Today was the second official day of work for teachers. Because I went up to the school a few days this summer, I was able to finish my room a little early. I'm sure I'll look at it enough to make some changes before kids come....but here it is for now! The picture above is, obviously, of my classroom door.
My room as seen from the doorway
One thing I like for the students to have on their desks is the baskets. I got these bright colored baskets at Dollar Tree, and I used Velcro to attach them. The students put their pencils, sharpeners, etc. here so there are NO accidentally dropping things out of the desk (especially pencil shavings - making a mess!). I also have them place all supplies for activities/games in the baskets until told to use them. This has been extremely successful for me! Plus...it add a little color to the boring gray desks. By the way, I usually have the students grouped. However, I prefer for all eyes to be one me the first day. I am a huge preventionist (is that a word). I try to make sure they understand how we operate before I allow them to actually look at each other during class! Ha!
View from across the room
The "teacher's corner"
The "desk art" is something new that I did today. I didn't feel like actually working this morning...so I decided to paint instead! That's the joy of teaching - painting can count as work. Ha! The bookshelf on the left holds teacher editions and teacher resources for the school year. On top of the bookshelf, I have a basket for each subject. This is where I put extra/leftover classwork and homework. Behind my desk, I have a "Weekly Objectives" board. I place the objectives we will cover each week on that board for administrators/parents/students to see.
Weekly work drawers
This drawer system has been a fabulous addition to my room. I bought it at Lowe's last summer, and I love it. Each week, I put everything needed for lessons in the drawer for the entire week. This way I don't have to arrive really early or stay late to gather my supplies. I simply open the Tuesday drawer on Tuesday...and everything is there! Keeps me planning ahead too.
Reading Carpet and Word Wall
Back of the room
If you notice, on top of the cabinets, you'll see a box labeled "May." This is my "May Box." My students hate that box, because it's like a black hole. If I catch students playing with something when they shouldn't or bringing something to school they shouldn't...it goes to the "May Box." My students know what that means, and they don't even ask. Unless a parent comes to pick the item up from me, the collected items "May" be available in May. Not fun! Especially if it's a cell phone or PSP. I'm so mean, I know! On the cabinets, I have my Bold Goals. Each test day, the class sets a goal for our class. If our class meets the goal on their tests, we celebrate. I always post the percentage regardless so we can see how high we need to go.
Listening Center/AR Board
I know you have already seen the AR Board. The main thing I'm showing here are the cute bucket stools that Russ, my dad, and I made. These are the greatest things ever!! I found these bright gallon buckets at Walmart last summer. My dad and a friend cut the circles (two sets - one inside and one top) out of wood. Russ and I upholstered them. These serve as cute portable seats for students. But, the best part is the STORAGE they provide! Super idea for small classrooms too. Several of the teachers now have these in their rooms. Ha!
Of course, once the students arrive - it won't take me a but a few days to have the room covered with work! That's when it looks the best!!
