Summer Prep: Classroom Vignettes and Special Sentiments

Dusting off and rearranging teacher appreciation gifts from former students and their families, wonderful memories wash over me as I continue to prep my classroom for August.  Figurines, stuffed animals, ornaments, shadow boxes and of course, mugs, serve as affirmations that keep me going on tough days.  The sweetness and thoughtfulness of each keepsake help me remember the stories, silliness, obstacles, puzzles, joys and successes of my students and the growth I've experienced in this profession.  They're displayed above closet cabinetry near my desk:

One of my Super Stars created a wreath for me this past year out of fluffy white yarn and patriotic red, silver and blue gem stars.  A month before school let out, I used bonus points to order a Pete-the-Cat stuffed animal, and the two were accidentally set together during our end of the year celebration.

Turns out they were the perfect match for one another:

Whether your room is spacious or small, consider creating a vignette of special items that help to tell your story, and collect and display favorite characters that will help your students tell theirs as they explore and engage with the adventures that wonderful kindergarten literature provides.

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Not only do I save knick-knack treasures that I receive from my students and their families, I cannot bring myself to throw away their cards, notes and drawings.  Moving from Alaska to New Mexico, New Mexico to Kansas, Kansas to Texas and finally back to Kansas, these precious papers have experienced quite the shuffle, falling from between the pages of an empty scrapbook I never seem to have time for and out of the storage drawer and boxes to which they've unexpectedly migrated.  With classroom chores taken care of, I'm hoping to set aside a few hours this summer to either get caught up on the scrapbook or decorate a binder cover or art journal that I can keep on hand for this special collection.  I found some inspiration at:

~ Work in Progress Kits: a teacher appreciation book filled with all sorts of decorative elements

~ Tonya's Treats for Teachers on TPT: a "Teacher Love Notes" binder cover (FREE download)  

~ Aimee Salazar on TPT: Teacher Love Notes Binder Covers (another free download) with a cupcake theme on TPT

~ Home Style Cover on Etsy: wooden "treasure chest" card box, a beautiful (and sturdy) upgrade from the old shoebox many of us have recycled

Some of the cards I received in May are still hanging on a board near my kitchen, but they'll make the move to their new home once back-to-school activities are in full swing.

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Happy July 4!

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Don't forget to vote for my blog over at Circle of Moms (click on the badge) daily until July 9.  I appreciate your visits, and love to share what I know and do with other early childhood professionals, teachers and families!  Thanks for scrolling down the list, finding my smiling face, and returning the love by clicking on the heart:

~Michaele~

Inauguration 2013

It's nice being able to watch the Inauguration from the comfort of home today, but I still very much appreciate the first time I watched President Obama sworn in to office.

I was with my Super Stars.

You can reread that post here.

(photo source: http://blog.blockavenue.com/dc/blockavenues-inauguration-guide-2013/)

Teenagehood

Later "Wacko Jacko" scenes and accusations aside, this was a moment, a movement that helped shape my teenage experience and my belief that we could all help one another, and have a positive impact in our global society:

An Incredible Inauguration

Incredible because of its historical significance, incredible because of the joy, sincerity, and even the minor flubs, and incredible because I watched it with my Super Stars.

Story time, handwriting, learning centers, snack, music and movement, and then, President-Elect Obama's Inauguration.

What first got my Stars' attention was seeing children, two very pretty young ladies, joining all of the "grown ups" on the inaugural dais. "Mrs. Sommerville, those are President Obama's daughters, right? The ones that get to live in the White House?"

"Yes."

Watching other "important people" be greeted on the dais, another student asked "Mrs. Sommerville, where is Obama? Is he last? That's not very fair."

"Teacher, who is he making a promise to again?" "He's promising us that he'll do a good job, protect us, and help us help ourselves and others." "Does he promise everybody, or just the grown ups?" "Everybody honey, all of us."

None of my Stars recognized the lyrics sung by Aretha Franklin, though thanks to our wonderful music teacher, they quickly recognized a violin, cello, clarinet, and piano as "Air and Simple Gifts" was performed.



"Why was the music quiet and slow at first Mrs. Sommerville? It got happy after a while, but why did it start slow?"

"Did they play that music for President Obama or for everyone?" "Everyone." "Wow, that's a lot of people!"

My students were seated for most of the event, except for two key moments when the audience was asked to "Please stand" as the vice-presidential and presidential oaths took place. Without prompting from me, all nineteen of my Super Stars stood quietly, their attention riveted to the television screen.

So of course I cried.

After President Obama's speech, we went to lunch.

Chicken nuggets.

It was a good day.

Show and Share Thursday: A New Project "Before"

"Before"



I think I mentioned recently that I needed to update my recipe binder. Re-print recipes, straighten up recipe cards, and sort dinners, desserts, side dishes, breads, etc. into workable divided sections. I'm no expert on scrapbooking, nor am I looking to recreate the wheel, so I thought it might be nice to update the cover with photos, graphics, and other embellishments, trying my hand at some "altered art" that will become instantly recognizable and enjoyed by my family.

I'm still at square one. Because I have so many photos and postcards from which to choose, and of course there are sassy and humorous graphics to be found online. I know to scan the originals in so I don't damage these, but I'm not sure if I'll try to use them all on the cover (front and back) or one or two as the cover with the rest on divider pages:



The toddler exploring the fridge with Sister.

My grandmother and mother standing in the kitchen of the cabin on the homestead.

Daughter, many years ago, at Thanksgiving dinner.

Toddler helping me make cookies.

My favorite cake-bakers!

A postcard from Shannon.

And of course, vintage-style graphics that would be lots of fun too:





I know, I know- the one of my grandmother and mother in the kitchen would be the obvious choice for altered art, but I'd like to use several shots of family members in the kitchen.

Any suggestions or ideas? And yes, I'll be posting the "after" results when I'm done.

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* sfgirlbybay has me wondering what the heck a Gocco is?

* Kelli has very cute (and very simple to make) St. Patrick's Day cards posted.

* Howcast.com's crafting videos will probably challenge my YouTube addiction each time insomnia hits me.

* Guest-Blogger Amber has posted a cute and relatively easy egg decorating idea at Scribbit.

* And I've recently discovered Kelli over at There Is No Place Like Home, who hosts "Show and Tell Friday," (this week she features her Princess Diana books and a beautiful ring) providing links to other blog sites that want to participate.


I must have goofed this week, but hopefully I'll get the Mr. Linky situation figured out so I can participate with her in the weeks to come- check her out!

Teen Generation Imagery (mine)...

...and of course,


Rest in peace, Mr. Whipple.