It is that time again! I can't believe school has started already! If you are a self-contained teacher, I know how overwhelming it can be. There are some many things that you need to do to get started. You probably feel like the tasks are never ending. I remember during the first quarter, I used to get kicked out of the campus by my custodians. They used to call out my name on the PA system and tell me "pack up or we will lock you up!!". Embarrassing and crazy... I know! The worse part was that I would often take the work home as well to continue working. But the truth is one way or another things will get done. Throughout my years, I learned tricks to make the beginning of the school year easier. I focused on things that take priority and got smarter on planning for class. I really wish that I would have had someone to direct in the beginning. Instead it took at least three to five years to learn these things. I want to save you those learning years and start guiding you to a better beginning of the year. I am here to make your life easier! If you are a newbie or a veteran struggling to get new ideas or ways to organize yourself.... I wanted to share 5 steps on how plan for your self contained class. You are probably thinking how can it be done in 5 steps????? These steps will be help you plan to a successful classroom set up.

This year I decided to go with a primary theme... Since I have KG-1st.

I couldn't have set up my class without my assistant and her kids help!! :) It takes a team to get this done. :)

This year, I went with cowboy theme! :)
I looped with my students from last year and I had some additions. A total of 12 students!! Crazy! 
I had a higher functioning group, therefore things were a little more challenging. As well... I moved rooms to have a Promethean board.  Woooohoo!! 

Outside Bulletin Boards

Behavior System
This was my first year doing this, but it worked like magic. Everyday a student stayed on green they got a sticker. Break area was closed and could only be earned if they earned 5 stickers. Once they complete the incentive chart with 25 stickers, they got to go to the treasure box.
 My students HATED changing their color, even if it was to yellow... it was like their world was falling apart.
Although I had a higher functioning group, my co worker tried it with her lower functioning and it worked as well. She varied it by reinforcing with small rewards for every green. :)

This year it was Hollywood Theme.... :)
Remember, you must label each center. 

Morning Work
I started with trapezoid tables, then I changed it to desk... 
since I had 7 students... I couldn't take having a different desk at the end... A little OCD... :)