The First Day of School

Today was a very successful and very smooth first day of school. I have only 14 in my class, which seems to be the perfect size for what I have planned this year. My wing of the building was remodeled this summer, so the walls have a fresh coat of paint, there are brand new lights in the ceiling, and I have rearranged all of the furniture in my room. I feel that it is completely mine with my own personal touches. In fact, I truly enjoy spending time in my classroom now. Here are a few of my favorite things in my room. I LOVE my Writing Corner. I teach Language(writing and grammar) and Science. This is the corner of my room where I will be giving my writing mini-lessons before independent writing time. The scraps of carpet are left over from a job that Michael's company recently completed, and a local flooring company donated small carpet squares for my other two classes that I rotate into. I am really looking forward to using this space.

I want my room to have a homey, comfortable feel so I've added some things like carpet and a small lamp that shines a soft glow in our writing corner. This is to nurture a safe writing community so my students will feel they have the freedom to write about anything they wish, whether it be real or imaginary.

These perky plants I got for $3 apiece, and I love the way they look on the bookshelf under my window. They are so happy, soaking up the sunshine and doing their photosynthesis thing, and they have no idea they're about to be destroyed by the hands of fourth graders performing science experiments. Poor, unfortunate little plants. I like them so much though, so I might replace them once they're gone.

This is my Peace Lily(yes, that is the actual name of the plant) that I brought to remind me that my room is to have a peaceful environment. And that starts with me. I have noticed that my classroom environment reflects how I act or feel. If I'm anxiously and hurriedly running through my lessons, my students are going to act that way too. If I'm stressed or unsure, my students will be that way too. I want to foster a positive, peaceful community in my classroom.

Lastly, my bookshelf with all the books I've hoarded over the past is under my bright, sunny window. There are numerous worlds and experiences for my students to discover within those pages. That is very exciting.

I forgot to snap a picture of my quote that I placed on my board this morning, but I think that it truly embodies the atmosphere that I want in my room and the truth I want my students to believe for the rest of the school year and their lives.

"Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it." ~Anne of Green Gables~