Week One...Done!

The first week of school has come & gone already-I can't hardly believe it.  Our first week was filled with procedures, routines, & familiarizing ourselves with one another.  I didn't focus too much on the Daily 3 this first week-I mostly focused on putting routines in place and making sure these big, bad 6th graders were comfortable in their new digs. 

I started the year with my favorite read aloud, The Paperbag Princess by Robert Munsch.  When I was 12, my aunt gave me a copy of this book to remind me that even though I might not look like a real princess, I could still save the day.  I try really hard to emphasize this same lesson with every 6th grader, because who didn't struggle with self-image at that age?!

One component of the Daily 3 that I did accomplish is their book baskets.  I decided to go the shoebox route, and spent the last weeks of summer collecting 40+ shoeboxes from everyone I've ever met.  I may end up regretting that choice, but it seemed to be the best one at the time thanks to the Great IKEA Scramble over the summer :)

My intervention specialist & I cut wrapping paper for each child's box, then they each decorated their boxes to suit themselves.  They were pretty proud of their work, and so am I. 

These baskets will be filled with "Just Right" books and will hopefully help to smooth the transition into the Daily 3, since this will be the first experience with it for these kids.  Stay tuned for more excitement from our room!