My classroom.

First, I want to state the fact that every time I quit blogging it's because I type up a phenomenal post ans it it somehow gets deleted before I can post it. That happened again earlier this week and it just so discouraging because I've drained the energy I felt toward the topic by writing it the first time and I know I won't be able to put it all back into words the same way again. 

Now that I've vented, let's move on. Last we we receive an email saying our school had finally been cleaned and we could get into our rooms to start working. I've said before, I'm the kid that can't wait to go back to school, so I've been waiting for this news. 

My mom had taken the week off to spend with me and for us to get stuff done. We were planning to sneak out of town Tuesday and Wednesday so we planned to work in my room Thursday. We went on our mini vacation and got stuck in what felt like a tropical storm.

Thursday morning we were exhausted and by the time we got to the school we only had a few hours before it would close. It didn't matter since the teacher who's moving out and into another room, hadn't moved anything out yet. I did measure the room and my bulletin board though and made a list of cleaning supplies I would need before coming back. 

Monday I headed back, and after talking with my principal decided it would be ok for me to take down posters and bulletin boards that were still up in my room. She had a lot of decorations so I started making my way around the room, then I took down the bulletin board. 

I bought felt for my bulletin board because it was cheap but I didn't take into consideration how much it stretches...after struggling, I finally go it put up. I'm hoping the crease will slowly smooth out. 

I probably should have measured and cut before I put it up, but it worked out...

Then I cleaned my sink and fixed where the edge of the counter had peeled away. Duck tape truly fixes everything :)

 

Yesterday I moved all my stuff down to my new room and stacked it to one side. Then I found out there's only been one other teacher working on there room - come on people, I can't be the only one excited to organize my room. Right?

Hope you're enjoying your break!

JoAnne

Summertime

Even as a kid, I was the one who almost dreaded summer break. I lived out of district and just didn't have the neighborhood friendships most people did so summer normally meant going months without hanging out with my friends. It's still very much like that, I don't get to see my work friends over the summer, and if I'm not careful it can become a very lonely, depressing time. So, while most of you are dragging your heels wishing summer would slow down, I secretly rejoiced when I saw back to school ads yesterday.

Don't get me wrong I like being able to take it easy, but I love a routine and summer break throws a big wrench in mine. 

One thing I've really come to appreciate about summer is the chance to spend time with my brother, sister-in-law and their kids. We only live about 8 miles from each other but the school year keeps us all so busy that it's sometimes hard to just spend time together. So far this summer we've taken a day trip to the beach, gone blueberry picking, and painted some pictures for my classroom. I have 4 nieces, ages 21,16, 12, and 9. I have two nephews Ages 8 and 3. And the newest addition to our family is my great nephew who just turned one. It's hard to find something they all enjoy but I seem to have hit on something last week with our art project. 

I had seen on Pinterest where an art teacher had students paint owls onto old encyclopedia pages and framed them. I really liked how each of the owls were different and thought this would be a great way for my family to contribute to my classroom decor.

I toyed with the idea of book pages but in the end, I just couldn't make myself destroy a book. So, I went to hobby lobby to stock up on scrapbook paper, I stuck mostly to 'paper' backgrounds, (maps, postcards, newspaper, dictionary, sheet music, etc.) except for the baby's I picked a baby blue and green background for him. 

They were given the option of sharpies or paints or both. Here's a picture of most of them - I was still waiting on two when I took this.

I LOVE how they turned out! I can't wait for the next project!

JoAnne