Teacher Week: Classroom Digs, B2S Necessities & a FREEBIE!

One of the best things about being a teacher is having the summer's off  being able to collaborate and share your ideas with others who are just as excited about the profession as you are! So today I'm going to share with you a peek inside my classroom in hopes that you are able to take an idea or two away and use it for yourself or pass along the love to others!

Step Inside! Let's GO!

Here is my writing center area. I keep lots of different supplies students may need to "spruce up" their writing like markers, crayons, gel pens, colored pencils, glue, scissors, etc. They are housed in the black storage drawers. The stackable trays hold the different writing papers (story templates, books, construction paper, lists, etc.) The "Writers Wall" is where I will display student writing examples for others to see. You can find all the printables on my bulletin board in the links below.

Cara's Writer's Eye freebie

Monthly words for writing

Alphabet & Handwriting chart

I updated my classroom management system {read about it here} this year and absolutely LOVE my new clipchart! I picked up the leopard and zebra clothespins from Michael's. They make all the difference! On the desk are the job trays where students turn in their work {read about it here} and I also have them highlight their name (highlighters in bucket) because I absolutely can't stand figuring out a no name paper!  Library books get turned into the red crate when they are finished reading and need to revisit to check out new books.

This is my home away from home, my desk area. Although not a lot of time is spent here, I try to make it as homey as possible with pictures and of course, candy! My lovely mom made my desk skirt which hides my refrigerator that's underneath, hehe! I completely ran out of wall space this year {I leave on entire wall blank to hang anchor charts} so the Safari Super Star will get to showcase their poster on the front of my desk each week.

Here is our cozy small group meeting area. I (fingers crossed) normally  have 4 different leveled reading groups. Each of their materials is housed on a different shelf. The other bookcase holds my materials, assessment binders, privacy folders, and more leveled books. I keep a lot of games and supplies in the colored drawers for easy access. I hate having to get up and leave them, time is precious people!

I have 3 computers in my room. Normally they are used for the Listen to Reading station. I have assembled a site using sqworl.com which has different links they can click on which is SOOOO much better than having them type it in on the search bar. These links take them to directly to the sites. If you haven't heard of sqworl, check out my page {HERE}.

The black desk is another Listen to Reading station where they can listen to books on CD.

Last year, I found that my students took reading more seriously if they had a designated "cozy" spot to go to or if they could grab a pillow or animal and make themselves comfortable. I knew I had to make another reading nook this summer and that's just what I did. I found these *perfect* reading nook chairs at Target, added a pillow, rug, and reading buddies and this little area is ready for some reading!

If students aren't at their desk working, then they are most likely meeting with me on the floor. Here is our meeting area, better know as the "Information Hut". The calendar helper gets the job of updating this area during calendar time, which is mostly done on the Smartboard.

Our class reward system is hanging on the wall. I use brownie points whenever we receive a compliment. Once the cookie sheet is filled up, we get to choose a class reward.

On the whiteboard is where I keep track of table points. I like to reinforce positive behavior whenever there is a chance. The table who reaches 10 points first gets a surprise.

At the front of the room is our Smartboard. I also display our sight words for the week in the purple pocket chart. After the week is over, they make their way up onto the word wall. Our daily schedule goes in the long blue pocket chart. You can find these cards in Cara's store {here}. Next to the schedule, I display what we are going to be working on for the day in the magnetic pockets.

Down below are our book boxes. My sweet hubby took the time to build their house for me last summer when I could find absolutely nothing where they would fit just perfect. He is my hero!

Our second cozy area is right by our class library. I organize my books by genre not reading level. We have a lesson at the beginning of the year on how to pick a "just right book".  Reagan Tunstall has an AMAZING library label set I used. Check it out {here}.

It's center time! I have 2 small black bookcases where I store our word work supplies, math manipulatives for math tubs, and center tubs. During our rotation I designate where some of the centers are to be worked on and others are allowed to freely choose a place. Oh, and I've got to give a shout out to our big zebra chair! I was SUPER lucky to have this handed down to me. The kids go crazy over it!

Time for a little rotating! The small pocket chart is where I place my math tub groups. These rotate on a daily basis. The next chart is for our center/reading group rotations (I plan to do a post on this later). The last chart is my newest addition. They are our classroom jobs. Here is a post on how I am planning on incorporating them into my room this year.

I told y'all earlier I totally ran out of wall space this year so I had to utilize a post, yes a post, for my birthday bulletin board!

Last but not least is our word wall. I know, it's lacking in the creative department. I plan on sprucing it up next year! Our class promise goes on the red bulletin board after the first week. I also have students turn in any "graded"  work to their cubby to take home daily.

WHEW!!!

That was ALOT!

Once your classroom is looking back to it's most fabulous state, hop on over to Ashley's blog to join her "Classroom Tour Linky".  You can link up all the way through the end of August!

AND

check out "Teacher Week '13" on Blog Hoppin'!

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I must admit, having my room all ready for the first day does put me a little at ease. Now that it is done, my eyes are set on prepping for the first few weeks. We all know, getting to know our students, setting rules in place, and having engaging activities are key to forming those positive relationships in the classroom. Here are 3 essential products that encompass all 3 of those things that I'm using to kick-off the year!

Find these fabulous B2S Products by clicking on the links below:

I Can...{Simple Daily Assessment for the First Week}

Let's Get This "Year" Started

Becoming Peacemakers

Not only are great products a necessity, but every teacher needs some *goodies* to call her own! I always start the year off with some brand spankin' new G2 gel pens...these things write like champs every. single. time. I almost have a fit when they run out of ink on me! What teacher doesn't have her "secret stash"!? Mine is definitely chocolate! Oh, and organization is a must. I am completely uberly over the top obsessed with my new bible Erin Condren planner. Take the plunge people...it's worth it!

Oh, one more thing...for sticking with me t-h-i-s long, I most definitely have a B2S FREEBIE for you!

My "I Can.." packet that I mentioned as one of my product necessities can be picked up in my TpT store for FREE! WOO HOO!

AND if you need any MORE resources to get you in the groove click the picture below!

Hope you enjoyed this B2S post and my classroom. I have 2 more weeks before returning and need to go make the best of my time off!