2. How will the students turn in homework and other materials every day?

Question 2 is about homework and materials that need turned in!

Ok, here is what I am thinking.  I am going to be using a BEE book.  It's an idea shared with me by my daughter's former teacher and one my son used this last school year.  It's basically a binder they take home that has a pencil pouch where they can send in money, a folder for homework, and of course three rings to fasten in those agendas!  Here is its cover:

Also, here's a great link that describes using the BEE book:

The BEE binder, rules for use and more!

Oh, and I do a classroom blog for my parents.  This would also be a great link so that they are aware of what the rules and expectations are for the binder.

Here is another great link about the binder:
Inside the BEE binder

I will use these by giving each student a number, clearly printed on their BEE binder and then associated with a mailbox spot. It will be an easy way for me to stay organized (cross your fingers) by handing out homework directly to their spot in the mailbox and later popping the papers right into the organizer.  The children will be able to get their binder when they get their backpacks off their hooks.  The procedure of dismissal time will be thoroughly organized and well practiced.  No more crazy goodbyes!

So, share your ideas below!  What are your thoughts?

1. How should children enter the classroom?

1.  How should the students enter the classroom?  What are my expectations for how they will arrive, where they will hang their backpacks, where they will pick up their work in order to be prepared to start?


So here are a couple of fun things I found

This isn't a link but we could all make our own or save the picture, print and use!  Just sharing this simple little picture with you all!

Nothing like pumping up the kids as we start a new year! This is so positive!  I think this is the door I will do for the start of my year.  I also love the various fonts and that the colors can be manipulated to go with your style and taste!


And then we must all go here:
Using MUSIC to welcome in your class!

This lady writes about a fun way to use music to set the mood and energy in the classroom.  One thing I do is use calming music as they enter in the morning.  It helps us all relax and get ready to learn.

Are you ready?
HAVE A "GRAB YOUR MATERIALS" OR "HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED" spot by the door for the materials they will need for class.  I am thinking about having a cup of sharpened pencils by the door for them to pick up and to use as well as utilizing a "pencil detective" that goes around at the end of each class to check to see if there are any missing pencils and returns them to the "needs sharpening" can.  Teach the kids to be responsible for themselves and their materials.  Award points for the groups that were the best organized, on task, and even first to their seats. At the end of the week! give a prize to the best group.

Questions at the start

We all have questions at the start!


Any good teacher asks herself proactive questions before the start of any school year.  As I reflect on a new elementary school year, I want to be as carefully planned on the first day with the policies and procedures in the classroom.  I am teaching in a charter school and will be teaching math, science and history as the girl's homeroom teacher. I want no stone un-turned!  Failing to plan is planning to fail.  If you are in the same situation, you understand the following questions.

1.  How should the students enter the classroom?  What are my expectations for how they will arrive, where they will hang their backpacks, where they will pick up their work in order to be prepared to start.
2. How will the students turn in homework and other materials every day?
3. How will I communicate with parents on a daily basis and in an effective manner?
4.  How will the necessary materials for the lesson be handed out or easily accessible?
5.  How will I pass out or handle sharpened pencils?
6. What will my classroom jobs be, when will I give them, and what will the expectations be?
7.  How will they come to the carpet for reading time or math time?
8.  Where and how will I store my materials?
9.  How will I set up the desks for the best functionality?
10. What will the bathroom procedures be?
11.  What will the consequences and rewards be?  How will I handle the communication of such with parents?
12. How will I organize grades that need to be entered, papers that are graded, and passing out the papers to the students each day?
13.  What are other procedures for the day?  What happens when we get ready to go home? When we need a drink?  When we have to go to the bathroom?  When we go to the cafeteria?

Carpet time...

I hope to use this blog not only as a source of ideas for my organization but as a method to share with other fellow teachers, digging down in the trenches of the greatest profession for the smallest of pays.  We deserve so much more in financial compensation but are given more than we can ask for in emotional compensation.  We lay our treasures in heaven and our rewards in the lives of the students who sit each day in our classroom.  I carry this burden with pray and a happy heart.  I am here to serve my students and hopefully, through this blog, serve all of you.

Love, prayers, and a happy new school year!

Mrs. C
Second grade educator