Trying again!

Again the ADD has taken over!  

I am having a very hard time keeping up with this blog!  But now that I have my lesson plans organized (I hope!) I may have time for this!  I just came across an awesome blog that is celebrating a 1 year anniversary (or blogiversary).  Check it out - amazing ideas and tips.  Looks like I will be spending the rest of the night checking this out!

I love this button -  need to find out how make one of these!!!!

Amazed!

How Did This Happen?

My desk Monday Morning!

My Desk Friday Morning!

I truly have no idea how I was able to organize (and see my desk!)  When my students walked in - all 22 stopped at my desk and just stared!  We were all amazed at the clean sight of my desk! They asked how I did it and I had no answer!  I'm just as shocked as they are!

I am loving this slow process of 

The Clutter-Free Classroom Project!

Thank you Jodi!

You can be Clutter-Free by following this link!

Clutter-Free week 2

This past Friday's assignment from Clutter-Free Classroom was to make a Plan. That's funny!  I'm ADD -what's a plan?  Aren't we suppose to jump right into projects head first and think later?  Well I'll try it this way and see what happens.  I do have to say it is getting me more excited about purging. If I had jumped right in I would have quit by now and nothing would have been accomplished.

This is the hard part for me. I have always kept things thinking I would someday use it!  I love crafts – I have many crafts!  I love sewing – I have tons of materials.  I love scrap-booking – I have way too much supplies!  Get the picture?  I see things and think OHH I can use that for … and it never gets used! 

So here goes:

1. If it doesn’t pertain to 2^nd grade – get rid of it!

2. If I have it on my laptop – get rid of it! I can print when I need it.  Hmm – but then I have to organize my laptop files. (DEEP SIGH!)

3. I will use binders to organize my papers. Fortunately another teacher’s husband had donated boxes and boxes of binders!!

4. Take care of papers as I use them. This is one area I started with this week.  With great results! 

5. Keep one copy only!  I have been turning extra papers into scrap paper for the students to color and draw on during free time.   I have also started cutting the papers in half and using as writing plan sheets! This has been a great recycle! I just need to be careful what is on the backs in case they go home!

6. Extras or items I don’t use will be going to the 3 (yes 3) student teachers that will be joining my team in a week. They will be thrilled to start their careers with valuable material!

This is all I can think of for now – I’m sure more will come as I start the purging phase this week! 

BRING IT ON!

2nd Week - more mishaps

The 2nd week of my journey went much smoother than the first. Except for a few mishaps that are normal to MY 2nd grade class.  

The pencil sharpener was being a little funky - or was it the person working the sharpener.

At the same time other students were doing their library job of putting books away and tidying up.  Why does all of this happen at once!?! A whole book bin fell spreading books all over. Definitely need to rearrange  - so these things don't happen!

But I LOVE MY CLASS!  They are just like me!

New Year's Resolution!

Here it goes - 

I'm sure you can guess what it might be ...

My New Year's Resolution is to become organized!  

At home and in school!

I was frustrated that other teachers were leaving school "HOURS" before I was ready and taking NOTHING home!  I don't mind not taking things home - I just want to leave at 4:00 like everyone else!  So organization is in order.

I have been following blogs for about 8 months now - I came across "The Clutter Free Classroom Blog" and fell in love!  If you don't know what I'm talking about check it out 

She has started this amazing journey for all teachers to take -  FREE OF  CHARGE!!!!!

THANK YOU JODI!

Every week she will guide us through the process of "decluttering" and STAYING clutter-free!  I am so excited that I decided to start this blog about my journey!  I promise it to be an entertaining read!