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
Your classroom looks AMAZING! It is so bright, colorful, and organized! You did such a good job. I love it all! I'll have to pin some of these to keep to refer back to! If I get a job this fall, you should take a road trip down to GA to help me with my room! LOL! ;) I'm afraid getting a job might be slim this year because of the fact that Easton will HAVE to come with me so we are a "package deal" - both of us or neither of us. I've already been told my the district office that teachers do not get preferential treatment for Pre-K placement. Anyway, your room is amazing, friend!
ReplyDeleteI want to move in there....NOW! Your room looks AMAZING! I thought I was organized...until I saw this. I"m going to need you to come to Florida after you go to Georgia. No excuses!
ReplyDeleteAlison
Rockin' and Lovin' Learnin'
It was worth the wait! Your classroom looks great!! I love all of your bright, cheerful colors! Your organization is super too. I have the need for things to match too. When I think of my classroom my first few years of teaching- I shudder! I had primary colors with pink and oh my! You are so smart to pick the colors you like and stick with them!! Well done...
ReplyDeleteMelissa
Keep Calm and Love First Grade
Your classroom is adorable, and I'm not just saying that because I'm partial to my sweets decor as well! I made 3-D lollipops for my classroom library (Sweet Stories). Did you make those adorable glittery ones? What about the popsicle bunting? I need these!!
ReplyDeleteI love your room and the bright colors! I went back to your post about the teacher desk area. I was thinking of getting rid of my giant teacher desk…you may have just convinced me. I don't have anything in the drawers, I just use the top, so I THINK I could use my small group table like you did. As it is now, I have my stuff on three different surfaces. I'm not happy about that. I just run around from one spot to another trying to find what I'm looking for. I think you just pushed me in the right direction!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all of the sweet comments Julie! I seriously LOVE not having my huge teacher desk taking up space. I'd hate to think about going back!
DeleteWe have the same carpet, but mine is kinda bluish (and I feel the same way about my ceiling!) They just rip up a square of carpet and replace it when it gets dirty…like when I spilled white-out all over it.
ReplyDeleteJulie
www.lovesthirdgrade.blogspot.com