The first month

We made it.  The first month of school is finished.  Looking back at my pictures from before school started and the ones I took today, I couldn't help but notice how colorful everything is!  Seriously, it looks like a rainbow threw up - this is where people often think I am an elementary teacher instead of one of those lunatic middle school teachers.  I will admit, things have been pretty crazy at school, but I have decided not to focus on the insanity, rather on how much I have grown to love my room and my kiddos.  Honestly, they're pretty awesome.  Hysterical, hard-working, hopeless 8th graders.  So here's my room.

This first picture is of my classroom library and the cool things we've been going through over the past few months.  They kids have really been developing some amazing discussion skills and I can't wait to see where they are by the end of the year. 




 

We're currently studying memoirs and the effect the author's purpose has on the reader, as well as the way they wrote that specific book.  I've found quite a few wonderful memoirs in my library for them to explore:  House on Mango Street,  A Long Way Gone, Farewell to Manzanaar, Bad Boy, Angela's Ashes, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.  They are also writing their own memoirs in writing and we've been looking at so many of these different ideas and angles. 


These next two pictures are of my small group corner and book club group books, as well as my  reading response journal center..  I have five literature circle books running right now - all memoirs or diaries.   I meet with the groups twice a week at my table, where we delve into the mysteries and complexities of great literature.  This process just started last week, so I'm hoping things will continue to progress as the year continues.




If you notice on my board, I have lots of sections and labels.  Across the top of the board are topics that we are reading about each week in relation to character development.  We've been reading from a book called Don't Stress the Small Stuff for Teens, and each time that we study something new,  I've been hanging the topic question on the wall.

• How do you positively effect the people around you?
• How do others describe you?
• How did you go the extra mile today?  
• How have you been a role model?  At school?  At home? 
• What kind of decisions have you made today?

I also have homework assignments on the far left, independent reading conference schedule in the middle, attendance (monthly and yearly) and finally the announcement corner.  This is the first year I have never set up my board like this, and I LOVE it.

 This board serves multiple purposes as well.  It posts our classroom jobs (paper passers, supply passers/collectors, book passers/collectors, time keeper, etc).  For the first time in six years, I have actually been sticking with this!  To be honest, it's SUPER nice to have the kids do all of this busy work.  This is also where I have set up an area for them to sign up for writing peer conferences.  I tried this last year for the first time and it was pretty amazing. 

 I love, love, love watching my kiddos curl up with a good book.  I am honestly shocked at how much my boys love to read.  Good job 7th grade teachers . . . these guys are great!