Spring Cleaning the Classroom

It is that time of year, again.  Towards the end of the year, I start getting anxious for the next year and start to think what I could do to improve.  Starting things ahead of time, will allow me time to get out all the "kinks" since I still have students to test my new ideas on.  The following is how I have kept busy...


Thanks to the inspiration of Mama Jenn, I revamped my Calendar Math area.  I lack bulletin board area in the front of my classroom, so I used corkboard (from Hobby Lobby) and covered it with cloth.  Then placed it over the white board to create a makeshift bulletin board. 


Underneath the Calendar Math area, I have added a Nonfiction section to my classroom library.  I used to store all my books in boxes and told myself I would regularly switch them out.  Unfortunately, I would find excuses as to why I couldn't switch them out, so I decided I would try to put all of the books out.  The kids love this section. 

New Calendar Math Area, New Non Fiction Library Area,  New Read/Writing Easel

Also pictured above is my new Reading/Writing Easel.  I am in LOVE!  I took on a second job teaching morning tutoring and Saturday school so I could purchase it.  Arriving to school at 6am everyday was totally worth it! 

Fiction Picture Book Section

Above is my Fiction Picture book section.  Collecting those blue containers from Dollar Trees was no easy task.  I still need more to accommodate all my books.  So for now, this will have to do.  All of the books have stickers on the cover that match the sign.

Fiction Book Area

I have decided that next year, I am going to use more of the Sterlite Plastic Shelves because they are easy to assemble and store.  I think my days of buying bookshelves are over.  I purchased white and gray, but I think I like the gray ones better.  I may just spray paint the white or use it somewhere else since it looks out of place.


My camera was not cooperating.  I was only able to get 3 shots before it stopped working.  When I get a new camera, I will post more pics from different angles.  My library has actually changed since I last took these pics.....ha....a teacher's work is never done =)  

Star-Themed Classroom Pics.

Well, better late than never!  As we approach the 12th day of school, I can finally step back and breathe a sigh of relief.  We have accomplished SO much: my students are doing a fabulous job following the rules; procedures are becoming more ritual; we are able to go without using the restroom for longer periods at a time (even the teacher, too); my students are masters at cleaning up and keeping our room organized; WE ARE BUCKET-FILLERS; they know their assigned number; they can come to the carpet, walk in the halls using fingers and ducktails, raise their hands (still working on waiting to be called on ;) and SO MUCH MORE!  This is going to be an amazing year!

The following are pictures of my classroom.  This is the first time I have used SmileBox.  The pictures automatically zoomed-in, so some photos maybe unclear.  Thank you to all those teachers for sharing your ideas!  You may notice some of them in my photos.  Enjoy!

Free photo slideshow customized with Smilebox

Star-Themed Classroom Pics-COMING SOON!

Take a look at the before pictures of my classroom.  For three years, I have been teaching in a FEMA trailer.  The trailers' original purpose was to accommodate the displaced students from Hurricane Katrina.  Since these trailers are designed for temporary use, parts are falling apart but we are making it work.  On the plus side, I have my own AC/Heating unit, 7 computers AND get to have the                            best profession in the world!     

This room needs a teacher's touch.

EEEKK!

= (

***I'm Seeing Stars***

I'm using "Stars" as my classroom theme this year.  I picked stars because it is mature enough for older kids, but whimsical enough for the younger ones (incase I change grades in the future).  Also, I am a Dallas Cowboys fan ; )  The following are projects that my mom and I worked on over the summer. Thanks for making my room shine, MOM! =) 

Classroom Mailbox- My mom painted a basic mailbox that was purchased from Walmart for $15.  She used stencils to make the stars and letters.  The stand was made by my amazing neighbor with wood purchased from HomeDepot.  I will use it to put our Zero the Hero prize every 10th day.

The moon was unfinished wood purchased for $1 at Dollar Tree.  The star attached to the flag was unfinished wood purchased at Hobby Lobby.  

Classroom Stool- The stool was unfinished wood  purchased from  Michael's  it was $30 but I used the 40% off coupon they offer online.  It is painted similar to the mailbox.  My mom painted the stars and swirls. =)

Library Sign- I purchased an unfinished chalkboard from Hobby Lobby then stained the wood and painted the board black.  Next, I used a Q-tip to write the letters freehandedly.  The stars were purchased unfinished from Hobby Lobby and hot glued on.  I wrote,"Berg's Books" on the sign because if a book from the library says this on the back, then it belongs to me.

Picture Frames- I purchased unfinished wood picture frames for $1 each at Michael's.  The stars were unfinished wood from Hobby Lobby.  The yellow frame is a recycled picture frame.  I just spray painted an old frame and added wood decals.  These frames will be filled with smiling faces in no time!

Star Basket- I took an ordinary basket, added some paint and a star to transform it.  Now, it matches my theme.  The star was unfinished wood purchased at Hobby Lobby.  The basket was something old.

Star Basket- I added some brown stain and a painted star to this ordinary basket making it match my theme.  The stars were purchased at Hobby Lobby and the basket was something old.