So, this post has been sitting in my drafts since..well...forever ago. It's not that I don't love my classroom, I do. It's just that...well....it's not totally perfect yet. I can be a bit of a snob about what goes into my classroom or having things 'just right'. At least I can admit it, right?? The building I teach in is over 50 years old and I am in the eldest wing. There is some serious ugly going on. No joke. My ceiling is pretty disgusting, so I try to do anything I can to distract from it. I also really, really need new doors. They are so worn and have seen MUCH better days. AND the worn wooden shelves aren't my favorite either, but what can you do??
It's not all that bad and the important thing is that it's a safe place to get some learning done, which I think it accomplishes! Unless there's something lurking in the ceiling that I don't know about...
I kid, I kid!!!
Maybe.
Anyways, I kept thinking I would wait until the room looked better, but that day has yet to arrive. Without further ado, this is what life looks like for this short and sassy third grade teacher and her 26 sassy students!
This picture is taken from the front of my room. My student desks are always in groups, I love the collaboration going on between them! Each group has a designated color: Magenta, Orange, Lime, Teal, and Purple.
Here's a close up of one of my drawer systems. The caddies on top hold hi-lighters (of course they're in coordinating colors) pencils and a pencil sharpener. They also have a place to turn in work quickly. I'll give you a peek inside the drawers...my kids are responsible for keeping them neat...so, you've been warned.
Top drawer are student supply buckets, second drawer has a set of dry erase boards, markers, and erasers, and the bottom drawer holds student headphones in baggies.
Here's a view of the back of my classroom.
The Flavor of the Week board features a different student from the class each week.
The beloved CRAFT board, from Ladybug Teacher Files displays the reading strategies and skills we are continually working on. You can see my favorite reading genre posters made by Molly Maloy from Lessons with Laughter.
Reading is a Treat is where my students can keep track of their Reading Log assignments.
Independent reading bags from Really Good Stuff hang on 3-M hooks at the back of my room. I love that this doesn't take up any of my shelf space!!
A few of my favorite sweet shoppe touches...glittery lollipops...
and glittery popsicle bunting!
This area looks nothing like this any more...the old classroom computer is gone. The adorable gum ball machine is gone...and the 6 Traits of Writing poster is re-vamped.
More fun touches...bright cupcakes...
writing center supplies...
I'm loving all of the bright colors!
I love these theme posters..and my fluffy ribbon bunting!
This map was an amazing Five Below find! It comes with animals that velcro on, this will be great when we study animal habitats!
Supply bins that hold extra supplies as well as some Word Work options.
This is my closet door that's been covered with contact paper. It was too ugly to leave plain! There's room for featured student work as well as our hallway pass system.
Here's a shot of the front of the room. More Daily 5 supplies, job board, Clip Chart, CCSS I Can statements, vocabulary, and our daily schedule...phew! That's a whole lot of stuff in one little corner!
Another view of the front. My Smart Board, document camera, calendar, and class behavior system.
This is a view of my teacher area. I was so glad to get rid of my desk and just use my small group table. You can read more about how I organize my space HERE.
**Don't worry- I do not still have leaves hanging in my windows, I told you I've been meaning to post this forever!
Last corner is my classroom library. The paper lanterns and bunting make me happy!
Spy that cute little cupcake rug!?!? That came from my sweet, sweet blogging buddy Lana at For the Love of Teaching. I big puffy heart her.
Sorry for the picture overload, but I hope you liked getting a sneak peek into the room!
Anyone else on spring break? Mine has just started and it is GLORIOUS!
XOXO