The First Days of School 2013-14

We are off to a great start in Mrs. Nelson's first grade classroom!  It has been very warm in our classroom, but we are managing with many trips to the water fountain and some icy cold popcicles!
Backpack night was fun as I got to meet parents and siblings as the families helped bring in supplies for their special first grader. There are 20 students in our room made up of 11 boys and 9 girls.

The first few days were filled with activities to help my kiddos get acquainted with one another and learn how to work with a partner.  Of course, we reviewed our school's PBIS expectations.  I was so proud of my "firsties" as they exhibited wonderful behavior and could recite most of the rules. We use Class Dojo, an online classroom management tool, and the boys and girls were very excited to see their own special "avatar."  Even though we have only used it a couple of days, the kiddos are already setting class and personal goals, as well as, looking forward to seeing the results at the end of each day.

I am very excited at the prospects for each and everyone of my special first graders.  I know it is going to be a wonderful year filled with lots of fun, learning, and growth for each child.

Here is a peek into our first few days:

Free digital slideshow personalized with Smilebox

Our Room is Ready!

Here is our room all ready for students and their parents to come and check it out on "Backpack Night."  The following pictures were taken right before the room began to buzz with the excitement of students and parents as they brought supplies and looked around the school.

  This picture was taken from the teacher desk area.

  Students meet on the carpet here for lessons, stories, and activities on the Smartboard.

This is our "Wonder Center" where students can investigate books and nature objects.

Here you see our leveled books for self-selected reading.

This is my "teacher" area.

Our Word Wall will be built on these cabinet doors.

A view from the back of the room as you enter through the door.

This is the Listening Center where students listen to books on tapes and CD's.