The Babies Have Arrived!

None related to me, but my K-2 babies.  Some brand new, and some coming into my room for the second and third times.

I wish I could say I knew what to expect from all of them, but with the mix of a lot of students new to our school and some continuing difficult behaviors, after the first day of getting them oriented, I hit the ground running with routines and happily it wasn't complete chaos.  I am waiting for those kids I have been warned about to show their true colors, but I'm fine waiting until June for that.

My hope is to foster more cooperative learning with all of them to see what will result.

Here is the basic seating arrangement for the little ones (sorry for the blur, my camera did not want to focus that day).  Amazingly, they all fit fairly comfortably and it is perfect for the kindergartners.  I have between 25 - 29 students in each class so I'm happy they all fit well.  It has been a challenge to get them moving with the different leveled platforms in my room but I've appreciated the kids' flexibility as I continually figure out how best to use the space I have

The colored mats have been my best idea so far.  Now I know it's only been 2 days but amazingly they have survived the tugs of the kids (here's hoping they can make it through 5 more weeks).  They were smaller than I anticipated but for the price they will do and it doesn't bust my budget to get more if I need them (thank you Amazon!)

As I work out the tiny issues I still have in the room I will get some more photos up