Writing Center and a Freebie!

My students this year will do a lot of prewriting, copying of model writing, and creating rough drafts in their personal journals.  When it is time to publish, they will take advantage of the "writing center" space.  Behind my desk is a large space with a privacy desk.  Next to the desk is my center.  It is a 10 drawer cart on wheels.  I labeled each drawer with a different title.  I based these on the materials I have available and the tools/papers I thought my 2nd graders would like to use.  One drawer is writing utensils. Another has tools like staplers, hole punches, and tape.  There is a drawer where I will keep prewriting sheets we have learned to complete.  The 7 drawers beyond that are filled with different types of paper.  I have write/draw, notebook, primary writing, stationary, cards/postcards, and colored paper. I have blank copy paper stored in another area if the students wish to use that. I hope when I introduce this area, that the students get excited to choose the way they wish to publish!  

On the top of the cart, I bought a metal dish rack to store the students' folders. Each folder is numbered to match my student numbers.  Inside they will story their finished writing pieces.  I used the silverware cup to become my "Colorful pens for colorful words" container.  I would love to take credit for the use of the dish rack and pens, but I found both in the fabulous world of pinterest!

Writing Center Drawer Labels

Meet the Teacher Night ~ Success!

~ The Giving Tree ~

Last week was our "Meet the Teacher" night.  It was a great success!  I had so much fun preparing for the parents and then meeting everyone! I had 21 out of 24 families show up!  That was tremendous.  I had a very calm atmosphere with me spending most of my time greeting people at the door.  They wandered the room, watched a PowerPoint slideshow about me, my family, and highlights from last year. I had donation "wish list" items hanging on a "giving tree" in the hall.

~ Filled Treasure Box ~

I had prepared a packet for each child with his/her name on the top.  Any leftover packets told me who did not show up.  No sign in sheet needed!  Why hadn't I ever done that before? Genius! In each packet was a slip for emails, how the child got home on the first day, a volunteer form, free and reduced lunch information, book order forms, and our team bio sheet.  I laid them all on one table spread out so that the parents didn't think they had to sit down for a presentation.  It was very informal and I did not have a speech!  On the top of each packet I placed a pen.  I bought cheap pens (12 in a pack for $1.00). Then I printed a set of labels with our Sparky mascot and another set of labels that had "We've got the 'write' stuff for a fabulous year".  It also had my email and our class webpage.  I actually had printed too many of the mascot labels, so I was able to put them on kids as they walked through my door.  They thought it was very cool and I was able to keep track of who I already greeted! Another genius moment!