Setting Up My Classroom!

The past week has been just jam packed with teacher-y excitement. My time has been dominated by organization, posters, bulletin boards, and more organization. I am in heaven.

When I got to the school to get my keys, I was originally a little let down. My room is in the not-air-conditioned part of the building. It was dusty and dirty from sitting all summer. The amount of stuff I had to sort through seemed interminable.

But, by going in for a couple hours every day, or so, and taking the time, money (and, believe me there is lots of money involved), and effort necessary, I have turned it into a space that I not only like, but can see myself functioning in for an entire year. (And hopefully many to come?)

Want a tour?

The view from the door. Love that whole wall of windows!

¡Bienvenidos! Welcome! This table with hold the hall pass/signout sheet, and I will mark important dates on the calendar. The school mascot is the pirates, so they also make an appearance. You can see where I labeled the table in Spanish, and these labels are all over the room.

The right side of the room. I hate chalk and chalk boards, so I covered them. These boards aren't really useful anyways with the arrangement of the desks, so no worries there. 

Esta semana. This week. Here I'll post on Monday what we are doing in class everyday and what is for homework everyday so the students always no. No surprises = no excuses.

The left side. My desk, filing cabinets, more chalkboard covering.

Back corner. Home of the dictionaries and paper trays.

said paper trays. I'll keep all papers in here for a week and cycle them out the next week. No excuses for lost papers or missing work.

My desk with some OU relics and study abroad souvenirs.

The teacher's perspective from the front of the room. Really, the only thing I am still unhappy with is the desks in rows. I would prefer a double rainbow arrangement, but because my room is so square, I just don't have the space. Eh, gotta make do with what I have.

I like to have something at the front to lay papers on etc. The pencil holders will eventually hold popsicle sticks with all the kids' names on them, separated by period. I love having a randomizing system like this because it keeps me unbiased and keeps the kids on their toes. The jar will be filled eventually with candy- high schoolers need some motivators.

Now that I have the room more organized, I can start to feel how classes will flow in there. I am comfortable with it, and it feels like mine. Now, I just have to get the first batch of lessons underway, and I will be flying high.

Everyday next week, I have meetings, team buildings, new teacher orientations, and even an overnight staff retreat. I am excited to meet everyone and start becoming part of the community. But, I am a little anxious and nervous. This always comes with starting new, and this is a BIG new start. I know the best thing, and really the only option, is to jump in with both feet and hit the ground running! So, bring it on!

Here's to revving my engine and getting ready to knock this out of the park!

¡Salud!

~ Rach