Over on Always First Grade Mrs. Ibarra is having a classroom photo link party. I think it has been going on for a while. It is really cool to look into the rooms of others. I haven't posted pictures of my room yet so I figured this was as good a time as any!
I do love my room, it is my home away from home. I have a lovely view, through big picture windows of our playground. My children come to school with me, so during the warmer weather they run around and play outside while I pick up and plan. I feel blessed to be where I'm at doing what I love.


 This is a view of my classroom from the classroom door. We work in learning clubs of 4-5 students. The Writing Diner and the Daily 5 are up on my bulletin boards.


This is the view from the opposite direction. I have a giant stationary desk that takes up a ton of space. It will be cut in half this summer and moved along the wall to look like counter tops. I can't wait!!! I keep the lessons by subject in piles on my desk. I can just grab and go when I need to. I have a student job for overheads. That student cleans the overheads off and places them back in the appropriate binder. I'm getting a document camera this summer so that should eliminate the overhead hassle.


 This is the view from my kidney table. I meet with small groups and conference one on one with students during Daily 5 time. Those windows are looking out over the playground.



These are pictures of my classroom library. I have a bit of a book buying addiction. I label and organize each book then place it in a basket based on author, series, etc. I have one student in charge of each book shelf. Yes, I did make these shelves. I sanded and nailed them like a champ. I do have to give props to my dad and grandfather who made me more as my library grew. They have made them for many of my co-workers as well. This is also a shot of the two windows I have. The shades are drawn so the shot would take.


This is a list of classroom jobs. Some students have more than one. The more the kids can do the better the room looks. It takes 23 of us to make the messes and it takes just as many to clean them up.
This is my check out system for my library. Each student has a pocket that they place their book cards in. I use this to keep track of who is reading what and keep tabs on my books.
This is my sink area. I have pictures around the room of this year and prior years students. I love plants and I'm getting luckier about keeping them alive.

I sell snacks in my room. I hit the sales and make sure I can sell everything for 50 cents. I have to snack throughout the day. Kids always have money to buy that fruit role up at lunch so I figured they might as well spend it earlier in my room on a healthy yogurt, cheese stick, granola bar, etc. I have to restock the snacks very frequently!! I buy in BULK too. You should see how much they eat. They can to eat "healthy" snacks throughout the day as long as it doesn't interfere with learning. I have had many a thank you from parents on this one.



This is my snack basket looking like it needs some attention. Students are in charge of stocking it, breaking down boxes for recycling, cutting out box tops, etc.


Well that is a quick tour of my room. I hope you enjoyed it!!
Please leave a comment if you have thoughts or questions!!
I'm pathetic and comment starved.  :)