Classroom Makeover, Round Three (After!)

Welcome back for the big reveal!  Check out my “before” post here!

First: I had to clear out all of the junk…

Ta-da!  It doesn’t look like much, but it isn’t supposed to be.  This is the open space that I will use for drama!

The north side of the classroom before…

…and after!  I’ve opted for cooperative learning tables this year.  Each table is named after a famous author!

I started with the table signs hot-glued to the tables.  However, I have now moved them to strings hanging above the tables.

So I can keep tabs on both sides of the classroom, my desk area is in the middle.  That old-wall stripe had to go!

I painted the wall green, and added a clause in my syllabus about not crossing the tape line without my permission.

The desk that I inherited was originally black, but it was pretty dingy after years of tape and dings.  So, I used some chalkboard paint, and drew my name on with some sidewalk chalk! Also, I hot glued my “Work Hard and Be Nice” sign to the front of a super-dated file cabinet.  The result was an inviting work area!

I have inherited two air conditioning units (one for each side of the room,) and fortunately for me, they both work!  I came up with the idea last year to use this space as my word wall, so I added some chalkboard paint…

…and voila!  On the top portion of the unit, I write “Cool Words,” (get it!?) and use all sides of it for vocabulary!   Also, on the left hand side is a board for student work!

Moving on to my classroom library!  I am a big proponent for a print-rich English classroom, so I make it a point to have a classroom library.  This year, I have a lot more space, and my collection has nearly doubled, thanks to our Scholastic Bookfair dollars!  Notice the cupboard doors.  You guessed it, they are chalkboard, too!  I use the doors in my classroom for class schedules.  Each class has their own door, and students copy down their homework from their assigned door.

I make sure to stamp the inside cover of each book with my teacher stamp, and there is a sign out binder.

Because I have moved rooms several times, I have inherited a good deal of teacher signage.  Below the book area, I have made a display of different genres.  Thank you to whichever teacher left these behind for me!

I made these signs for my clock…

“Time will pass, will you?”

I have also made a board in the front of my room for Common Core objectives.  I haven’t posted them yet, but I purchased a great set of Common Core posters for this board from teacherspayteachers.com.

We are required to have a “data wall” in our classrooms.   So, I put my own spin on it!  I use fabric for my boards (a tip given to me from a teacher friend!)  My “Wisdom Wall” will feature student grades and other data.

Finally, my doors.  The bottom portion is the same as my accent wall in my desk area.  The top portion is chalkboard paint.  Middle Schoolers are pretty forgetful sometimes about work that is due.  I use this space as a before-class reminder to grab any work that is due, and post any classroom news.

So, there you have it! I am still primping and improving, but I am very happy with the result!  Welcome to Mrs. Curley’s room!