Saturday Snapshots....Classroom Reveal!!!

I have been working like crazy to get my new room ready for kiddos (who, by the way, are coming back on MONDAY!!!).  There are still lots of things I want to do, but I wanted to show you how far my classroom has come.  I still want to add some of these hanging pom-pom flower thingys from the ceiling that I bought a few years ago and haven't used.  I want to hang them in my reading area and around the room (with group table #s attached), but I guess that will have to wait.  

I had a few goals in mind when I began decorating...

1. I wanted my room to feel super homey.  I hope that I accomplished this!

2. I did not want a bunch of clutter on the walls...I wanted to keep things simple. 

3. I wanted to focus on only a few colors.  I chose mostly pink and purple.  (My poor boy students will hate it! lol) 

Anyway, today I am linking up with Miss Nelson for Saturday Snapshots to reveal what my room looks like thus far.  I posted the following picture a few weeks ago to show y'all what my classroom looked like when I first walked in:  

And now, for the BIG reveal!!!

My classroom library is first up.  I love it, but I am in desperate need of some ideas of how I could change the yucky blue without actually painting it.  Let me know if you have some tips!  The green bin to the right is the book drop where students put books when they are finished.  My book check-out log is sitting on top.  

Side view of the library.  The books on top are some of my favorites or what is frequently checked out (high interest books).  There are more books on the shelves underneath that students can check out as well.  The lamp to the left is one that I found at a garage sale...I bought two like that for FIVE bucks for the pair! I love them! 

Close up of library area, my pretty lamp, and my picture frame quote...

This was one huge bulletin board, but I divided it in two.  One side focuses on reading strategies, and the other side will be our classroom data board.  To the left are two more quotes in picture frames.  

This is the right corner of the room.  I have my bin that is labeled "notebook paper," "computer paper," and "construction paper" for students to use.  I also have their textbooks on the shelves underneath.  I love all of the storage under the air conditioning unit!  The computer that is hooked up to the SmartBoard is also in this corner.  And of course, another lamp is a must as well! :)

This is the "411 of ELA" Board.  It is hard to read what is actually on there...Basically, it has my expectations, consequences, and rewards.  

This is the front of the room. My NOISE letters are on the right. (Click here to read the post about how I made these letters.)  I also have a stoplight for voice volume.  I love my "B Someone U would B proud 2 Know" Banner at the top of the room.  I love what it means, and my students usually love that it has texting lingo on it! ;) 

The signs around the clock say things such as "No whining," "No moaning and groaning," and "No put-downs."  They hang around the clock because we all know that students look there ALL.THE.TIME. :)  Below that is my "Bravo Board" where A-plus papers will go.  The chalk board is divided in three. The top part is for the date, the left side is for objectives, and the right side is for homework information.  

This is one of my favorite areas.  These are my student shelves that are directly to the left as you walk in the door.  Each class has a bookshelf, and these bookshelves will house their binders.  My favorite frame is the "You Matter" one, so that is on this shelf as well.  In the middle is my mailbox, where students can write me notes, ask questions, etc.  To the right is my other garage sale lamp, hand-sanitizer, and my flower pens that students can borrow.  I will also put Kleenex and lotion on this shelf for students to use if they need it.  I got the colorful rug on sale at Target.  :)

This is the "Information Station."  Here you can find the fire escape route, the emergency folder, the door signs for when we aren't in the classroom, the reminder board, and the clipboard where students sign out if they leave the classroom in the middle of class.  

This is one of my favorite purchases from this summer. I got this cart (originally 80 bucks) on sale at Michael's for 25 bucks!!!  The top of the cart is where I will place any handouts the students need to pick up as they walk in the door.  (The cart is directly to the right as you walk in)  I have also labeled the drawers "Monday-Friday," "Next Week," and "Future Copies."  I will place any copies in these bins.  I LOVE this organizer!!!!

This is my student supply area.  On the left is my bin with three drawers.  One is labeled "1st block," one is "2nd block" and the third is "3rd block."  My students will put finished work in these drawers.  I also have supplies in the green bins (stapler, tape, etc.).  The tablecloth is one I got at The Dollar Store for a buck! To the right is my "Were you absent???" bin.  There is a folder for every day of the week, and when students are absent, they check in this bin for any work they may have missed.  The absent bin is sitting on top of the drawers where my supply bags are housed.  There is a supply  bag for each desk, and when we need them, I place them on each desk in the morning before the kids get there.  (Click here to see my original post about my supply bags)   The chalkboard is where I put the quote of the week and any word wall words.    

This is my corner.  I love it!  The "Wisdom" board is just where I placed a few posters that have quotes and things on them. 

I am so glad that I made my desk cuter! I just covered it with bulletin board paper, put border around it, and then hot-glued my name to it.  Simple but cute :)

Close up of my desk area.  I have added lots of pictures to my teacher area this year, and I am so glad that I did.  It really makes this space feel like home.  

Close up of my desk, my pictures, and my lamp that I got from Target.  

This is my circle table with another tablecloth from The Dollar Store. When I pull small groups, we will work in this area.  

One of my cabinets.  I am really proud of myself for getting so organized this year. I have never labeled things before, and I love how easy it is to find what I need now! 

This is the entrance to my room.  It needs some work, but I am not sure what I want to do with it yet.  Underneath my name is my "Ms. Peterman is Currently Reading" sign, but you can't see it because of the glare.  


So there you have it--my classroom for the 2013-2014 school year.  I really like the way it turned out, but there are some other things I still plan to do.  

Hope you have a great weekend!