Classroom Digs: Teacher Week 2013

It's time for Day 2 of Teacher Week 2013. I had a great time co-hosting yesterday's post and if you missed that, you can check it out {HERE}. Today is all abut classroom digs. As you know, I recently moved to Atlanta, so today, I am showing pictures of my classroom in SC. This was BY FAR my favorite classroom, so I feel that it is a perfect time to revisit this little space. 

One of my favorite things about being a teacher is the fact that I get to design and decorate my very own classroom! I mean…what teacher doesn’t go crazy preparing a classroom for a new year?!? I tend to go a little beyond crazy, but I am totally ok with that!

So…here is a little look into my SC teaching nook {Man I miss this place!!}

Classroom Library


My classroom library was organized by genre and leveled by Lexile! I also decided to separate my bookshelves into fiction and nonfiction text!


 

Then, I had a separate section for mentor texts which was used to inspire young writers! 


Double copy books are a must for any library! The kiddos loved being able to chit chat about their favorite stories!


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I used my cameo to create these book box student numbers. When they pull a book from the classroom library, they used the marker to hold it’s place so they would remember where to return the book when they are finished reading! So long hours of reorganizing books! Many thanks to Teri over at A Cupcake for the Teacher for such a wonderful idea!

I also had several interactive bulletin boards in my library center. 

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Peer Recommendations

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Identifying Themes

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Book Awards and Rave Reviews

These interactive boards were all located in our library so that students could use the information when choosing the perfect book!


And of course…no library would be complete without the King! ;)



Guided Reading & Small Group Instruction Area

I spend lots of instructional time in this area and love it's cozy little feel. I also had content words on ribbons going down this wall. I have searched and searched for a picture, but can't seem to find one at the moment. 


The storage space under a kidney table is out of this world! I HIGHLY recommend a table skirt...if you don't already have one! 

Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck


 
Why place bookshelves against a wall when they can provide the perfect place for centers and/or supplies?! I couldn’t live without this extra space!



Mid year, I also added book boxes for my kiddos as we began to heavily implement reader's workshop into the classroom. This addition was perfect and these boxes were amazing. The kids would grab them and take them to their book nook during independent reading time. 

My back door was covered with our classroom rules from my Desire to Inspire Pack




My Inspirational Wall: Desire to Inspire

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A Bird’s Eye View {Almost}

Front:



Back:


My Favorite Purchase {Totally Unnecessary…but I LOVE IT!}

My LED board! I picked this up from SAM’s and it is perfect for our daily schedule!

Outside Walls


Which eventually changed to this...after our entire school was painted...



Oh Snap! Reading Ribbons

If you have followed my blog for any length of time, you know my classroom doesn't stay like this for long. I am always changing things up and redecorating for themes and incentives. I love that my job allows me to have so much fun. Seriously, I couldn't imagine doing anything else! 

Here are just a few of our classroom transformations! 



Beach Theme for PASS Paradise! 



I transformed the room into Wizard of Oz for Halloween during our book study. 



Adjective Fashion Week 2012! 


Go for the Gold Olympic Theme


A Reading Camp Out! 


 A Day in China! 

Well, that’s all for me! Thanks for taking a tour of my little space! Be sure and link up with Blog Hoppin' and show us your classroom. I can't wait to see your home away from home! 


24 comments:

  1. I just love your room, especially the inspiration wall! Thanks for sharing it! :)
    Lauren
    Miss Augustine's Kindergarten

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  2. Umm can I please be a student in your class?! Your room looks AWESOME! I can't wait to see what your new classroom will look like!

    Alex
    theschoolpotato.blogspot.com

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  3. Your room is beautiful! It looks like a wonderful place to learn! Well done!

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  4. What a big and beautiful space! So inspiring!

    Elizabeth
    Seconds at the Beach

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  5. Things only get better so I can't wait to see your new room. This looks fantastic!
    Julie :-)
    Mrs Stowe's Kinder Cottage

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  6. I love the music theme - thanks for sharing
    Paula from Paula’s Place and iSURF Maths

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  7. Your classroom is beautiful.

    I love the idea of having a seperate bookshelf for double copy books. Last year my students loved reading and sharing a book with a partner.

    I also love the stage infront of your Smart Board. I could use one of those. Even in fourth grade some of my kiddos have trouble reaching the top of the board.

    Thanks for sharing all this classroom inspiration!


    Jennifer
    Elementary School Garden

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  8. Your room is amazing! What is the area in front of your Smart Board? It doesn't look like kids can sit there? You library/book area is beautiful! I know you'll have another wonderful class this year! Thanks for sharing!
    Rambling About Reading

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  9. Ummm...totally jealous of how BIG your room is and how much room you have for a classroom library and cozy reading area! I'm curious too, what is the big chevron square on the floor under your smartboard?? Looks interesting! Good luck this year in a new city!

    Lindsay
    For the Love of First Grade

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  10. In love with your room... so much space! I'm sorry you had to leave it behind, can't wait to see your new room in Atlanta!

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  11. I bet you miss this room...can't wait to see what you do with your new space. You definitely have a talent for making things look fabulous! Your new school is lucky to have you!

    Amy
    What Happens in First Grade

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  12. That stage at your front board, LOVE! Not only does it work for kids to stand on and write on the board, but what a fun way to make them feel special when they share! LOVE it! I understand how you feel about missing your classroom! I won't have a room this year because of my new role in the school and I know I'm going to miss it!

    Ashley
    Flying High in First Grade

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  13. Love your old room! Can't wait to see what the new one looks like! I love how you change it up for your themes!

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  14. The stage (??)...love! Inspiration wall...love! Themes through the year...love! Library ideas...love! The math stations...love...where do I get those??
    lorikimball1@aim.com

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  15. I absolutely love your old classroom! I hope to have a classroom like this in the future. I have been looking for a cute table skirt! Where did you get yours?

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  16. I read your Meet the Teacher over on Blog Hoppin' and I noticed the picture from The Color Run! I am doing The Color Run in Tacoma WA next month (my first 5K ever!). I adore the tutus your team wore! We were going to make white tutus but I kinda love the rainbow ones! Can't wait to see photos from the Disney Marathon!

    Kayla
    Rooting for Third Grade

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  17. I love your stage and would know how you made it. I also want to know more about your interactive white board centers.

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  18. Awesome room! The kids and parents will LOVE it! Especially lovin' those bright frames on your inspirational quote wall.

    Ali
    Teaching Powered by Caffeine

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  19. Oh my goodness! Can I move in! I love how you stuck the file folders on the back of your shelves for your center supplies! Awesome!

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  20. Your classroom is so awesome. I can see your passion for teaching!

    ✰Becca
    Simply 2nd Resources

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  21. Your classroom looks wonderful! The atorage space under your kidney table is genius! And the Elvis is just great. I mentioned you in my post today because I was so impressed. Feel free to check it out here.

    Kayla
    Rooting for Third Grade

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  22. Great ideas. I love the Adjectives Fashion Week. Thanks for sharing.

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