Still being a busy bee!

With just a week to go before the school term starts, my classroom is feeling more like my own. I spent the last 2 weeks of Ramadan in school all day, everyday and boy was it hard work but it is paying off! I was SO excited about preparing my classroom for my kiddies, honestly I've made so many trips to my local cash and carry shop, Wilkos, Ikea, The Works and also shopped online. I'm not going to lie but as an NQT I have spent quite a bit on resources, items and materials for my classroom. This is because my classroom was literally left empty when the previous teacher moved to her new classroom.

I was lucky enough to get my room deep cleaned first so I headed straight in to get on with making it more child friendly and inviting! I must have spent the first day moving furniture around, by the end of the day I was more or less satisfied with the layout (although I did recently move the children's trays to the side of the classroom).

From then on it was backing the displays walls, making and printing 'general' resources to display on the walls, labelling everything, sorting resources and coming up with new, innovative ideas. I have to say I was so pleased with what I had achieved by the end of the 2 weeks.

Because I am teaching Y1, we are going to trial out a new transition programme. In Reception the children had free-flow activities all day to experience the 6 areas of learning. However in Y1, it's important to ease the children into the 'sit-down' slowly and comfortably.

I was SO excited about transforming the usual boring 'Book Corner' into a reading area that was much more exciting and pleasurable for the children. I transformed a small area of the classroom into 'The Story Teller's Tent' and I can't tell you how excited I am about sitting in it with my children and reading stories at the end of the day.

I also have a open plan 'Writing Station' as well as a 'Pretend Play' area. These two areas are actually in progress at the moment. I was struggling how to incorporate them in my room, as I have a lot of standalone storage and by placing tables in those two areas really cramped my room so I decided to make them open plan.

I have a few photo's from my BB - I know not great quality but I kept on forgetting my camera on all the trips I made to school!

So check out my classroom ( there is still work to be done, e.g headings, vocabulary on walls, etc). Once it is all complete, I will post updated pics. Hope you like!

My Desk!

Children's Trays & Storage Boxes

Numeracy Area

The Story Tellers' Tent

Lots of peace and love,

Sarii xx

Busy Bee!

The holidays have been busy, with preparing things for my NEW classroom, fasting and watching the Olympics and even fitting in a bit of art!

Today's Olympics was amazing - I am in awe of three athletes in particular, Usain Bolt, Mo Farah and Tom Daly. They have shown sheer determination, dedication and passion for their sport and they are such amazing role models. Tom Daly at 18 to win a bronze medal is just terrific! I honestly think sportsmen and sportswomen are far better role models than 'celebrities'. I have to say I have been so proud of Team GB, absolutely amazing!

I spent half of the day on my 'business venture' which is still slowly progressing and I would really like to get it off the ground before I commence my full time job in September. It's just having the motivation and also my school preparation seems to be taking over. I finished off 4 handmade cards today and they're beautiful. I was thinking of possibly designing wedding invitations too but one step at a time and cards is my main focus at the moment. I want to create a large collection as the next time I will be able to make another bulk set will be next summer. ( I really wanted to post some pics but I can't find my camera cable anywhere and my BB camera official does not work!)

Earlier this week, I was stood in my classroom and was thinking how hard I've worked to get this far. It still feels surreal even though I am setting up my class, but I smiled to myself thinking, I'm a TEACHER and that I can't wait to meet my new class in September. Yes, it will be another intense year that I have to pass but it's always good to be positive and set yourself with great expectations.

Oh yes, I have started working out again, yes in Ramadan but obviously after Iftar! Week 1 has gone well, it's amazing how exercising can make you feel. I do an hour's exercise which consists of bellydancing/zumba and then abs and toning. I have lost a few pounds but I need to keep this up until I join a gym.

Tomorrow's plan is to ensure all my resources for my classroom are printed off and laminated as I need to put up everything my next Wed/Thurs as Eid is next weekend and I will be going home to celebrate with my family.

Talking about Eid, I'm not sure whether to apply henna. I've just been so busy!! I know iI need to take some time out from classroom prep as once school starts I won't have that sort of time...

Omg...before I go, (this is a little rant lol) I bought 'Froot Loops' here  which you usually can only purchase in the USA. I was looking forward at Suhoor/Sehri to eat them and to my disappointment they did NOT taste of Froot Loops - they weren't colourful or sweet :( Oh well, next time I'm in the USA I am going to stock up on them :) Rant over! Hehe


Okay I should go...deciding whether to sleep or work...Hmmmm

Peace, love and hugs,

Sarii xx