GIVEAWAY Winner and Classroom Tour!

We did it!  We officially hit 25 followers!  Now I know all you other cool bloggers out there use number random generators, but I went with a tool that can be used in the classroom too!  (Mostly because it has a great cheering noise in the background, which really got me PUMPED UP to announce the winner!) SO..our winner is....

 

AMY!! Send me a quick email Amy to claim your winnings!! :)

Teaching Blog Addict is holding a Classroom Photos Linky Party! Click to visit!

It's getting close to crunch time and we start back in 7 (very short) days!  On the bright side, I think my classroom is FINALLY done, so now I can focus on the more important project of planning lessons and learning the new curriculum! 

As you enter our classroom (and turn slightly to the left) you'll see this!

 And if you turn slightly to the right instead...

 Here's our Behavior Clip Chart that I use for behavior management!

 This is what I basically see all day!  (Minus my kiddos' bright, smiling faces, of course!)

Here's the view of the front our classroom!

 In the back, by the cubbies, there's this area!  D.O.T. Binders get handed in on Friday in the crate on the left, Writers' notebooks get kept in the crate on the right, and the student mailboxes are down below.  This is where I store their graded work and papers to place in their Friday Folders.

 The side wall---a little different from the preview you saw a week or so ago!

 Here are the students' cubbies and our small group table.

A view of lots of stuff: The Homework Hangout, our Great Work Wall, our library, Specials schedule, Reminders board, and student work area!

For more detailed photos and descriptions, check out Caffeinated Conclusions on Facebook! 

Now because you were all such GOOD sports during the giveaway, I figured everyone could use a little somethin' somethin'. Here's a sign that I put in my classroom that I just love and many have requested!

Download and do with it what you wish! :) Thanks for stopping in!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

So the ALL-TOO-FABULOUS Clutter-Free Classroom is hosting a Back-to-School Linky Party!  I love the topic so OF COURSE I have to join in!

 The beginning of the school year is indeed an exciting one for many of us (parents, teachers, and children alike). Here's why I personally LOVE the Back to School season:

1. Everything is so new and clean! The colors are brighter, the table tops are clear and the students' desks look immaculate.  Nothing is broken, smeared, smelly, sticky, greasy, or smudged.  
2. I have an excuse to drink massive amounts of coffee! 
3. I still look GREAT during the first two days of school.  I'm still rested, my eyes and clothes are bagless, and my clothes still fit!  I even still have the ambition to walk around in heels!
4. I get to see my FABULOUS coworkers on a daily basis! 
5. And last, but CERTAINLY not least...The hope and promise of a year of excellence is still in full swing! I will never ONCE feel exhausted or unmotivated this year! I will meet every need, entertain while simultaneously motivating my students to change the world, and every student will master every skill because I will have the time and resources to offer them the support they deserve. I will do this all while serving on multiple committees, helping other teachers, blogging daily, and smiling and laughing often!! And I will most certainly never forget that my job is important and that I love it so.

(Hey, no one ever said our "like" list had to be rational!!)

 Venture on over to the Linky Party to see what other teachers love about this time of year! :)