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Welcome!! I've been working hard all summer to prep my classroom for the first day of school. I don't think the reality of that has set in yet... I start school on Wednesday (I'm already feeling the first day jitters!). This will be my second year teaching 4th grade! After my first year of teaching, I knew that I wanted to make A LOT of changes in my classroom as far as design, and functional space go. If only I had thought to take a before picture, you could see the total transformation (sigh).
One of my first projects was working on my door area. I wanted to create a space that was inviting, and fun for the kids. Leading into my classroom is a large floor to ceiling window. This was the perfect place to put the giant Instagram board I made (pictured below). I will be posting class pictures on this board throughout the school year of fun and educational activities that we're doing in class. This makes it easy for parents, other students, and teachers to see what we're doing as they walk down the hall. I also used the door as a place for my students to leave their 'exit tickets' This is a great way for me to quickly assess my students level of understanding at the end of a lesson.
Pom Poms- Purchased at the Dollar Tree in the party section
As you enter my room there is a long wall of bulletin board space. On the first bulletin board, I posted my 4 classroom expectations, along with a space for students to turn in their work and for them to sign-up for memory. (I teach at a christian school, so students are responsible for memorizing two pre-determined bible verses weekly). This is probably my favorite bulletin board in my room, and it was definitely the most time consuming!
Here's a closer look at my expectations posted for students:
Details:
Chalkboard Style Banners- Can be found on my TPT account HERE
Green Pom Pom- Purchased from the dollar tree
Now for the good stuff, my FAVORITE classroom space- my classroom library! My goal was to create a relaxing, authentic space for my students to unwind and enjoy a good book. We will also be using this space for our class meetings and other group discussions.
I'll let the pictures do most of the talking:)
Here's a closer look at the smaller details in my class library:
Details:
Welcome Banner from Lavinia Pop- Can be downloaded HERE for FREE!!Pom Poms- Purchased at the Dollar Tree in the party section
As you enter my room there is a long wall of bulletin board space. On the first bulletin board, I posted my 4 classroom expectations, along with a space for students to turn in their work and for them to sign-up for memory. (I teach at a christian school, so students are responsible for memorizing two pre-determined bible verses weekly). This is probably my favorite bulletin board in my room, and it was definitely the most time consuming!
I love the small details of this space:
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| FLOWER PENS STUDENT HOMEWORK TURN-IN |
Here's a closer look at my expectations posted for students:
Details:
Blue/Grey Arrows- Found at the dollar tree! (they're actually wall decals!)
Wooden Frames- purchased at Michael's
Silver Bucket- (I'm using that for our offering envelopes)- purchased at Walmart
Flower Pens- Purchased flowers, green floral wrap, and pens at Walmart
Fadeless Wooden Paper- Purchased from Joann Fabrics
Onto the next bulletin board! This board is fairly simple. I wanted a space to hang student work (especially writing samples). I had my fourth graders from last year write some words of wisdom to the new fourth graders before they left for the summer. They turned out TOO cute, and I'm totally going to continue this tradition next year! This was a project that definitely made my teacher heart happy- I hope the memories that they took away from fourth grade are ones that will last forever...
Details:
Chalkboard Style Banners- Can be found on my TPT account HERE
Green Pom Pom- Purchased from the dollar tree
Now for the good stuff, my FAVORITE classroom space- my classroom library! My goal was to create a relaxing, authentic space for my students to unwind and enjoy a good book. We will also be using this space for our class meetings and other group discussions.
I'll let the pictures do most of the talking:)
My favorite addition to this space from last year is the bench. I purchased a tall/narrow bookshelf from Craigslist, painted the back, sewed a cushion on the top, and BAM I now have both a functional and comfortable seating option (shout out to my mom for her sewing skills!).
Here's a closer look at the bench:
The numbers (pictured above) will be used as my classroom library check-out system. When my students check-out a book all they will have to do is put their stick into the space where they pulled the book from. When they are finished with the book, they simply put the book back where their stick was located. They can then check out a new book using the same process. I'm hoping that I won't have as many books misplaced and mixed out of order at the end of the school year (finger crossed, right?)
The READ letters (pictured above) were actually a very happy coincidence. While I was cleaning out my old room at my parents house, I found these letters I created in middle school that spelled DREAM, I realized I could also use the letters to spell READ! Horray!
Details:
Galvanized Bin (under bench)- Purchased from Walmart
Clipboard holder- Purchased from Walmart in the craft section
Tree Decal: Purchased on Amazon (Didn't use the picture frames)
Circular Numbered Labels: Downloaded from Time4Kindergarten Free!
I have three more bulletin boards along my right side wall, in addition to some HUGE windows. I LOVE the windows and the natural light they bring in, but they make it extremely hard to get the right lighting for pictures, so I apologize that these pictures aren't the best quality.
I love using the voice levels chart (pictured above) during student work time, small group discussions, or stations, because it's a great visual reminder for students, and I can ensure that they know my expectations during work time.
I use the left side of my whiteboard to record homework and reminders for the class. At the end of the day, we discuss any homework and reminders that are recorded on the board. One of my class jobs, is the class DJ. They are in charge of reading homework and taking any questions. My students also frequently ask what specials they have during the day. I added a spot on my board to display the specials, so that my students know what to expect. Lastly, the O.T.D. section of the board stands for On This Day. Each students is responsible throughout the year to find an important event that happened on the same date (different year) in history. It's SO fun! I did this last year with my class, and they loved it.
Details:
Voice Levels Chart- Download from my TPT Store
A-Z Alphabet- From Miss 5th (LOVE all her stuff)
The left side of my room is filled with posters, motivational quotes, and lots of storage. Something that the 3rd graders look forward to, is that in 4th grade they get classroom lockers. They feel so grown up! We use our classroom lockers on Fridays to store all of our books and folders in. I typically have my kids switch seats every week. This gives them the chance to work closely with all of their classmates.
This year I also decided to implement class DOJO as a form of behavior management. I've read so many wonderful reviews about this program, and I'm excited to put it into action. I have created a class DOJO store where they can use their points to buy various coupons. I have also created a credit card for each of my students. At the end of each week they cash out based on how many points they have, and I update the balance on their credit card. This also leads into a great discussion about handling money and being responsible.
Pictured above are my classroom mailboxes. These mailboxes came in an off-white color, and of course I wanted them to match my room, so I spray-painted them blue. I'm happy with the final product, but boy did those take a long time and about 8 cans of spray paint... You live and you learn, right?
Also pictured above is another option for seating in my classroom. Last year my kids would always want to sit on the cabinet during silent reading time, so I decided to make the space a little more cozy!
Details:
Green/Blue/White Chevron Cushion- purchased at Walmart
Chalkboard Posters- Purchased at The Learning Shop
Numbers on Mailboxes- Purchased on Amazon
Blue Pocket Dojo Envelopes- Purchased on Amazon
And now, the last wall space in my classroom- my desk area! In addition to it being my desk, and my main work space, I also use this space to meet with students one-on-one or in small groups.
Details:
Burlap Banner- Available in my TPT Store
Letter C- Purchased from Michaels
The Future is Bright Banner- Purchased from the Target dollar spot
3 Pocket Wall File- Purchased on Amazon
AND FINALLY, pictured below are my student tables/work space. A teacher friend was getting rid of 10 Sterelite drawers (score!) I decided to put them right on the students tables. I use the top drawer to keep dry erase boards, markers and erasers (I use black socks as my form of eraser- they work great!). The second drawer is filled with community art supplies such as markers, crayons, glue, and scissors. The third drawer contains the students Reading Interactive Notebooks.
Details:
Green Composition Notebooks- Purchased at Target
Name Tents- Purchased from Amazon
Thanks for coming along on this virtual tour of my classroom with me. I can't believe another school year is almost under way! I am so blessed that God has crossed my path with these 24 new fourth graders!
Here's to a school year of faith, friendship, and lots of fun!
---Subscribe below--- Follow Me on Instagram: faithandfourth ---
The READ letters (pictured above) were actually a very happy coincidence. While I was cleaning out my old room at my parents house, I found these letters I created in middle school that spelled DREAM, I realized I could also use the letters to spell READ! Horray!
Details:
Galvanized Bin (under bench)- Purchased from Walmart
Clipboard holder- Purchased from Walmart in the craft section
Tree Decal: Purchased on Amazon (Didn't use the picture frames)
Circular Numbered Labels: Downloaded from Time4Kindergarten Free!
I have three more bulletin boards along my right side wall, in addition to some HUGE windows. I LOVE the windows and the natural light they bring in, but they make it extremely hard to get the right lighting for pictures, so I apologize that these pictures aren't the best quality.
The 1st bulletin board pictured above is centered around our social studies curriculum, in which we study the regions of the United States, as well as learn about Wisconsin state history (which I totally love teaching). I was able to get tons of free brochures and informational packets from the WI state visitors center. I love free things, especially for my classroom!!
The 2nd bulletin board pictured is used to display Birthdays as well as our "Person Of Interest" for the week (similar to star of the week). My students love to bring in pictures and share all about themselves.
The 3rd bulletin board features our school wide theme form this year (GROW!) and underneath are the class job listings. I will have my students fill out a job application the first week of school, and then I will select their jobs based on their applications. This also lends into a great real-world connection talking about resumes, professionalism, and the process of getting a job.
Details:
WI State Poster- Purchased from Amazon
Burlap Banners- Can be found in my TPT store
U.S. Map- Purchased at Walmart
P.O.I. Poster- Purchased on Amazon
OK! On to the front of my room. My plan was to leave this area pretty neutral because it fills up so quickly during the school year.
I love using the voice levels chart (pictured above) during student work time, small group discussions, or stations, because it's a great visual reminder for students, and I can ensure that they know my expectations during work time.
I use the left side of my whiteboard to record homework and reminders for the class. At the end of the day, we discuss any homework and reminders that are recorded on the board. One of my class jobs, is the class DJ. They are in charge of reading homework and taking any questions. My students also frequently ask what specials they have during the day. I added a spot on my board to display the specials, so that my students know what to expect. Lastly, the O.T.D. section of the board stands for On This Day. Each students is responsible throughout the year to find an important event that happened on the same date (different year) in history. It's SO fun! I did this last year with my class, and they loved it.
Details:
Voice Levels Chart- Download from my TPT Store
A-Z Alphabet- From Miss 5th (LOVE all her stuff)
The left side of my room is filled with posters, motivational quotes, and lots of storage. Something that the 3rd graders look forward to, is that in 4th grade they get classroom lockers. They feel so grown up! We use our classroom lockers on Fridays to store all of our books and folders in. I typically have my kids switch seats every week. This gives them the chance to work closely with all of their classmates.
This year I also decided to implement class DOJO as a form of behavior management. I've read so many wonderful reviews about this program, and I'm excited to put it into action. I have created a class DOJO store where they can use their points to buy various coupons. I have also created a credit card for each of my students. At the end of each week they cash out based on how many points they have, and I update the balance on their credit card. This also leads into a great discussion about handling money and being responsible.
Also pictured above is another option for seating in my classroom. Last year my kids would always want to sit on the cabinet during silent reading time, so I decided to make the space a little more cozy!
Details:
Green/Blue/White Chevron Cushion- purchased at Walmart
Chalkboard Posters- Purchased at The Learning Shop
Numbers on Mailboxes- Purchased on Amazon
Blue Pocket Dojo Envelopes- Purchased on Amazon
And now, the last wall space in my classroom- my desk area! In addition to it being my desk, and my main work space, I also use this space to meet with students one-on-one or in small groups.
Details:
Burlap Banner- Available in my TPT Store
Letter C- Purchased from Michaels
The Future is Bright Banner- Purchased from the Target dollar spot
3 Pocket Wall File- Purchased on Amazon
AND FINALLY, pictured below are my student tables/work space. A teacher friend was getting rid of 10 Sterelite drawers (score!) I decided to put them right on the students tables. I use the top drawer to keep dry erase boards, markers and erasers (I use black socks as my form of eraser- they work great!). The second drawer is filled with community art supplies such as markers, crayons, glue, and scissors. The third drawer contains the students Reading Interactive Notebooks.
Details:
Green Composition Notebooks- Purchased at Target
Name Tents- Purchased from Amazon
Thanks for coming along on this virtual tour of my classroom with me. I can't believe another school year is almost under way! I am so blessed that God has crossed my path with these 24 new fourth graders!
Here's to a school year of faith, friendship, and lots of fun!
---Subscribe below--- Follow Me on Instagram: faithandfourth ---
