gearing up for school: part II

School started Monday, so that meant I spent every minute of Sunday making sure my classroom was just the way I wanted it:  simple & meaningful.

Each year I try to get my point across:  this is school and we're here to learn, but while we're at it, we're going to have some fun.  I want my classroom to reflect that.  This year I finally feel like I've got it down.  I have a new lab with particularly placed lamps, vanilla scents and personal touches around the room to make it feel homey.

My absolute favorite thing I did for this school year is:

• Made a customized discbound binder for lesson plans

Have you heard of these things?  They're amazing.  You can make it exactly how you want it for exactly what you need.  I needed a lesson plan book that made me smile (not from the OneSpot at Targ) and this is it.  I spent a fortune but I like to think it was worth it.  My husband on the other hand, doesn't. 

Staples was where I purchased mine - they have their own brand (Arc) and they also carry Martha Stewart, who happens to be my new favorite office supplies designer. 

I made my own template for lesson plans in Word, printed them off on heavier paper, then used the custom puncher to put the holes in my pages.  The puncher costs a mint but one of my co-workers let me use hers.  Don't be jealous.

At least I get a little excited about doing lesson plans now.  Mission accomplished!

And after a summer with my nugget that I'll never forget, here we are saying goodbye on the first day.

No, I didn't cry right then.  Yes, I cried in the car.  And of course, I ate my bowl of bran flakes & bananas on the way to school.  As Jeff so eloquently pointed out, I'll now "have bowls and spoons in my passenger seat for a month."  Some things never change!

Here's to another long productive school year!