Free Time Galore

With all of these blogging updates lately, you'd think I had oodles of time to kill. That is absolutely false. I have been working until 8, 9 or 10 o'clock pm each and every night in the last week. Last night, I was up until midnight toying with ideas for the coming week. Granted, this isn't always focused work. There's a lot of research going on behind my lesson plans and I'm really trying hard to link the Common Core to each and everything that happens in my classroom. I'm quickly learning how overwhelming that is becoming, but I'm remaining hopeful that that will pay off. En toto, I've been pretty lame for the last few weeks. Awhile ago, I had posted on Facebook about how wonderful my classroom looked. I realize I'm very humble and modest when it comes to these things. Actually, my pride in my classroom is overwhelming. Dare I say it, I don't even think one thing has been stolen....yet. Anyway, I thought I'd post some pictures so those of you following along can see what I decided to do this year. If any ideas look familiar, it's because you've seen them on Pinterest. Nothing is original here!

Before photo...giant mess.  The picture does not do it justice.

Student Study Center/Materials Center

I have no clue if the computer works.  I should try that soon.

Please try to ignore the fact that I can't center items freehand.  This drives me crazy everyday. 

I have since outlined the words "Be Prepared" and "Be Positive" on the yellow canvases.

The chalkboard painted canvas, used for magnetic poetry, has proved to be popular amongst my language arts classes.  The giant bulletin board will be used to display student work once we get that going.

Period 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 turn in baskets.  My featured artwork has also proved quite the conversation starter!

My front bulletin board reads: Bks R Lke Rly Lng Txt Msgs.  My students have all claimed they cannot read it.  As if! 

This is the view when you walk in the door. 

Outside of the class.  I have some other ideas of what to do with this space, but I've really lost my desire for decor, at this point in time. 

A special message for my clock watchers.  

That's all there is!  Hope you've enjoyed the tour!  Thanks for stopping by ;o)