First Days of School

I can not even express how excited I am about this school year.  I have the sweetest group of kiddos this year and the lowest number that I have EVER had since I have been teaching (16).  Here is a little recap of how we started off our school year and some of the first activities that we did (and why).

We started our first day with the book First Day Jitters and we drank Jitter Juice (from the lovely Abbie Mullins from  The Inspired Apple).

I also introduced our rules and procedures for our class.  One of my favorite ways to do this is using Mr. Potato Head.  I put all of the pieces in my "mystery bag" and we build Mr. Potato Head together as we talk about what it means to be a good listener.  This good listener chart is from the fabulous Deanna Jump's All Set? You Bet! unit.

We then read David Goes to School.  For the last couple of years I have used the David books to introduce how to be a peacemaker.  Our course these books are precious but they also create great discussions about making good choices.  We also make these CUTE David's (you can find them Here in Julie Lee's store).

Finally, we read The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn.  If you have never read this book it is absolutely PRECIOUS and a great way to ease those first few days of nerves.  After reading the book we make these darling Chester Racoon's.  This is a collaborative project that Julie and I worked on.  You can find it in her store HERE.  

You might be wondering what in the world is the point in making all of these crafts...is it just because they are cute?  Well, YES they are adorable, but NO that is not the only reason we make them.  ;)  Both of these crafts are pre-cut so the main point in these activities is to see who can follow directions.  We do them whole group so it gives me a good idea of who can do what as far as listening, following directions, using glue, etc.  :)

And last but no least...we danced out booties off this week.  You can't start the school year off without singing the Tooty Ta like 50 times right?!?  :)

Hope you enjoyed this rather lenghty post.  Stay tuned for my classroom reveal.  It's coming up soon with a few new ideas and pointers.  :)