Today's Meet the Teacher

I'm linking up with the lovely ladies over at Blog Hoppin for Meet the Teacher day!  Teachers from all over the country are telling their story today.

I'm the brunette in the black and white dress.  This is a picture of my AMAZING team from last year!

Random Facts About Me:

• This is my 12th year teaching elementary school.
• I've taught grades 2-5 over the last 12 years.
• Favorite subject to teach:  Toss up between Reading/Writing/Social Studies
• I've taught in 4 different states: Alaska, Washington, Louisiana, and now South Carolina
• I've had only 2 male principals in my career.
• I'm currently teaching in a new school in my area.
• Favorite after school pick me up:  Chocolate or a Sweet Tea from McDonalds
• Morning Necessity:  COFFEE!!
• Time I wake up on a school day: 5:00 AM
• Time I arrive at school: 6:30 AM
• Time I leave school: Shooting for leaving by 5:30, but most of the time 6:00 find me still in the building
• Bedtime:  9:00 to read and lights out at 10:00.
• I have 23 students this year.  I've been blessed over my career - this is the most I've ever had.

Tools I Cannot Live Without:

• Promethean Board - However, it has not been installed in my new room and I am STRUGGLING!!
• Bright colored Dry Erase markers
• Sharpies
• Post It Notes
• Tervis Tumbler
• MUSIC
• Highlighters
• My Bell
• Students ready to learn!

First Day Facts

Yesterday was my first day in a new grade at a new school.  Overall it went great, but we do have a few kinks to work out before we get things down to a good routine.  Just thought I would share a few fun facts.

1.  Second graders are MUCH, MUCH smaller than 5th graders.
2.  Second graders LOVE to give hugs and hold their teacher's hand.
3.  Lots of second graders begin school missing their front teeth!
4.  School supplies are overwhelming to students and teachers!  I spent an hour and a half organizing them yesterday after school, but I am SO thankful to have them!
5.  Going up and down stairs 50 times a day will make me skinny by the end of the year - and not being able to eat my lunch completely will too!
6. Second grade has a hard time finishing lunch in the allotted time.
7. The things I plan for the first day always take double the time!
8. Excited to go back today!

Google Search Stories

The last few times I've gone to the movies I've been fascinated by the Google Search Stories that have played during the previews.  You know, the ones about dating, getting engaged, married, and then the baby.  Some have made me cry, others have made me laugh.  Well, I have discovered how to make them myself - and it is SO EASY!!! Here is my example.  

If you visit YouTube you will find lots of examples.  Click the "Create Your Own Story" button and you will be on your way.

How will I use this in my classroom:

1.  To introduce myself to my students and show how I spent my summer vacation.

2.  Have them create a search story about their own summer vacation.

2011-2012 Classroom

School doesn't start until Wednesday for us, but my room was ready for Meet the Teacher.  My school has a policy on our decor that has taken some getting used to, but I think I'm going to like it.  Only 10% of my decor can be store bought.  The focus is on student/teacher created displays.  So, everything you see, except for a few items, has been created over the summer.

View from the front door

Writing Board

Hall passes

Reading Nook - ignore the bins. They were there for supplies.

Writing Center

My promethean board has not been installed yet and there are a few things that I still need to do, but I am just about finished with the big things.