Welcome to a new school year! 2016/17

                                         Getting ready!

Welcome :)
I have been busy setting up the classroom for another school year. 
Each child has their own desk (with an inside to place our belongings). I've put the desk groups in 4 to start the year. Later, we will decide together on good working groups and make changes so students can make and meet new friends throughout the year. 

You can see our class Smartboard with the overhead mounted projector! Florence Meares P.S. has access to chromebooks and I often use the Smartboard to teach technology skills as students follow along. 

Our carpet area where I teach focus lessons is along the window side of the classroom this year. As well the talking word wall (smartpen activated) is near for our use when reading.  

This is the view from the window of the classroom. Normally, during school hours the field is full of children at play :)

My desk area in an unusually clean moment. The blue table is a guided reading table where I can work with students on developing reading skills. 

Book area! I buy a lot of books for my classroom...what can I say...

ROUTINES
Starting a new routine is exciting! Some students find it helpful to know what will happen ahead of time. Here are some items you can 'rehearse' with your child.

First day: Students and parents will find their teacher (me) on the blacktop. It's a busy time. I will ask you how your child will be going home (bus, pick up, after school care etc.).  If it is raining the grades 1 and 2 will meet in the small gym. Students will have to wait a few minutes as we gather students and make sure they are in the correct lines.

We will go to our upstairs classroom and find our lockers. I will have them already labelled with each name. No one has to share, each child gets their own locker. Students can put away coats, backpacks and lunches.

Students will then enter the classroom and find their labelled desk. 

We will do some 'get to know you' activities and meet teachers who will be working with our class. Mr Cann will be teaching my class science, three times a week and Mrs Mucaj will teach French on Fridays. Mrs Kirk will be covering music on Wednesday. We will be sharing Gym classes with Mrs. Lee's class. This is a great opportunity to see our friends! 

What to bring! Please don't spend a lot of money on school supplies! Some students like to have their own items or special things which is great. Please label items! It really helps. 
Many items are provided by the school and please don't worry if you haven't picked anything up yet. 
Here is a list of suggested items:
- glue stick
-running shoes to keep at school for gym
-skinny markers (optional, I always have crayons)
-pencil crayons (with a small sharpener or pre-sharpened)(optional but some students are ready to do more detailed work)
-labelled pencil case
**Consider providing extra socks or pants in a labelled bag to keep in your child's locker. It saves me having to call home if your child finds a mud puddle :)
**Primary students do not use locks on their locker. We will provide a 'Carabiner' to keep the locker closed. 

The school will provide you with an agenda for the year. This is a great way to communicate with me. I look forward to meeting everyone. I hope you find this blog helpful!
Enjoy the rest of the long weekend and see you Wednesday :)