Big Sale! Back to School Expo!

Don't miss this huge event!

For a $10 contribution you get the following:

• A ticket to the event ($19.95 value)

• 30% discount on hundreds of items

• Well over $100 worth of items in the Goodie Bag

• Two teachers will get tickets to the event for free

Visit my shop The 2nd Grade Spot to see my products at 30% off and get my Dr. Seuss Inspired Sub Binder in your goodie bag!

Here is a link to the campaign:

http://www.indiegogo.com/virtual-teaching-expo?a=725531 

Here is a link to the VTE Back To School page:

http://virtualteachingexpo.com/bts.php

Truffula Trees

This year I added truffula trees to my Dr. Seuss themed classroom. Here is a great site with easy directions for how to make truffula trees.

Source: survivingateacherssalary.com via Meredith on Pinterest

New Reading Series Means New Classroom Website......

This year our district adopted the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Series, Journeys. I think it will be a great new program, however, all of those resources for the Houghton Mifflin Series I used in the past won't be used as much now. If you use the Houghton Mifflin series with Theme 1: Silly Stories, Theme 2: Nature Walk, etc. check out my old classroom website. There are a ton of resources I created or found on Lynn Cabibi's website (it's great if you haven't used it!)

www.mssmiths2ndgradeclassroom.weebly.com

You can also check out my new classroom website. It has lots of games and classroom information. It's newly formed so there's not a ton of stuff......yet :)

www.2ndgradewildcats.weebly.com

Dr. Seuss Back to School Forms

Check out my Dr. Seuss Inspired Back to School Forms at www.teacherspayteachers.com
Here is a variety of back to school and year round newsletters, awards, checklists, and more! The packet is inspired by the colors of Dr. Seuss and perfect for any K-5 classroom. The packet consists of:

• 10 newsletter templates
• Name tag template
• Volunteer sign up sheet
• Student transportation form
• Award templates for attendance, character, and academic successes
• Class List for Outside of Classroom
• Checklist Form to keep track of homework, returned permission slips, etc.
• Plus more!
All of the documents were created in Microsoft Word and are easy to modify for your classroom needs. The file is saved as a zip file.

New Table

I have this small table I use as my desk. The trouble was it had been scratched, chipped, colored on, etc. I wish I had taken a before picture. An easy fix was my new favorite thing, contact paper! I found this green floral contact paper at the dollar tree. One roll only $1! They have lots of colors and patterns to choose from.

Classroom Set Up

I think I'm close to having my room finished. Take a look.......

My Calendar Area: I've gone with a Dr. Seuss theme for my classroom this year. Check my freebies page to download a copy of our Number of the Day poster. I had it enlarged and laminated.

I can't take credit for this display. I saw one similar on Beth's Newingham's Website (It's great! Click the link below to check it out). As we read books throughout the year I will have students mark on the maps places the characters have been. A great way to integrate geography and reading!

Beth's Site

Photos From Our Library Area

Fab Find! I found this stand below at a flea market for $5. I spray painted it red for the classroom and it's great for my books that are too big for the buckets!

This year I really want to work on expanding my student's vocabulary. In addition to our word wall, I've also created a vocabulary wall to display the words we work on each week.

Every year I find myself thinking of new classroom management strategies. On this bulletin board I plan to take pictures of my students when they are making good choices and then display their picture and the good choice they made around it.

Classroom Website

My Classroom Website

Last year I began a classroom website to communicate with parents and provide my students with more opportunities to practice skills we worked on in class while at home.

On the website are many links for parents as well as games, videos, and activities that align with our 2nd grade curriculum. Visit my site, lots of great links if you have a computer station in your classroom.

www.2ndgradewildcats.weebly.com

The Countdown Begins......

There's less than one week til the start of a brand new school year. My room is still a work in progress, but close to being done :). Our school does a Meet the Teacher gathering the night before school starts. It's a chance for the kids to bring their supplies and meet their teacher the day before school starts. Here's a parent questionnaire I use to get to know the kids and their families better.If you have trouble downloading any documents you may need a SCRIBD account. It's easy to sign up and free!

Click Here to Download the File, Feel Free to Make Any Changes For Your Classroom

I also have a sheet of directions for parents when they come into the classroom. This way I have a chance to talk with each of the families, instead of showing everyone where the school supplies go.

Directions for School Supplies