Decorated Classroom (Sort Of)

Yesterday was the first day of school (yes our work week is Sunday to Thursday) and my classroom was sort of ready. Lucky for me I didn't have any students yesterday because the students haven't been tested or evaluated yet. Which means I got to spend a lot of time observing and catching up on work that I've been ignoring for the past few days due to the busyness of school. So here are some pictures (not great quality) of my (partially) decorated classroom. Let me know what you think!

An introductory SMARTBoard presentation...not finished yet

The bulletin board

I'm doing an international themed classroom...this is as many languages as I could figure out :)

Urdu and French

English, Italian, Spanish, German, Arabic 

Ukrainian and Hindi

What will eventually be the multimedia corner

Teacher Desk 2.0

My library

Our class rules

Class Library

Our reading corner

The full bulletin board

Where my superstar students will have their work displayed

Grammar corner :)

My very first official classroom

I haven't figured out how to get rid of the glare from the pictures. Any expert photographers out there who know how to fix it so my pictures have better quality, I would love some advice!

What I'm Learning {Teaching Edition}

-Decorating a classroom can be quite a challenge...especially without a fun assistant (*cough cough* Samantha).

-Pay attention when you’re walking in the front door. Meeting times and places may be posted on the front door. Especially, if no schedule was given for the week.

-Contact paper makes a good substitute for lamination when the laminating machine is too small for your posters.

-Making an extra portion of dinner is a great way to make lunch for the following day.

-The first week of school here is very low pressure. The class lists won’t even be finalized to the end of the first week which means I won’t be expected to do much until week 3 at the earliest.

-Being on support staff is fantastic because you don’t have a full class on the first day.

-Getting rid of extra desks should be done on day one of teacher work week instead of day four.

-Finding a theme for your classroom should be done BEFORE teacher work week instead of on day four.

-Bulletin boards are not fun for non-artsy people like me. Finding borders, background paper and accents on the other side of the world is quite interesting

-I’m so excited for the school year to start! I can’t wait to meet all the kids :)

My classroom isn’t quite finished yet and I’m one of those people who doesn’t like to publish things before they’re completely ready. However, I do have the before pictures to give you an idea. 

On that note I still haven’t completely finished my bedroom but I promise I’ll finish this weekend and post stuff next week!

My bulletin board...still decorated from last year

The view from my classroom windows. We'll probably have the shades down most of the time otherwise it'll get to hot!

My very first teacher desk :)

One bookshelf, waiting for the next one.

This, my friends, is a SMARTBoard. Jealous?

My air conditioners, the two most important items in my classroom.

THAT'S ME!

So many desks!

Lots of books...

and more books...

and more books...

and more books.

Posters for the classroom

I'm a fan of grammar

A big fan

Maybe a huge fan ;)

And now a little video tour...

It's going to be a wonderful school year!

In Action

I don't have all my pictures ready just yet. Or my video with the tour of the apartment.

Things will be a lot easier next week when I'm at the school with more internet access. However, I would love to share with you a little be about my Friday...

The weekends here are Friday and Saturday because Friday is considered the holy day...so cool right? So I got to go to fellowship this morning for the first time. The church is larger than I expected (2 services with 200-300 people at each). We got to meet many interesting people and already have a lunch invitation for next week! There isn't a Spanish speaking service like I was hoping but there is a small group led by a man and his wife who are from Argentina.

I'M. SO. EXCITED.

Hopefully, this means I will learn Arabic and not lose my Spanish at the same time *fingers crossed*.

Today, because it was a fifth Friday, it was a family friendly service. So kids of all ages led the singing, did the announcements (in which all the new people got to stand up and introduce themselves) and were the ushers. Then we heard a wonderful message on Philemon.

When was the last time you heard a good message on Philemon? I racked my brain and I'm not sure that I've every actually heard a MESSAGE (not lecture) on Philemon. It was all about putting faith into action. Keeping our eyes open to be able to put into practice the things we have learned from the Word. Paul encouraged Philemon and commended him for being a good servant but then challenged him.

Challenged him to forgive.

Challenged him to let go.

Challenged him to put into practice what he had learned from Paul.

Fitting don't you think?

I'm about to start my first week teaching in a different country. It's time to practice what I've learned.

Missing all of you,

On My Way {Part 10}

Location: Brighton Park - Chicago, IL

My collection of TESOL books

*Anybody interested in receiving my update emails with more specifics about this trip let me know (via comment or email) and I'll put you on my list*

Friday Letters

Location: Brighton Park - Chicago, IL

Dear Storage Bins,

Did you get smaller in the last 2 months? I was sure I fit more of my belongings into you the last time I packed. Are you conspiring against me? I know I have too much stuff but my current concern is getting it all back to Michigan. Then, I promise I'll get rid of some stuff :)

Dear Fellow Bloggers,

You girls are such an encouragement to me! Even though I'm not able to comment as I would like on every post, I want you all to know that your posts warm my heart and challenge me, as a blogger and a young woman. The way you share your hearts and lives with all of your readers is inspiring. I can't wait to see what comes next!

Dear Chicago Weather,

Can you please decide what season you want it to be? Preferably, something mild. Rapidly changing between blistering heat and violent thunderstorms makes it difficult for me to enjoy the Chicago summer. Is this payback for a practically non-existent winter? 

Dear Students From Last Summer,

Can you believe I'm going to be on your side of the world again in less than 2 weeks! I can't wait to visit you all and see what's going on in your life. Most of you have started university or will be entering this fall. I know you've grown into mature young women chasing your dreams. I hope you are enduring Ramadan well and spending lots of time with your families. I miss you so much!!!!!!!

Dear Macaroni and Cheese,

I became addicted to you during my recovery from my wisdom teeth extraction. You are delicious and comforting, as well as easy to chew :) However, you're not aiding in my quest to get back in shape. In fact you are detrimental to it. So, if you could find a way to make yourself less appetizing and appealing I would be greatly appreciative.

Dear Swim Students,

I can't believe my last class with you is over. I've had a blast getting to know you over this past year. It brings a smile to my face just thinking about you. You were the highlight of my week all throughout the school year. I loved the way you loved swim class and practiced so hard to get everything right. It amazes me how far you all have come. I hope a new swim teacher will come along soon.

Love,

On My Way {Part 2}

Location: Brighton Park - Chicago, IL

*I leave 6 weeks from tomorrow (CRAZY RIGHT?!?!?!?!) for my very first official teaching job. I was inspired by the way my friend Annie shared her journey to Spain and started a series of posts titled "On My Way".*

It all began May 12th. I had walked across the stage. All of my stuff was officially moved out of the dorm. I had a couple five jobs that would last me until the of the summer. Then what?

The question plagued me as the big dark cloud (also known as the fall after graduation) loomed nearer and nearer. Every day I woke up having to surrender this anxiety to the Lord, seeking the peace that transcends all understanding.

I had put off grad school known that it wasn't where God had me in the fall. The security of school had vanished and I had to start applying for jobs. Thanks to the generosity of my pastor and his wife I was able to live in their house (RENT FREE!) until I figured out what I was going to do. I had a whole team of people praying for me and so I began the post-grad job hunt.

I didn't limit myself to teaching jobs, though inwardly that was my desire. I went on interview after interview. I found an apartment and then it fell through. A couple jobs looked promising but then they found someone else. The only thing I new for sure was that I would be going to a two week orientation in Texas. Beyond that I had no idea. By May 25th I was really struggling.

I prayed and I prayed, hoping the Lord would open a door.

And five days later He did :)

*Anybody interested in receiving my update emails with more specifics about this trip let me know (via comment or email) and I'll put you on my list*

On My Way {Part 1}

Location: Brighton Park - Chicago, IL

This my friends is my very first official teaching contract...

*Anybody interested in receiving my update emails with more specifics about this trip let me know (via comment or email) and I'll put you on my list*