Setting up my class

This is a real challenge! I have been into my class and after much deliberation my sister and I set up my classroom, but... I am not really pleased. I thought I was, but now that I have had time to think about it, I'm not convinced. I have 27 students this year which is 4 more than last year and those extra 4 desks make quite a difference! I have a gathering area set up and have my library seperate but now think they will have to be combined. I really need to feel that I have "space" and at this point I don't feel like I have it. I guess another trip in to rearrange is called for. (don't tell my sister!)

Summer Reading

As I said I like to read and find new ideas in the summer. I read a book called, "The Complete Year in Reading and Writing in Grade One". I love it! It lays the whole year out for you with lessons for each day. I have been buying some of the anchor books they suggest and I love them. I get so excited buying new books for my classroom. Has anyone else used this book? If so what are your thoughts on it?

Summer Preparation

Summer is always a time I like to come up with new ideas, read, and reinvent myself. I always get so excited about a new year. I am working on math baskets this summer. I want them to be independently used and to work as practice for concepts that we cover. I plan to introduce them one by one as a warm up activity and use them a few times as a class before they are available as a basket for them to use on their own. This won't be a whole class thing. I am thinking they will be useful when I want to reteach something to a group and I need something for the rest of the students to do. I got the greatest little baskets at the dollar store and have them labeled so they will know if the activity is for one or two people. Does anyone one out there have some ideas for some of my baskets?