A Peek Inside My Class and Two Freebies for Yours

Back to school means many things to teachers.  Probably at the top of our lists is organizing and putting together our classrooms.  I always want my room in decent shape before I can even think about planning.

It dawned on me that I've never really shared pics from my classroom.  Each year I do some tweaking, editing, and rearranging.  These pictures reflect where I am today.  I'll live with it and probably make changes.  But for now, this is what my class is looking like . . .

Here is my new (and hopefully improved) calendar.  I relocated it to my magnetic whiteboard.  The actual calendar is from Carson Dellosa.  I liked the black background to go along with the chalkboard calendar piece I created.  It had a zebra trim on it that I cut off to better go with my decor.  

I'm also using a simple calendar connections daily packet to supplement the skills that are not on display on the calendar wall.

If you would like a FREE copy of the chalkboard calendar pieces to use in your classroom, click here.  

I also made a new alphabet to display above my whiteboard.  The cards also have a chalkboard theme.   (A link is at the bottom of this post.)

I incorporated more chalkboard elements this year because of this chalkboard I found on sale at Pottery Barn Kids.  It's learning on the wall at the entrance to my room, near the students' mailboxes.  I plan on using it for a Star Student display later in the year.  The tote bag has my recess goodies in it.

Here is a shot of my desk.  I have a lot of shelves behind it.  My school is pretty old and there's no built in storage, plus there is a (let's just say) not so attractive curtain wall.  So I've lined this wall with shelving for much need storage and to block some of my view of the curtain.

I do quite a bit of instruction at my gathering area.  Here you'll always find a basket of books for read aloud.  There is also a basket of pillows students can use during The Daily 5.  

I do not have a Smartboard in my class (insert frowny face).  However, I do have an Apple TV.  We do any work with the Apple TV at the gathering area.  My easel is also in this space.

Currently student work and some math anchor charts are hanging on my one large bulletin board.  Under the board is many of our Daily 5 supplies.  On the far end, in the canvas totes, is the Word Work activities.  The center shelf houses the students' book boxes (Multi Purpose bins from the Container Store).  The closest shelf has old school cassette players, personal cd players, and books on cassette and cd for Listen to Reading.

This is my class library.  The books students choose for their book boxes are in the clear totes (also Multi Purpose bins from the Container Store).  The top totes hold some of my book sets from small group reading activities.

In efforts free up some floor space, I did some editing this year and now only have two computers.  It is really important to have plenty of floor space during The Daily 5, math centers, and literacy centers.  I tried to plan so that my firsties could spread out.

The quilt hanging behind the computers was the jumping off point for the colors in my classroom.  I've had it for several years and still enjoy it.

Below are a couple of whole class pictures.  As you can see, I try to keep things pretty simple.  My goal is for the space to feel welcoming, calm, and organized.

I guess that's the end of today's tour.  If you would like a FREE copy of my class alphabet, you can click on the picture below.

*You can also click here for a D'Nealian version of this same alphabet. :)

I'll leave you with a couple of pics from some recent big days for our little family.

My daughter started first grade this year.  She is again blessed with a wonderful teacher.  

She turned 7 this week too.  We celebrated with a Fancy Nancy themed birthday party.  It was super glam and so fun.

I suppose that's it for now.  If you are still on summer break, enjoy.  If you are back to school already, best of luck with your year.
Thanks for stopping by.