[teach] First Day of Kindergarten In The Books

I did it.

 [commemorative first day of school photo, at 6:55am no less... ignore the sleepy face]

First day of Kindergarten is complete! Well, we got out early today and will get out early tomorrow (1pm) so the first FULL day of school will be on Monday. My kiddos are so sweet! 21 is a big class but since I conquered 28 (ending with 26) kiddos last year, I feel like 21 is a breeze!

We worked on a few "first day of school" projects today, trying to get in the swing of "big kid" school. We read "The Kissing Hand" (of course!) and made kissing hands (handprint with heart: we traced their hands, I have learned my lesson in the past, but the kiddos colored them and I was impressed; we also discussed first day feelings). I found a Kissing Hand poem online (not sure of the author, I just Googled it) and we painted handprints to go with it- thank GOODNESS I have an aide to help me with my antics!

We also read another book called "My First Day of School" and drew pictures of ourselves on the first day. We read one more book as well (called "Kindergarten Rocks!") and colored a picture of a school [not pictured].

 
We discussed some procedures and routines (which will need LOTS OF PRACTICE forever and ever): tomorrow we will talk about our names and the alphabet. It is looking to be a great year in Kindergarten! Now... time to sleep (I already took a nap at 7pm, haha)

 "what love is this? that You sent Your Son for me? and made a way for me to know You? and I confess You're more than enough for me. You're all I need. Jesus, in Your suffering, You are reaching, You thought of me." -Kari Jobe

[teach] Kindergarten Classroom Photo Tour

Warning: photo overload!

It is complete! My classroom is all set up and ready for the children (well, the physical setting is all ready: need to finish lesson plans!) I'll let the photos speak for themselves: enjoy!

See my paper banner?

 

We have Jesus and God love all up in here because I work at a Catholic school :) Love it!

This is our Safe Place: each classroom has one (follows our classroom management program). When a student gets angry/sad/emotional, they go here to calm themselves and return to a state of safety.

 

Baskets to turn work in.

"We Care": for students who are sad, this bucket houses tissue, photos, blanket, teddy bear, etc. to make them feel better/ "Celebration": hats/wands/other celebratory garb for birthdays, lost tooth, new puppy, new baby, etc.

My teaching area

Our Wish Well: when a student is absent, their name goes in the middle of the heart and we "wish" them well! Basically sending a prayer out to them, sending good and happy thoughts their way!

I ordered these from Kasey at Doodle Bugs Paper: they are adorable, thank you Kasey!

Even Nate got in on the action since I'm too short: thanks hubby!

WHEW! Sorry for the picture overload. I like to share classroom photos because I always look for other classroom set-ups and layouts for inspiration. Maybe this will help another teacher with layout/decor/set-up ideas!

Happy Friday, wahoo! 

See where I link up: Monday Made it @ 4th Grade Frolics, Blog Hop @ Naptime Review, Tips & Tricks @ Stringtown Home, What I Whipped Up Wednesday @ Sugar and Dots, Craft-O-Manic Monday @ Craft-O-Manic, Link Party @ Uncommon, Whatever Goes Wednesday @ Someday Crafts, Show Me What Ya Got Linky Party @ Not JUST A Housewife, {Wow Me Wednesday} @ Ginger Snap Crafts, Link Party @ Destination: Craft, The Creative Spark @ Clean & Scentsible, Before & After Party @ Thrifty Decor Chick, Weekend Wrap-Up Party @ Tatertots and Jello, What I Wore Wednesday @ The Pleated Poppy