Back to School: I Have a Stage!

[@Jessica25710]

I think that you should get a big house plant, and some more little plants (succulents and cacti might be a nice touch) to make the room feel more airy and bright.

[@lj4466]

Rope lights around the stage for sure!!

[@coolblogswithtim7295]

Awesome stage

[@MsLeprechaun7]

Good Luck and Have Fun Tomorrow!!! I think for your stage you should have a class crest it would be pretty neat!

[@christinasabat3614]

I love the book hatchet

[@savannahmpizza]

I think a step in the front or one on each side and some fairy lights around it would look gorgeous!

[@hannahmartin8893]

I love your videos

[@helenalmond3712]

Love the new classroom! Have just been given a silhouette machine but have no idea how to use it! Do you have any suggestions for basic instruction you tube channels.? Loving the classroom set up.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Aww Thank you so much! Yayy! I love my Silhouette it is a fantastic, yet sometimes frustrating tool. I have yet to find my 'Go-To' page for help, but luckily there are hundreds of videos that will help get you started. Good luck! If I was you I would decide what project I wanted to do first and then search videos based on that material. Settings are the key to success with each material. Good luck!

[@KJ-vu1nz]

I have lights around my classroom stage. Yours is very cute!

[@danieletalend6691]

Oh MY GOSH! Love the stage. How did you make it non-skid?

[@TheCJtheCregg]

Awesome stage! Just a thought with the Jenga pieces, incase someone else wants to do it. Instead of painting the ends, you could soak them in art dye. It works really well with wood - I've done with wooden clothes pegs for a similar game, and they soak up the dye well, especially if you leave them over night. And then they dry on newsprint. So easy!

[@heulefamily]

you could make a stone pattern on the stage to make it match the back wall better and tire it all in so nicely!

[@heulefamily]

tie

[@kassandraverdugo3728]

lights and maybe some curtain wrapping around the bottom.

[@UnnurG]

Maybe this isn't a big enough series but the Fudge series by Judy Bloom. It's about going and being in 4th grade which just seems perfect you and your class!

[@stephaniegonzalez3925]

you welcome

[@arelyperez6782]

Love your classroom do you use desk for students

[@BridgingLiteracy]

The students can sit pretty much wherever they would like

[@arelyperez6782]

+The Lettered Classroom That's nice

[@elizabethskaggs2004]

Wow!!!

[@OneFABTeacher]

LOVE YOUR ROOM AND YOUR STAGE! Those shoes are cute sunshine!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Aww Thank you so much! Did you see my message? I know it's a lot to ask, but I figured I would check.

[@StyleMePerfect1]

I think a great add would be to paint something on it. A school quote or motto. Or even something relating to your classroom!!! I would also also maybe some lights on the edges to give it pop! Love the stage and the whole classroom!

[@maureenhauerwas9641]

Rope lights around the top inch. Easy and cheap.

[@amandasokoff9539]

Maybe put lights around the bottom! Like bulb lights! Or a pendant banner!

[@shyspeaks9238]

You're so adorable!

[@stacythun6654]

Another good series is the Main Street series by Ann Martin

[@BridgingLiteracy]

What can I add to my Stage area?!?!?!

[@erikapena5039]

I don't know how you feel about plants but it does make the place look homier. like some nice plants in pots on either side. just a thought! 😁 love it

[@9716JENNIFER]

Maybe a podium and some plants.

[@MadisonLovely]

A podium!!!!!

[@mattfortune8116]

Not sure how realistic it would be but adding some of the battery operated candles hanging by clear wire like in the great hall on the teachers stage at Hogwarts. Not sure how it would effect visibility of the whiteboard though.

[@Jessica25710]

I don't think you should put anything on the stage, but I think you should make little flying keys (from harry potter) and stick them on the sides.

[@kcm7134]

I have a high stool in my classroom that I cannot live without! My kids love sitting on it during independent reading as well.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

I like this idea! I'll keep an eye out!

[@katiemeinke9325]

your classroom looks huge! I think rails somehow would look awesome with it! or maybe a red carpet rug!

[@OneFABTeacher]

Awwww I would be the lucky one!

[@desertdweller8374]

I'm super homesick watching the beginning of your video! That barn! The hex signs on it! The green grass! The trees! I miss Pa. so much! And I'm addicted to your videos! :-)

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Thank you so much! I am really starting to enjoy it here...I can't wait for FALL!

[@desertdweller8374]

I'll be in Pa. with my family for ten days in October - I have to get my pumpkins, turning leaves, and cooler weather! :-)

[@briannant]

I love your shirt! It is so cute.

[@rockingdanteachingman]

The stage is awesome. I really like the word "choice" above the stage. Lots of great ideas in your video! Thanks for sharing. Have a great school year!

[@walkingthroughashes8982]

We had an Olympic thing growing up ! I've been Alive for the past 6 Olympics although I was 3 for the first one in 96 . But I know in the 2000 one we had something like that ! The kids don't mind ! It's fun !

[@stephaniegonzalez3925]

oh I like ur vids

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Thanks!!

[@marissabohl8789]

Hi I'm Marissa you really inspire me to be a teacher and I'm nervous to go to middle school how were you you are awesome

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Aww...Thank you so much!

[@marissabohl8789]

+The Lettered Classroom no thank you

[@kristinraines9444]

you could put on the side of the bulliten board tips of how to pick good and appropriate books to read

[@KateTheSleepyTeacher]

I also team teach. You did a nice job explaining it :)

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Yay!! Thank you so much! This is my first year as a team and I am loving it so far!

[@KateTheSleepyTeacher]

You are going to love it! Having a partner is fantastic:)

[@FLY2011naturally]

Every stage needs a curtain. Maybe a ruffle around the bottom matching the blue fabric on the wall.

[@CreateOneDay]

Love the stage! I agree with others who suggested a podium/lectern (wouldn't an owl lectern be super amazing!?!), and if you can't get one, maybe even just one of those black music/musician's stands? I know for shy kids and introverts, sometimes just a little thing like a lectern or podium can help them to get up in front of people a little more easily.

[@danamarie7069]

Agree. I found my music stand on Craigslist.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

I just looked on Craigslist...nothing within 20 miles :(.... I'm going to have to get creative!

[@JenuineLife]

Very cool! Could I ask what camera you use?

[@BridgingLiteracy]

I use a Canon G7x

[@erinjones7054]

Walmart has rope lights on an end cap in the college/back to school section. Maybe putting the lights around the base of the stage? Love your videos!! Could you do more planning videos (like you did for Valentine's week in Kindergarten)?

[@teach4these365]

I went to TPT and could not find the Literacy for Big Kids labels you had on your bulletin board. Can you send me the link? Thanks!

[@davblockton7033]

you could go get a bookshelf a big

[@MrsCrist-wk3hz]

I am just now finding you and seeing this video... Can you tell me what the dimensions of your stage are? Also, what materials it took to make? I really want one for my new 5th grade classroom, but not sure how big or small to go or how to go about it.

[@nathanielaranda8407]

your videos are fun to watch :)

[@BridgingLiteracy]

:)

[@MakeItWithMich]

Side question!! What camera do you use for Vlogging? Thanks!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Canon G7x

[@CuriosityRocks]

I love your videos :D

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Aww...Thank you so much!

[@MakeItWithMich]

Okay I commented before I saw the "Pokemon Go" find the teacher part. Can I just say... AMAZING!!!! That seriously is my favourite thing ever!! The kids just don't listen as well to the rules when they are given out by us TALKING AND TALKING! This idea is so engaging and so memorable! You are a genius.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Aww Thanks...but this was not my idea...I wish it was though!

[@brittanymccomber9356]

a boarder around it would be really pretty......😘😘

[@blissfullyliving]

Just out of curiosity, do you get observations by administration? In our district, we get weekly unannounced observations by our principal and assistant principal. We get scored on these observations and those scores get sent to the board of education. It is a very stressful environment and I was wondering if it is like that everywhere?

[@hairgirl1970]

Where did you buy the light box?

[@BridgingLiteracy]

+Laurie W - I picked mine up at Michael's. Don't forget your 40% off coupon!

[@hairgirl1970]

Thanks

[@maddiegrace9959]

+The Lettered Classroom What Grade Do You Teach!!!!

[@Upgradeyourlifetoday]

Been watching a few set up classrooms and this is one of the most amazing! As a kid I would be inspired and I love the furniture too! Huge difference to other classrooms in not so nice areas.

[@perfumeluver97]

Love your watch! would love to know what it is Also love the classroom! so creative

[@angierogers7060]

I think it might be missing a skirt around it? You know kind of like a bed skirt.(:

[@carolynmiles2067]

Just a thing that I find, I have one in my room, I'm quite tall, and its an issue for me when I am writing on the board and I need to use the lower portion of the board, and also health and safety wise it impacts on the room area as I walk around the room as I have a small room which is converted into a computer lab. Moving on and off it becomes annoying. Just from my experience to be aware of.

[@anysevermette]

I would put flags on it, around the ledge which will remind the kids there's a step. :)

[@parkerlinkin1292]

I'm not a teacher but a fabric around the stage with Velcro and maybe some railing

[@tnorristowler]

Spiderwick chronicles and A Series of Unfortunate Events (idk)

[@Andrea-lp8dn]

Love your classroom and the stage! I really loved the Babysitters Club Books when I was young.

[@OneFABTeacher]

Please resend me the message. I'm so sorry!! I opened it but when I went back to reread it and reply it was gone. :)

[@claudiacremeens3883]

I just LOVE your videos! I have been a fourth grade teacher for 29 years now and I have learned so many neat things from you! Thank you so much for teaching this old dog some new tricks....🐶❤️

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Thank you so much! That means the world to me!

[@deejefferson5578]

I absolutely love the book rack! You have such a cute classroom and I love watching your vlogs

[@kcm7134]

I love the Pokemom Go inspired activity. Going over expectations is not the most exciting part of the day, so I am always looking for ways to make it engaging and memorable. Two thumbs up!

[@OneFABTeacher]

Your little guy is so precious! Can Miss May be his Firstie teacher? ((Hugs))

[@BridgingLiteracy]

He would be so LUCKY!

[@retparatrooper]

Lord

[@jenniferhodge6881]

Your classroom looks amazing! Love the stage. Lights would be so much fun!

[@loganmccord5152]

I'm just gonna say I love Bridge to terribitha and the magic treehouse series as well

[@emilyzuidema9047]

If you're still taking suggestions for books, I loved the Geronimo Stilton series when I was your student's age!

[@juliahorton3584]

Same!!! That's what I recommended!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

I'm always taking suggestions and I do love this series! I only have a few and No luck at the used book store!

[@CreateOneDay]

Sorry about the second comment, but I'm commenting as I watch. LOVE the Pokemon Go idea!

[@stephaniegonzalez3925]

Do u speak spanish

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Yes, but not in class unless it is an emergency.

[@brooktester5256]

In the beginning I thought she said she left her kids in the car

[@BridgingLiteracy]

HA HA...thankfully not :)

[@girlygamer2296]

first yay you should add a little stool

[@jessicamariepj]

If you go on another book hunt, try the "Dear America" series. They are historical fiction books told through the eyes of a child using historical facts throughout as well! Great reads while sneaking in some history (:

[@Jessica25710]

Mini hogwarts flags, fairy lights, flying keys, and the school motto are are great ideas for the base of the stage

[@martinaf5445]

Can you ask for permission to show us your partner's classroom if she doesn't vlog?

[@BridgingLiteracy]

There will be a quick view of it in tonights Vlog!!

[@emilyjohnson7657]

A stool

[@danielriddle1987]

Hello again Bridget. I've got another Harry Potter project i'm working on for my classroom. I'm making up some Educational Decree posters (from one of the movies). I'm going to use the following template: kyliesmiley16.deviantart.com/art/HP-Educational-Decree-Template-302224893 Maybe you will find it useful, too!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

These look great!