Ive been an elementary teacher for over 20 years and a therapist for kids in the afternoons, and I just have the outmost admiration for kindergarten teachers! The empathy, the energy, the kindness you guys have is out of this world. I will forever be your number one fan.

I’m sorry but I had to laugh at the appointment fiasco because I remember how early you would get to PD your first year😂😂 you look so refreshed and happy and I’m so happy for you!!! 🫶🏻

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

GIRL me too - of all the people. Now I’ll be insanely early and worried about it all over again. 😅 Thank you! Didn’t know it but I really needed a change.

Loved this video! Your personality is so positive and inspiring!!!! Especially in present day where teachers are quitting, unhappy etc, it is super encouraging to see your videos and feel the joy of teaching again!!!!

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for taking the time to leave this comment! I’m happy to share the joy. 💖

Wow! Your new classroom is amazing! It looks like it has air conditioning too! I know you didn’t always have it in your last classroom. That is miserable! 🥴 I am going on year 17 in Kindergarten and it is still so much fun! You will love it! 😍

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

I agree! And yes it was chilly and comfy right away - very grateful for that. Thank you for taking the time to encourage me in this new adventure!! So reenergized and ready for the change. Kindergarten here we come 🤩

I LOVE YOU. YOU’RE SUCH AN INSPIRATION. I WANT TO BE A PRIMARY TEACHER WHEN IM OLDER BECAUSE OF YOU LAUREN

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

HI! You got this - cheering you on! 💖

I have giant floor to ceiling windows that take up one wall in my classroom, which are beautiful and I've found it super helpful to hang my anchor charts from the blinds using clothes pins! That way they're not on the walls and very easily accessible to the kids!

I am so excited for you! Kindergarten is so much fun! Since you have so much space, you might want to think about having a maker's space or a loose parts area for open ended exploration and free time. Also, I find that my kinders are always making things and asking questions so maybe a wonder wall or interactive display board would work for one of the bulletin boards in the room. I know you'll make it fantastic no matter what you do! Thank you for sharing.

@dorothyg7483

2 жыл бұрын

Such excellent ideas!😊💕

Your classroom looks AMAZING and what an upgrade to your previous classroom!!! You have the best energy and I can already see that you are going to thrive! Thank you for sharing this with us and I too cannot wait to see your classroom setup videos! I taught kindergarten for a LONG time and just got a new teaching position in a new city (closer to home) in 3rd grade. I'm a little sad about the grade change but your video gave me all the positive vibes i needed to change my mindset!! The world really does need more people like you!

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

Ariela, your comments always make my day!! I’ve found the change so reenergizing and exciting, wishing the same for you this year. 🤍

I am sooooo excited for you!!! Your new classroom is amazing!!! I love it! I can’t wait to see all of classroom set up videos!!!! 👏👏👏👏😍

From one educator to another... here's wishing you a successful new school year. Remember to breath throughout the year. Best wishes!

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!! Sending positive vibes right back to you. 💖

Been here since the first vlog - I remember the whole saga of the whiteboard cupboards so well! Can’t wait to see what amazing things happen for you this year!

I remember your first summer and your early arrivals!

So happy for you! Your new classroom is so big and it will be full of sunshine.

Your excitement definitely comes through! Looking forward to watching your classroom set up videos. Love the chair! 😍 💖

I love watching your videos, you love setting up your classroom as much as I do and I’ve been doing it for 27 years and I still get butterflies every summer I change my theme. ☺️

Your personality is pure joy! Love it!

That's so funny that you said God will humble you, because I say that a lot. I also pray if I come upon a situation that makes me nervous. And I agree with the other comments, you are a delight to watch. 😊👍

Love your energy. Those Kindergartners are going to be so lucky. I wish we were able to bring in our own chair in to school.

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

The move has just been so reenergizing! Cannot wait to meet them. 🥹

I love your new room! It’s definitely a dream room . You will need a calm corner, it could be where the 2 shelves are or across from the desk if there’s a corner. Another idea is for you to have a sign on the bathroom door or the wall that says stop 🛑 on one side and go on the other so the kids can move it to stop when they are in and back to go when they come out . Good luck in kindergarten! You will love it ! 💕

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

Great ideas to keep in mind while I'm arranging the space - thank you!! 💗

Welcome to Illinois! We are happy to have you teaching our kiddos.

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

This is so kind! Thank you, Tonya. 💗

I squealed with excitement when I saw that you had a video posted about your new classroom!! Laughing along with you when you were talking about always being early- I remember! So excited for you and your new school/classroom. Lol-“ we are in a different tax bracket here…” 🤣☺️💕

I've loved your frequent vlog posts! You're literally a breath of fresh air and I could seriously watch you every day. Xo, Mandy

I mean, that room… Wow!! 🤩Can’t wait to see your classroom setup videos. As a fellow kindergarten teacher, I would suggest considering a dramatic play area/center. Kindergarteners LOVE them! 🥰 Best of wishes in this upcoming school year.

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

I think I’ve found the space where a dramatic play/sensory play space will fit!! Thank you for this reminder - I kept it in mine while working on the layout yesterday. 💖

I'm not a teacher.. but somehow your setup videos came up in my suggestions a few years ago and now every back to school season I get so excited when I see you pop up in my notifications! You're so cheerful and happy and it makes me want to be a teacher. Lol. I love your new classroom and can't wait to see what you do with it!

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

Omg hi!! Happy you’re here. 💖 I totally get it - I like to watch day in the life vlogs from nurses and med students and I have nothing to do with that field LOL thanks for encouraging!

OMG I just got hired for my first real teaching job! I saw my k/1 room yesterday and now looking at you, I’m thinking of all the things I need to do… I genuinely feel your excitement!

@valentinawilliams1250

Жыл бұрын

Congrats good luck

I am so glad you are vlogging again!!

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

Me too! Going to try my best to continue sharing more intentionally throughout the year. Glad you're here! 💗

I am absolutely SO excited for you and look forward to seeing your journey! Massachusetts will miss you! You will love K, I switched from first to K last year and I was pleasantly surprised how much I adored teaching it.

Your room has so much space! You are going to make it so cute and fun! I enjoyed teaching kindergarten. I would definitely keep the futon! It would go great in your library and the kids will love it. Looking forward to watching your classroom set up videos.

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

Update: I have big plans for that futon!!! Lol you read my mind - it’s 100% going in the library. 🥳

So excited for you Lauren!!! If you’re in the area I am thinking of, it is very beautiful and those students are VERY lucky to have you!!!! Can’t wait to cheer you on throughout your first year in IL (and from about 40 min away!!) 💗💗💗🥳🥳🥳

Lauren, this is the classroom of my DREAMS!! I am so excited for you and I cannot wait to see what amazing things you do in this room with your future kinder babes. They are so lucky to have you!!

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

Girl mine too!!! I cannot wait for this room to be filled with precious littles. What a life!! 🤩

Your classroom theme sounds really pretty, looking forward to seeing it all come together!

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!! 🌺💖

I’m so happy for you!! Your classroom looks great and big!! I can’t wait to see your set up. Btw I feel the same way as you do about being early/late. I feel ya there. Your chair looks awesome too! Congratulations again! You are going to rock it! ❤️

Really nice classroom. Your comment on Driver’s Ed vehicle brought back memories of my oldest daughter taking DE.The instructor asked them where they wanted to go when they got their license and that is where they learned to drive, McDonalds and Dairy Queen drive-thru, the mall, concert venues, etc. Made total sense.

So excited for you - the room is amazing

I wish I had a rug like yours! I would keep it even if it didn't match. Your classroom is very nice. Can't wait for setup videos. 💜 Teddy!

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

Definitely planning on keeping it! Rugs of that size and quality are pricey - blessed to have it. Teddy says hi! 🐻🤎

Yay - I am so excited for you! And I was just tickled to see a video. When I saw that photo on IG I couldn’t wait to see more! Those bay windows are amazing. I would do the sound wall on the big board. And then maybe each subject gets it’s own board? That futon looks like a good find! And your new chair - OMG! 😻 I am also not a fan of that rug. I wonder if someone else at the school would want it? Looking forward to following along with set up. 👏 👏 👏

I am a kindergarten teacher and I am so jealous of your room. We don't have bathrooms. 😭 That window is beautiful. The students would love that futon in the library.

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

Futon is 100% going in the library! 🤩

That is the best rug!! I teach k and have that rug and it’s sooo nice to assign every student a spot and no one is touching which helps soooo much

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

Definitely keeping it!

Lots of more new things for your new classroom video

Ohhh I felt your pain with the time!! 😏😆I have that rug in my K classroom and love it! I’m team desks- I asked that they not be removed from my room. The versatility hooked me. Your new room has sooooo much space and storage- Wow!

You make me so excited to get into my classroom!! You’re a bubble of joy 💖

It is huge!! My dream classroom. A storage closet and space. I love it!

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

RIGHT! Will be much “fuller” once the tables arrive, but I can’t wait to plan with my teammate and make allllll the functional spaces happen in this huge room.

This was so much fun to watch! I’m so excited for more videos. I’m excited now because your excited! 🤣😘💛

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

Oh my goodness I’m glad!! We can be excited together. 🥳😂

Welcome to Illinois! I live 15 minutes from the Michael’s you visited! Your new classroom is amazing. 😍 Congratulations!

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

OMG hi!! I'd be at McAllister's alllll the time if I were you. What a beautiful area - thank you for the warm welcome 💗

This video has made me so excited for your classroom set up videos!

“God will humble you so quickly” lol I felt that 😂

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

Just up there laughing while I’m on a rant about being early 😂😂

I have been watching you since video one on and off. Welcome to the Midwest! You are not too far from me! Glad you got a position you wanted!

My first few years teaching 1988-1996 were spent in a hundred year old school with 100 students. In 1997, we moved into a new school with 700 students ….very fancy and nice. It was so different. Best of luck for a wonderful year l.

Since your school has a school library your classroom library is less important, because you can supplement from the school library. I highly suggest you check out a selection for your classroom and change it each month. Your student will also be checking out from the library, my classes came once a week. Students could come anytime on their own. Really nice room!

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

That’s a good point! I did move the books because I purchased them myself, but I’ll be a bit more selective with what/how many are displayed.

@dmbalsam

2 жыл бұрын

Mix them in with the library books, sort of. Tip: when you find a library book that works for an unit take a photo copy of the cover or title page, we used title page, write the call number and library on the copy. When the unit rolls around give the copy(s) of the title page to the librarian or the assistant to pull for you. I alway did that for my teachers. Your Library and Librarian are great resources, use them!

The chairrrrrrrrr oh my word!!!!! Loveeeee ! Pink is my color. Also I love the lipstick you had on in the video! You have the sweetest personality Your dog is so cutee

I love watching your videos! Congratulations on your new beginnings! 💞✨🥰

The amount of storage you have in your room is absolutely phenomenal! Idk if this would work for your brain but when I say all the cabinet storage my brain went immediately to curriculum storage with labels on the cabinet door with a matching icon for it (ex: math=monkey) so then you schedule could also have that icon next to it and the kids would have a visual to help them know what stuff is where. Im a middle school teacher so that may not be the best idea for kinder kids but thats where my brain went. Then the actual storage closet could be for monthly/seasonal items and lesser used items that still need a home but not necessarily one out in the classroom.

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

SO MUCH SPACE!!! I can’t even believe it. Got a lot done yesterday as far as sorting and reorganizing goes so I know what all is there and where it is. Labels are a good idea!

@scientific_teaching

2 жыл бұрын

@@puttingthemfirst watching you gave me the itch to completely reorganize everything in my own classroom. Ive gone through the few materials I have here at home and now I'm (not so) patiently waiting until they give us the go ahead to go into our rooms.

I cannot remember if you did this in your old classroom, but I have used magnetic curtain rods for my anchor charts in the past. Can flip them and attach to whiteboards/blackboard and doors (if yours is metal core). Mi get give you some flexibility with having the extra subject to find space for.

I paused the video as you were ordering your Starbucks and my boyfriend made some silly comment about recording yourself ordering food. I said no, she's at Starbucks. And then I told him I've watched all of your classroom setup videos every year since you started and that I just adore your bubbly happy personality. He grunted and left the room. Whatever lol.

That blank wall space beside your bathroom door could be a faux bulletin board also! Paper and border and extra space for anchor charts!

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

I ordered some white better than paper to try and make one!! I was thinking maybe it could be a writing center? We’ll see!!

There is nothing like how kindergarteners LOVE school it’s so sweet! It is such a fun grade, it’s still challenging but so so so rewarding compared to the older grades!

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

I caught a teeny glimpse at that excitement for school with a lot of my first graders last year being in the building for the first time! So excited for the JOY (but also preparing for the innocent chaos) 😂

Love your huge room AND storage closet‼️. So nice!

Hi Lauren! I think the long bulletin board would be a great spot for your sound wall and you could put an alphabet strip on the wall above that board. You could also put a number line in the wall above the storage closet and bathroom.

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

LOVE!! I’m thinking definitely sound wall on the big board, and I’ll play with the numbers on that wall 🤩

This room is Huge! So happy for you!! Side note, what is this adorable lip color!? It looks amazing on you!

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!! It’s my go to Physician’s Formula “Coral Minerals”. Here’s a link: amzn.to/3bYkXtR

Love your new classroom!!! You can do an alphabet arc around the Smart board instead of linear if there isn’t much room.

Amazon wish list for your new classroom and lakeshore extra supplies

I am so excited for you! Can’t wait to see what you do in your new space. BTW, I’m a teacher in the Tuscaloosa City Schools and my daughter is a student at Bama!

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing in the excitement!! I wonder if they know each other - she’ll be a senior this year. 🐘

Just to let you know that is a library book carousel. You stack up your books in it and it spins around. My mom has a tall one like yours and a short one that’s a table top

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

Ohhh this makes sense! A bit too tall and wobbly for kindergarten in my opinion.

From one teacher to another, have a great year!

Todos los cambios dan un poco de nervios pues no sabes lo que viene pero te va ir muy bien porqué heres una persona preparada entusiasta y organizada felicidades 😊😉

I had the same thing with time zones and and wrong appt time happen during our move last month!!! Thankfully I called to double check the day before otherwise I would’ve still been in pjs when the service guy arrived.

Oh that chair! LOVE it!

Oh my, I have the same feeling about being late. Im.sorry that happened to you.

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

My fault - but I’m very glad they were so accommodating. Will be showing up an hour early from now on out of paranoia 🤦🏼‍♀️😂

Beautiful room, jealous of how big it is!

Your classroom space looks WONDERFUL! I've been watching your journey since the beginning, so I know you like to be early. I gasped when you said you were late for your fingerprinting appointment. 😂It's all good though and everything worked out.

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

I also gasped when I realized LOL will now be ridiculously early for all other new staff appointments because I am paranoid.

First that shirt looks really good on you. Second your room is amazing with all the things and the windows and the closet. Wow. Teddy I totally get it. I come home a little crusty from my job with older infants. All the snot and drool and who knows what other body fluids they sneeze and cough on me.😂. Oh and how could I forget the Barbie chair. Love it. Anyway great video.

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you - it’s my favorite top!! We all feel a little crusty at times LOL

I’m a middle school teacher who can’t start on my classroom because they are still working on it. I’m watching to get motivated and to procrastinate my thesis.

@bettyspaghetti4803

2 жыл бұрын

The time zone thing was hilarious only because I’ve heard you say that you love to be early! Moving is tough and I have never moved time zones.

Maybe keep some Dixie cups by the fountain so you can teach them to just put it in a little cup vs drinking out the fountain for covid reasons

I'm from Southern Illinois....Goreville area. I live in Texas now but all my family still lives in Illinois. Good luck!!

The rack you found in the bathroom is a book rack. You put books on it and kids can shop off the rack.

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

Someone let me know! I’m going to use shelves that are more kinder-friendly instead. ☺️

You should definitely get a protective fabric spray for that chair….kinders are 🤧

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

LOL I’ve already told my husband he’s not allowed to sit in it until it’s scotchgarded 😂

Yay so exciting

I am SO sorry you were late! Honest mistake, but I also would have been mortified.

Team tables!!! Yes!!I am not a fan of flexible seating

Amazon wish list for your new classroom video and lakeshore extra supplies storage cubes and data folder

Awesome classroom!

putting a wood wall up

I'm so excited for you! I'm going to be teaching Kindergarten too. I'm moving from Pre-K. I bought a schoolgirl style rug for my classroom. I love your chair. I would love the link especially if it comes in purple. I can't start setting up yet. I have to wait one more week and I am so excited, nervous, and a bit anxious. Congratulations again!

What song is that you use for fast. Mode

Hey fellow Floridian, wow your room is fabulous. I can't wait to see what you do with it. I am really jealous of that bay window. Cuddles to your sweet furbaby. BTW Chair is so chic and definitely matches your personality. When do yall officially start? I have two more weeks before I have to go in and do my own room set up as we report on August 1. BTW I teach high school science.

Will you have a 35 min commute from your new place in August?

I want so badly to get better at being early. Are you naturally an early bird, or have you just disciplined yourself to get up when the alarm goes off? I'm a night owl, so the struggle not to hit snooze 100 times is real. Also, your set up videos are so inspiring! Excited to see how your new classroom turns out!

Amazon wish list and Lakeshore

Your room is amazing!! Pro tip: scotch guard your new chair!

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

**add to cart**

I have no need whatsoever for a new teacher chair but now I want one 😂

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

There’s so many pretty colors just saying 👀😂

what schoolstyle theme are you using

You so deserve this!! :)

Get a step stool for any sinks or toilets

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

Yes!! Fortunately there’s one in the bathroom by that sink, but might grab a second for the other sink.

Are you going to change your logo, since you're not in first? So excited for your new adventure.

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing in the excitement! I’m not changing it - chose it deliberately because it works for any role (though I’ll agree that it works best for first). Branding is real! ☺️

@ahoy_elementary7826

2 жыл бұрын

It’s like putting the kids first, putting them first.

Love you lady! When do you get your key fob for your school?!

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

I believe sometime in July!

Hi! I bought a uprint package as well.. how do you print yours? As in what kind of printer do you have? Or do you go somewhere? Thank you!

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

Hi! I have been printing the smaller stuff at home - alphabet cards, name tags, etc. I bought matching borders so I won’t need to print those, but if I want to print anything larger like a bulletin board or the flower accent pieces I guess I’d try staples? I have this printer: amzn.to/3OUJjn5

Amazon wish list and lakeshore extra supplies storage organizing bins and

@kaylayoungblood9577

Жыл бұрын

Name tags for there table caddy number

what is you techer name

dear- Yo~insane ~see you later! 💫

Keep the futon

@puttingthemfirst

2 жыл бұрын

Not to fear - it’s in the library! Once I sat down on it I realized what a comfy reading spot it would make. 😊