I'm Alive!

I just wanted to touch base and let all know that I survived my first week of school. It has been a long, overwhelming, exhausting, frustrating and exciting week.

"Jungle Bucks"

I made these for my classroom to go with my jungle theme. :)

I am not sure how they will be earned or what they will be able to "buy" with them but I am going to shoot for more non-material objects, like extra time on the computer, lunch with the teacher, sit at the teacher's desk, etc. I may do a few small items like pencils and erasers but I am not going to do the typical "treasure box." I just don't want to bribe kids with toys. With the pencils, it will teach them to be responsible because I will make them "buy" one if they do not come prepared.

So far I have made them in $1, $5 and $10 bills. I also have $20, $50 and $100 that still need to be printed. Since I am going to be a math teacher and all, they will be able to practice trading smaller bills for larger bills.

Got MY keys!!!

This morning I went to the school and picked up MY keys to MY classroom. :)  It is all so real now!!

Since I can lock my door now, I went ahead and took some things up there since it was early and I was able to leave the kids at home asleep. I figured it would be easier to carry things without having to worry about them running off.

Unfortunately, the teacher's desks, chairs and small cabinets were all in boxes and needed to be put together. However, there were sooo many parents there helping getting things set up. It is exciting to see that there is going to be a lot of parent involvement.

While I was there, I got my desk put together and was able, with some parents, to get my student desks and chairs put in my classroom. I was glad I was able to get the desks set up because I was able to see how much "extra" space I will have. Now I know what things I can and cannot bring.

Standing at the door....

My board will be going on that orange wall.

I have my ESL (English as a second language) certification exam on Monday so I am hoping I can get back in there on Tuesday. :)

Today I got to see MY classroom!!

Below are pictures around the room...

Starting with... walking through the door... (windows on the opposite side.)

 The wall on the side of the door.

 The wall on the left.

 The wall on the right.

 Looking at the door.

I am so excited to start moving in!!  There will eventually be a board and furniture but they haven't been put in yet.