My 6th year of teaching has begun!! 

And now it's time to reveal to you my home away from home for this year <3

Let me start out by saying these pictures were taken one week into the school year. In other words, students have had their hands on everything and have completely messed some areas up made it their home! 

One more thing I want to say is...I didn't have to buy a single piece of furniture this year!! 

*insert happy dance here* 

Our amazing district was able to provide us with BRAND NEW flexible seating in all K-5 classrooms!! 

Bye-Bye heavy and cumbersome kidney table and desks....Hello Awesome-ness!!

(Never mind that the kids trip over the enormous bean bags)

 I have 3 of these bad boys in my room- 2 remain stacked for now until rest time

 A new detail, but one I'm super excited about is my new classroom cubbies! We painted them with black chalkboard paint. It was a process for sure. 

First, taking off the hardware (thank you hubby!) then spending a good amount time painting 2 coats (thank you Mom!) 

For now, they have yellow post it stickys with names. My classroom is currently a revolving door with students so once I feel it's solid, I'll add their names with some super cute Cara Carroll-inspired chalkboard lettering :) 

 Right now, I have seats for each child at a table but the option for various seating during Writer's Workshop and stations have been so much fun.

I love how the tables are super easy to move into any shape I want in order to accommodate different classroom activities.  After my routines and classroom expectations are set in place (I'm thinking October) we will have the choice of where to sit. My ideal situation would be for kids to choose where they feel they work best. Some students genuinely prefer to be in a chair at a table but we all know that other kids just want to have more freedom.

Hosting parents last night for Curriculum Night and having them lounge back on the couches or sprawl out in the bean bags showed me once again that our kids need to be comfortable! I finally feel like my classroom is exactly that- comfortable, and HAPPY!! 

Have you linked up with Blog Hoppin's #teacherweek to show off your Happy Classroom? 

Click on the pic below

Thanks for stopping by! 

 I first found the idea on Mrs. Hilderbrand's blog Once Upon a First Grade Adventure! Too cute! 

I loved her book! I just wanted to make my own template with different graphics. 

I plan on reading the book the first week of school to help the kids answer the MANY questions they have for me! After I read it, I will put this book in our classroom library for the kids to read whenever they would like! 

I had so many of you request a template for you to make your own book. Your wish is granted!

This template is ready for you to edit and make your own! Just click the picture below!! 

(It's on sale 20% off TODAY ONLY- July 21) 

Just simply print, laminate, and bind with cute ribbon :) 

#adorbs

Enjoy!!

Okay, this is super fun! 

I'm linking up with the adorable Elizabeth Hall at Kickin' It In Kindergarten!! 

(Can I just say I got to meet her in Vegas this Summer- and she was one of the sweetest girls ever!)

Today's linky is all about GoNoodle- and a little bit about me! 

Oh my Liebster!! 
I'm so happy that I was nominated by the oh so sweet Kari at Teaching With Smiles for the Liebster Award! According to what I've been reading, this award is given to bloggers with less than 200 followers in order to recognize their hard work and fun ideas! While doing that, the blogger accumulates more followers and helps them out in this crazy massive blogging world.

Needless to say, I'm super pumped! Thanks Kari!! :) 

As part of the award, I am asked to share a little more information about myself and this little blog of mine. Afterwards, I am asked to nominate 11 other bloggers that deserve this award! 

Let's do this...

1.) Why and how long ago did you start blogging?

I've always admired other blogs- the famous Deanna Jump, Cara Carroll, Reagan Tunstall and Hope King's are just SOME of my favorites. When I went to the I Teach 1st conference in Vegas this summer (read about it here), I felt so inspired to start my own!! In August, "Loopin' Littles"...name help from Molly at Lucky To Be In First...was born :) 

2. ) What one word sums up the heart of your blog and why?

I would say passionate. I hope that my passion for teaching is evident in everything I do- and I hope it shows in this little blog of mine!

3.) Is there something you learned late in your blog journey you wished you knew before?

Writing a meaningful post takes much more time than I ever realized. I love it- but life sure does get in the way sometimes.

4.) What is your favorite past time other than blogging?

Other than blogging, I love game nights with friends. Andrew and I love to host and have our friends come over on the weekend. Whether it's a game of fishbowl, cornhole, or Settlers of Catan (anyone?) ...anything to get us all together! 

To those nominated, here are the rules:

1. In your post, link back to the blogger who nominated you as a thank you and "shout out."

2. Answer the 11 questions given to you (the ones I answered above).

3. Nominate 11 blogs of your choice that each have less than 200 followers. Provide them with 11 questions to answer or have them answer the questions above.

4. Let your nominees know that they've been nominated and provide them with a link to your post so that they can accept.

5. Send your nominator a link to your post so that s/he can learn more about you as well! (You can just put your post link in the comments below!)