Anyways...my first big decision for setting up my room this year was to get rid of my desk and use tables instead. I got tired of students pushing the desks all around and using them as their own personal trash cans. Those who know me know that I am a neat freak and VERY organized (almost to the point of OCD). This only occurs at school, so if you tell my husband that I am OCD he may look at you like you are crazy because he picks up my messes at home.
Here is what my room looks like...let the tour begin.
The inspiration for my classroom came from Dandelions and Dragonflies (who happens to be another Gwinnett County employee). I have always loved red, black, and white as a color scheme which is what initially attracted me to her classroom. However, I am IN LOVE with the bookcases and the space I have in my classroom.
The book boxes will be used to hold their browsing books and folders. I am also going to put tubs on the bottom (if needed) to hold their journals. I also have their dictionaries handy as well in case they need to look up any words.
I really loved the idea of every table having their own personal trash can. I am hoping this will limit them getting up and being distracted or distracting to others. I figure I will just use left over shopping bags from our weekly grocery shopping trips as trash bags. I have always used supply bins and done community supplies. So this is nothing new. I just created a tag on my Silhouette and added ribbon to make it cute. Note: Chevron Baskets were $2 at Wal-Mart!!
Here is a close up of the book boxes I got from Really Good Stuff. Like the pirate tags? I will be adding them to my TpT store soon. I plan on writing a blog tomorrow just about my pirate decorations. You can find the link on that blog.
The bookcases were bought at Wal-Mart for about $18 a piece! What a steal! I hope they last.
Here is my guided reading/small group area. I try to centrally locate it so I can see every area of the room. I am here most of my day so it is critical that I see everything from here. I like having my little easel handy for our lessons and word work. In the bookcase, I have magnetic letters, leveled books, leveled non-fiction books, and bins organized by group so I can quickly pull their book for that day.
I use this area to hang up anchor papers we create together as a class. This was my favorite addition to my classroom last year. It was very easy to trade out anchor papers since I used clothes pins. This wall can fit 6 anchor papers! Not sure where on Pinterest I found this wonderful idea, but whoever you are...THANK YOU!
Whole group area. My one must have for my whole group area?...MY EASEL! It was the first thing I bought when I got hired as a teacher and it is the one and only thing I do not let my students play with. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it and would recommend it for any new teacher. It is expensive, but worth the investment.
My desk area could use some work. It just isn't cute enough for me. Any suggestions?
Hall Display (cannot wait to add their pictures to it, I am going to have them dress up as pirates!)
Writing Center (sort of blah right now, but it will get better as we learn some things)
Welcome Banner for Parents
Where is Mrs. Tansill's Class?
School-Wide Behavior Plan with a Pirate Theme
MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE PART OF OUR ROOM...the Library! <3 our Pirates Cove!
I didn't want this blog to be so long, so I will write more about the pirate decorations and where you can purchase them tomorrow. I hope you are as excited about your room as I am about mine! I would love to see yours! Please share!!!
