Getting My Classroom In Order: Part 1

Each year once May comes around and things start winding down, the same thought crosses my mind. I am not going to completely re-do my classroom over the summer. This year I uttered the same phrase over and over again to myself and others; however, like every year before something has caught my eyes and I start to think that I just have to have that in my classroom.

I've never had a true theme in my classroom just bits and pieces of my favorite things-bright colors, zebra strips, polka dots, etc. It worked and I loved it; however, after five years it has gotten a bit stale and not quite as exciting as it used to be. Thanks to Pinterest and other websites, my current obsession is everything bright chevron! 

I went last week in search of everything chevron I could find and everything I need to get ready to start a new school year. I made my list and double checked it because I do not want to be waiting in long lines at the last minute like I usually am because I forget some things that I need. I'm not sure about where you live, but in Baton Rouge the only place that had chevron fabric was Hobby Lobby. I was shocked that they still had exactly what I needed in stock.

LOVE LOVE LOVE!

I then stocked up on school supplies like border, letters, and my desk calendar from School Aids. 

I love the fact that I can get this calendar for only $4 and it comes with coupons!

I may have gone a little overboard...

Now that I had done the shopping, it was time to get into my classroom and become completely overwhelmed. It's at this point that I normally start questioning why I decided to change things again and create more work for me when I should be at home enjoying summer. 

The entry way to my classroom. My office is through the door on the left.

Now that's a shiny floor and LOTS to put back in order.

I knew the first thing I wanted to do was get rid of my desks and add tables to my classroom because my students will all be getting brand new laptops through our district's One to One program and I don't want a crowded desk and broken computers to be an issue. Before I can do this, however, I needed to figure out the layout of the classroom. I decided to move my teacher area to the other side of the room closer to my office to allow more space near the Smartboard in my classroom.

I then started working on other things while I wait to switch out my desks for tables. I wanted to get the most time consuming things out of the way first. My bulletin boards are always the most time consuming so I got to work. 

I love the way the blue chevron stands out on the purple walls!

I used a lime green border with the blue chevron. I also split the bulletin board into two since this is the only once that I have in my classroom.

I love this, but I need to figure out what to put in the blank space at the top. Any suggestions?

I used bright blue border on the window into my office and put up white sheet curtains so that I can still see out of the window. I am going to be using this as my vision board and a way to display my Student Out Winners.

Another of the big projects I am working on is my Wall of Fame, where I display student work. I designed a chevron banner and got it printed at Vistaprint using one of my many Groupon deals. Under the banner, I am making wall hangers using glittery chevron ribbon and glitter clothes pins. 

This will be on the right wall so that it is visible as soon as you walk into my classroom!

This was all I had time to do on Day 1, which I also spent cleaning out clutter, organizing my desk, and doing a few other odds and ends. Look for another edition of Getting My Classroom In Order sometime next week.  Here are just a few more pictures of the progress to leave you with!

I love this sign too much to get rid of it!

I wonder how long it actually stays this organized...check out my post cards and stamps from Vistaprint!