Spring Break At Last!

You would think that the fact that we had so many snow days & two hour delays, I wouldn't be as ready for Spring Break as I am...  But, then, maybe our crazy schedule we've had since Christmas vacation may be precisely the reason!  We had only two full five day weeks of school this quarter!  I am seriously over winter.  I am ready to put away my winter clothes and put on something bright and springy!

But, as this picture I took on the first day of spring, I'm not sure if Mother Nature is going to cooperate!

I snapped this picture of the parking lot outside of my classroom on Thursday.  Really, snow on the first day of spring...  Well, that's Indiana for you!

Before & After ~ I started cleaning & organizing the area behind my desk last week.  It was quite an undertaking to say the least!  I took the picture above mid redo & the one below last Saturday.  I don't usually go into school on weekends, but the mess got so big as I was working I needed some time without kids to finish it.  I think this new configuration will work.  I put the little bookshelf in the empty space next to my computer desk and moved my resource books there to free up the built in shelves so I could move the book bins down.  It is visually less cluttered.  I hope I can keep it neat & tidy!

I recently read this book to my Kinders.  It is a nice little book, but I didn't really think that it would have the impact that it did...

Inspired by Calendar, one of my little cuties decided to write his own story in his journal.  This was done completely on his own over about a week's time.  He wrote his story during Daily 5 and free choice center time.  Once he finished, he wanted to share his story with the class.  As you may guess, his story has inspired others to write their own versions of Calendar! 

Torn rainbows & pots of gold.

 

Click HERE to purchase

My new clip chart.  Yes, I know I'm late in the clip chart craze...  Most of the other teachers in my school use some sort of behavior chart that uses cards or a stoplight.  I had this chart in my TpT store in the fall, but didn't start using it until recently.  I have a little guy who needed the chance of redemption that this type of clip chart offers.  When he got on red (sometimes within 30 minutes of arrival) he pretty much acted red all day.  I really wanted him to know that he could turn things around with better choices.  I wish I had started this sooner!  Not only is my little "red guy" doing better with his behavior, but my whole group is really trying hard to get on pink.  Those who end the day on pink get to stick a diamond onto their clips!

If you haven't checked out my Trade & Grade post, hop over there now.  It includes a giveaway & links to some great freebies!

And, finally, check out my newest product for spring:

Click HERE to purchase.

Hmm. I think that was more than five things.  Oh, well, I'm still linking up with Doodle Bugs Five for Friday!