This is our first and maybe last post in August! I don’t know how other teachers do it- start the school year AND post regularly on their blogs?

I’ve been back at school for almost 3 weeks now, and to be honest, I almost forgot we had this blog!

This school year I am going full force into implementing Whole Brain Teaching, Daily 5/CAFE, and our new district-wide writing program, Being a Writer. Call me crazy!  But now that school is calming down a bit, you will see more of us!

Back in July I shared my western-themed classroom. Today I’m going to share with you some non-western themed close-ups from my classroom that assist in keeping our classroom organized and managed.

First up! My voice levels chart. I slightly modified this chart I got from The Kinder Kid.

Also on my white cream board is these signs: Chips and Salsa!

When I made my name tags, I put a hundreds chart on each one. The hundreds chart on each name tag is either green, blue, red or yellow. In each group of four desks there is one of each color. Reds sit with greens, and yellows sit with blues. Also reds sit across from blues and yellows across from greens. That way whether the students are using their shoulder partner or their face partner, one is a chip and one is salsa. That way I can say things like, “Salsa share first,” or “Chips share first.” This sign just helps remind them who is who. I can also write on the board beside each sign the role for each partner, for more extensive activities.

Something new to my classroom are these recycle bins. Our school has  recycle bins behind it, but I’m always to busy lazy to go everyday. Before, I just shoved the cardboard and water bottles to recycle into my cabinets. Now I have a designated spot!

If you like this idea and want your own signs, you can download these for free at my Teachers Pay Teachers store.

Sitting on top of these bins is my book hospital and missing parts container.

These are ice buckets from Wal-Mart. It sure is nice to have a place for damaged books instead of them piling up behind my desk like before!

Until next time!