A Different Kind of School

I teach 5th grade; no news there. I did change schools this year however, same grade, but it feels like I changed professions. I haven't been this happy at work in a very long time.

When all we do is give, give, give, we grow resentful and tired. After 20 years in the classroom, I had arrived at curmudgeonly and cranky. I didn't particularly enjoy my job, and I was focused on the countdown. I recognized that I needed a change.

Fortunately, I teach in a large enough district that changing schools is not really a big deal. I was also lucky enough to time my need for a change for a year where big boundary changes were already happening. My current school brought in about 10 new teachers this year from around the district. I am sure this has a lot to do with why I feel so energized. With so many new staff members, the school got a good shake up which seems to have refreshed everyone.

I say all of this because I once again feel my creative juices flowing. Instead of feeling that I am giving, giving, giving, I feel like I am receiving. With so much positive feedback from my students and their parents, I find myself looking for ways to spice up my classroom and make it as fun a place to be as possible. Not that I ran a sweat shop before, but seeing new faces in a new building encouraged me to shake the dust off and sweep away some cobwebs. 

So, here are some pictures from my classroom demonstrating the ways that I've brought my equine passion to my other passion.

My class mascot is a stallion - surprised? :0)

Our banner from the Jog-A-Thon.

My husband's company donated the iPads (Pandol Bros. - you rock!)

The kids always ask if those are MY horses. Uh … no. :0)

There is a photo of Speedy on the top shelf. I need to bring one in of Sydney. Can you see Speedy's old horseshoes next to the book basket?

I draw a name each week (no tardies, absences, or conduct changes) to see who is our weekly B.O.S.S. - Best of Sweaney's Stallions.

A fun way to repurpose old show ribbons.

The BOSS gets to sit in the center of the room with a box of supplies and an awesome view of the board. The BOSS can also invite friends to join her/him at the table. The BOSS also gets to sit in a cool chair that swivels and rolls. :0)

Another repurposed show ribbon for the BOSS ...

I have one more equine inspired thing that I did new for this year, but it's so cool that it deserve a post of its own. Look for it next week.