything that isn't working in my classroom.

I have so many ideas bouncing around in my head over the summer, that I am easily overwhelmed when I finally get into my classroom. This year I am trying to make things a bit easier and allow myself to work more efficiently.

Before I left for the summer, I took pictures of my classroom. (I like to have a visual of different areas when I'm thinking about them at home.) I decided to print out the pictures and make notes regarding my ideas right on the page. That way, when I get back into my classroom, I can just look at my notes and work my way around the room setting things up.

Here are a couple of my pictures:

By printing the pictures on paper, I can write my notes right on the page. I hope this little tip helps you to make better use of your time as you are preparing your classroom.

How much time do you have left before you'll be preparing your classroom?

2013-14 School Calendar

On Monday I linked up with 4th Grade Frolics for Monday Made It. I posted about my teaching binder that I created for next year. (You can read about it here.) I'm excited to start getting all my resources organized and put into the binder.

To go along with my binder, I created a monthly calendar for the 2013-2014 school year. This year I made mine so that each month takes up two pages. That way I have more room to write in. I have two different versions available in my Tpt store. In this version, I added lines on Sundays because I like to be able to write a few things I need to get done that week. I also created this version that doesn't have any lines for those of you who would prefer it that way.

While you're checking out the calendar, make sure to follow my store so you don't miss any freebies. I'm working on creating more versions of the Finders Keepers game I posted about last week. You can download the subtraction version for free here.

School Supplies

Yesterday while I was shopping at Target for a friend's baby shower, I bought my first school supplies of the year. There's nothing like the feeling of having a new box of colored pencils/markers/crayons. It just makes me all giddy inside! Some people may think it's silly, but I know you get that wonderful feeling too! Who doesn't love back-to-school shopping? Anyway, I picked up two packs for colored pencils and small organizer for only $1 each.

As much as I look forward to a new school with all the new possibilities, new students and new school supplies. This year I'm even more reluctant to head back than usual. In May, our family became a family of 3 with the addition of our beautiful baby girl. It worked out nicely because I was able to get six weeks of maternity leave in before summer break started. However, I know it's not going to be easy to go back.

I mean who would want to leave that smiling face? I know I'm biased, but I think she's just adorable!

Have a great week everyone! Happy school supply shopping!
What is your favorite place to shop for school supplies?