My Classroom Tour

Since today is the first day of school for me, I thought I'd dedicate this post to something teaching related.

I'm not one who creates a theme for my classroom each year.  It's just not my style.  I love seeing other people's themes, but I just don't have the motivation in me to create an entire theme and run with it all year.

I do, however, color coordinate everything, so I do color coordinate my room.  Luckily, there have been TONS of things out in stores in the colors I use- black, green, purple, and blue!

When I walked into my room last Monday, I hadn't been up at school since the last day of post-planning.  My carpets looked tremendously better, but everything else was a hot mess.

I was so overwhelmed at first I laid down on the ground and just stared at everything, hoping that somehow they would start moving themselves.  It was one of several minor freak out moments this past week.

This is what I walked into

The arrow doesn't show up well.  

Storage cabinet, sink area (stained green thanks to a project I did last year)

My least favorite area...so much stuff!

Where I hoped to put my classroom library

In the end, I pretty much put everything back where it was last year.  I didn't have much of a choice.  I have four student computers and those can't really move from where they were because of internet drops, power supply, etc.  My computer is hooked up to the LCD and the Promethean board, so my computer had to stay near those two boxes.  And I have thirty desks and chairs.  Space is limited.

All thirty desks, chairs, and book sets ready to go for the first day!

In the corner, I have a monthly calendar and then my clip chart on the storage cabinet.  Next to the cabinet, sets of textbooks are on a shelf.  Those books don't get used enough to go in desks.  I don't use the book bag rack because it's not that sturdy.  So I have shoved a table underneath it.  I wish I could use it for a small group table, but only three kids can sit at it now.

My desk area- it takes up a little more space than I would prefer, but I don't really have any other options.

Sorry the picture is kind of blurry.  I've never claimed to be a great photographer!

Another view of the desks.  The blue pocket chart keeps my essential questions and right next to it, I post state standards.

I am most proud of this!  It is my book area.  This year, I plan on organizing my books into genres.  I actually plan on my students helping me.  I think that will give them a better idea of what a mystery book looks like, what a realistic fiction looks like, etc.  I also plan on keeping a tally chart of books that they finish in the different genres.  

I think I'm all ready for the first day of school!  I can't believe it's another school year!

For all you teachers, what does your room look like?  I love looking in on other teachers' rooms to get ideas!