Monday Made It!

Happy Monday!

Today I'm linking up with 4th Grade Frolics for...

I just finished reading  A Teeny Tiny Teacher and can't stop laughing. Stop by for a good laugh. Yes, I'm guilty. I shop like crazy before school starts for school stuff then hide it and act like it's been in my possession forever. Oh, and let's not forget the new outfit, bag, shoes etc... that I must have before school starts. 

On a recent trip to my fave Target, I demonstrated SELF-CONTROL and did not buy the pretty aqua crates that match my room PERFECTLY. I told my friend NO, I can't do it. Well you know I went home thinking about those crates. 

I did need a storage solution for all of my TPT resources, so I made it. Yes I did and so can you. 

Super EASY Pretty, Retro, Fun, Hip Storage Boxes

I had 4 nice sturdy copy paper boxes (remember I moved classrooms this summer). 
I bought pretty aqua duct tape (2 rolls) and already had 4 rolls of beautiful aqua chevron shelf liner. Yes, I had those rolls for about 3 years. So you see Mr. Hubby I did need them and I used them. 

Here is the final product, my new storage boxes. I LOVE them.

Here are all of my TPT resources nicely organized. I now have a math, word work, themes and ESL box. I used recycled file folders for dividers  and each packet is in its own baggie. 

Freebie Friday with Teaching Blog Addict

Hey there, 

Happy Friday and the 1 week countdown begins. Here's a freebie if you are looking for visuals to help your students work independently after you have modeled an activity. 

All you need to do is print, laminate and I put magnets on the back of each card. After modeling activity I post the cards on the white board. EASY!

Visual Directions Freebie

Friday What?

I love to teach writing. During a formal observation one day a student said, " I love writing!" Unprompted of course : ) it made me feel great. Sometimes I'll take a step back and observe students writing, thinking, sharing and it just gives me goosebumps. 

See File Folders on the right in black box.

Tools, tools, tools are key to helping all students feel successful when they write. Large, primary dictionaries can be over-whelming for young students and second language learners. So I have been using my desk to desk file folder word walls for many years. Students pick them up in the writing center and use them at their desks. Each file folder is a theme: Fall, Halloween etc... They love it and it builds writing independence. 

My freebie today for my blog friends are visual direction cards. These are easy to use and make. I use them while giving directions (especially for all of those fun craftivities we make). After giving directions I hang them on the whiteboard for students to refer to during the craft. 

Visit my TPT store for this FREEBIE and file folders. Come back for more visual materials to support all students in your classroom from K-2 and second language learners. 

Happy weekend! Link Up to the Friday What Blog Hop!

Friday What Blog Hop

Thursday When? Blog Hoppin' Link Up

Our first day is coming quickly. Any one out there having nightmares. I have a friend who was chased by a lion in her dreams. None for me yet just a mile long list of to do that is giving me anxiety. I also just received my schedule (well part of it) so I can't let you peek into my day. But...

This year I needed a new book to hook my second graders into the first day and squash the end of summer blues. This book is super cute an is on its way to me now. 

We will read the book and write why they think this will be the best year. The book mentions some really silly things like I hope I remember my homework etc... 

This School Year Will Be The Best Amazon

What are you doing? Stop by tomorrow for a cool freebie. 

Thursday When Link Up

Tuesday Where? Teacher Link Up

Where Oh Where will you find Ms. Rivera this year...

2nd GRADE

Yes, I moved on up after 12 years in First grade. I'm so glad I had a chance to see my first class graduate while in this school district. But I'm so excited to get started with my new Seconds. I have been unpacking and getting ready. This is what I have done so far. 

Notice my fave, fave color is turquoise. It reminds me of the ocean I love so much. So I went with a more mature look for my 2nd graders: turquoise, white and black. We are going to be Second grade Super Sleuths and start the year as detectives to learning and exploring. 

Meeting / Mini-Lesson Area

The pretty chevron paper is drawer liner. LOVE! Great way to cover unused blackboard space.

Writing Center

In the little basket on the right you will find my portable Word Wall File Folders. 

Great start to dictionary skills and independence. Anchor charts are laminated and ready to fill in with kiddos.

Reading and Word Wall

Loving My Cozy Listening Center Space

The rug is from Homegoods and Crates from Target.

New Math Center

My Little Workspace

Still have a few more things to do... 2 more weeks (yikes)

Your turn, show us where you are!

Tuesday Where Teacher Link Up