I can't believe tomorrow starts the new school year!! Summer is over folks and teachers at Madison in Michigan start back tomorrow!! YIKES!! I know it has to end but ohhhhh, I don't want it to!! Don't get me wrong I'm super excited for the new beginnings but I just hate to say goodbye! 


I'm not ready to show completed pics of my new room just yet. But, I do have pics of a project that I completed. I fixed up some ancient desks that needed some lovin. They were beaten up pretty bad and only worthy of being in public if covered with a table cloth before I got a hold of them. But now they are my new computer table!! Tadaaa!! The tops are chalkboard paint so I can doodle and jot quick notes! Fun huh?!

As you know from my previous post and pictures, I am sooo not ready to post pics of a finished room. I have a long ways to go.

I love looking at all these finished classrooms they are so motivating and inspirational!! Take a look around and get motivated to finish yours!! Who could ever doubt how much teachers ROCK!?! 

Every year I get that little (ok big) feeling of panic. How will I get this all in order and make it into what I want/need in just a few weeks? I take deep breaths and keep on trucking. Eventually all is well and I always make it happen. 

This year I moved and holy macaroni and cheese is my room a disaster!! Last year I was switched to 3rd grade with the know that I would/could teach 4th again the following year. So, I didn't switch most of my materials out. I just left things like my library alone knowing that I would be back to 4th. I was allowed to stay in the same room and all. Well, long story short I fell in love with 3rd grade and I decided to stay. Which meant moving all that I had and actually converting it to 3rd.



This meant really converting my library. I'm reorganizing my books and storing away the higher level books. Last year I found that even 3rd graders who could read a higher level still struggled with staying engaged in longer text. I'm going to tuck some higher levels away in the cupboard until the end of the year when some of my gifted readers build ample stamina.



The rest of my room is a little better off but the bulletin boards haven't been touched. I'm going to consider these my before pics. I hope this will motivate me to put some hustle in my bustle. I have three little ones under 7 and they DO NOT get excited about going in to work on mommies room.


I know the rest of you are experiencing similar feelings. It's nice to know I'm not alone! I was going to do a before/after photo linky party but I know that Leslie from Kindergarten Works is starting one on Monday. I plan to link up to that one. Maybe it will get me moving a little faster.

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.  :)