Under Construction

I finally hauled my lazy tuchus off the couch and into school to get some work done!

Part of my issue is that I'm SUCH a night owl-I am so much more awake and ready to work at night (all night, sometimes!), that I sleep through most of the morning. Like my Monday Made It's when they're posted at 4:30 or 5-I didn't wake up early, I just hadn't gone to sleep yet :)

Usually when I'm ready to work-school is closed :) (So, I work on school-related stuff instead!)

My original intent was to keep the same layout/format as last year.

But about midway through the summer, I changed my mind (an epiphany, brainstorm, etc), and was inspired by some older classroom reveals.


So! Onto the good stuff!

 This is what it looked like when I walked in this morning. There's a table on the tile that held boxes from my supply order.

After 4 1/2 hours...

Let's take a close look!

One of the major things I wanted to do was to move my library (and update the labels!). The library used to be along the chalkboard in the back.

Now...

I also pulled out the nonfiction books and have them on my shelves.

Plus, I did some major label work!

They weren't really falling off-they're only like that because I had to take them off to get at the sticker to put on the new labels!

It's much neater and more cohesive!

After I laminated them (and cut them out!), I just attached them to the baskets with hot glue. I'll be able to pull it off if needed. (Baskets are the $1 shoe containers-I just don't pick up the lids!)

Where my library was, I moved the table (that you couldn't see in the first picture) and put it against the chalkboard. It will be a writing/work area.

I have extra desks there-I have 20 desks, but right now I only have 16 students-so I'm putting the unused desks to work!

My reading group area stayed in the same area, although I reoriented it a bit.

This will also be a meeting-ish area, as well as book basket storage.

I also managed to put up the months for the birthday wall (doors!).

I still have more to do-it seems every time I turned around, I thought of another project or saw something else that I needed to do. Isn't that always the case?!

I'll continue to be under construction for the rest of this week-I hope to get it all done so I can really relax next week-my last week of summer!

Smiles and Sunshine,
Kaitlyn

Expectations

So I was thinking on the drive home today about the turn my life has taken. I'm finally living on my own, and although I sometimes feel lonely in a new place, I'm really enjoying myself (for the most part).

I'm LOVING my job, and I feel like this year is the easiest, unstressful (so far) year that I have ever had. That's not to say that I don't have some concerns here or there (one of which happened today, but I'll keep to myself, since it wouldn't be anything nice), but my kids have been great, I like the people I work with (again, for the most part), and I feel like things are running so smoothly.

I also feel like blogging (and stalking!) has taught me a lot about being a great teacher, as well as inspiring me to try things that I never would have thought of before. I've started creating a lot more of my own things when the books/organizers/curriculum aren't working for me or my kids.

I'm wondering what's next for me. I'm really hopeful that this is my home (although that could change once I have observations and get evaluations back!), but if it doesn't work out (knock on wood), I know I'll be okay. Everything happens for a reason, and I truly believe that I am meant to be at this school, with these kids, with these co-workers.

So that's my philosophical bent for today! Now onto OOTD! :)

Sweater: Gap Outlet
Pants: Kohls
Shoes: Target


Have a happy Friday!
(only 3 more days of testing!)



Smiles and Sunshine,
Kaitlyn

Thoughts

Hi Peeps!

I've been moved into my new apartment for about a week now, but I'm still only a quarter/third of the way unpacked. Mostly because I'm lazy I don't have storage or furniture to put stuff in.

After I moved, I was plagued with doubts (especially since my neighbor somewhat gleefully (at least to my mind) informed me that my pipes freeze in the winter, the last tenant paid almost $2,000 for heat last winter, and while the landlord was a really nice guy, he was lazy about the upkeep and fixing things-case in point, I'm missing a knob on a kitchen drawer, and the walls were supposed to be fixed (as in mudded, taped and repainted in the damaged areas) and were not (I took pictures so I will hopefully get my security deposit back).

After thinking about it, I realized...I really miss my hometown. And although it's an hour commute each way to my job (if I have it next year), I'm seriously considering moving back there next summer. This area is nice, but small. I went from living in the second biggest city in the state (with a population of almost 100,000, two Targets, two Staples, countless grocery stores and a mall...and cable tv/internet!) to a small town of just over 2,000. It's also about 15-20 minutes away from a Target, Staples, and grocery stores (with satellite tv that sometimes disappears when it rains). The only good thing about it is that it's 20 minutes from work.

I totally don't mind living on my own, but I think I like having the city and the hustle and bustle of people/things near me (even though I'm an introvert and basically stay in my apartment the whole time :) It'll will be something for me to seriously think about next spring.

I totally meant to go into the classroom today to start setting up, but I overslept and turned off the alarm took advantage of a rainy day to stay and snuggle in bed. I'll definitely have to go in (most of) next week to start setting up and getting ready. I have to go back on the 24th, but the kids don't start until the 30th, and since all those days are staff development, I really want to be set up before then.
 
Tonya's Treats for Teachers is having a flash giveway before the big TPT sale this weekend.

  She is also planning a 500 follower giveaway...and she's almost there! You need to check her out, she is one of my favorite bloggers and has awesome task cards in her store (as well as cool freebies!). New followers can get their choice of her Listening Center Task Cards or her Writing Center Task Cards. Go follow!!

Smiles and Sunshine,
Kaitlyn