Just a Pinning

I have still been quite behind due to my son being sick. We've had blood work, Xrays and more for the past week and are hoping to come to some conclusion today.

I haven't been real productive, and I sure haven't blogged but over the past few weeks after finding out I was going to be teaching this year I've done quite a bit of pinning. I got a lot of great ideas for organizing and decorating my classroom.

Here are some of my favorites:

I am definitely doing this for organizing my files.

I did something similar to this for my desk. I covered mine in black fabric and cut out hot pink, orange, blue and yellow dots and put on it.

I made this for my classroom:

I'm sure there is more but that's my favorite things so far. Comment with a link to your Pinterest below.

Here's mine: http://pinterest.com/alyssaavant/

I May Have Missed My Calling?

As a new teacher, I have been excited to explore all the cute teacher blogs on the web. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find any teachers who blog that teach the grades I'm teaching - 7th and 8th. All the cute blogs are written by teachers who teacher K - 6th. I love their spunk, creativity and their CLASSROOMS! The themes are adorable.

A couple days ago I was talking with the teacher who has been giving me information from the school and she mentioned some posters she had that I could have. She said, "We don't have to do a theme or anything like elementary, but you'll want to make it colorful and fun." I thought, "Can I NOT do a theme?"

I finally got to go into my classroom today. I definitely want to add some pizzazz to the white walls. I am excited to get started. I still hope to get the key to my classroom tomorrow so that I can come and go as I please to get started.

I'm going to be using owls and polka dots in my room. I'm not sure if that's a theme or not, I wonder if I should have been an elementary teacher . . . just kidding! I know I love the subjects I am teaching and the age as well.

A Happy for ME?

This weekend we had a Back to School Water slide party at our home for our church family. The kids had a blast. One of my friends from church who is also a Junior High English teacher came bearing a happy for me!

I was thrilled. She also helped me sort through the materials I have for school and gave me a few pointers.

Here is my happy:

I've warned my kids not to get into my new school items. I've told them I'm not opening it until I'm alone in my room at school.

Owl Be Ready

So school doesn't start until August 9th, though teachers have to report on the 7th. I'm already preparing and for me this means starting with a plan, which requires a "planner". I love to plan. I wanted my planner to be functional and fun. I also began to create a little fun things for the classroom, I hope 7th and 8th graders still appreciate a little colorful and fun touches.

Here's my planner cover:

And the inside:

And the Welcome Sign I hope to use on my door:

I found all these resources at Teachers Pay Teachers, an amazing website I have fallen in love with already. I have a ton of items in my Wishlist there for later in the year.

Since my planner is almost complete my next task will be planning the classes. I have 2 books that the 7th and 8th graders read for summer reading. Plus I have to develop lessons and assignments for Creative Writing and Bible.

I almost feel like 3 weeks isn't enough time to get all of this done.