Situation #1. For the third year in a row, I have moved classrooms. If you include the fact that my first class got renovated halfway through the year and I had to move into the library until it was finished and then move back, I will have set up a learning environment five times in three school years. That is ignoring the times throughout the year when I re-evaluated the arrangement and moved things around.Upside: I've had lots of practice moving furniture and supplies around in the search for the most effective use of space.
Downside: I'm not there yet. I'm frustrated by clutter, piles, stacks, and heaps of things. I like organisation and each year I put in my reflection that I will be more organised.
Situation #2. Clutter-Free Classrooms is willing to help the likes of me. It seems as though I/we can look forward to tips, tools, and strategies to help me along. Wicked. Thanks. Let's get started.
Upside: Duh! I need help and Littlestlearners is willing to support us in this endeavour {She really has no idea what she has volunteered for. Don't tell her!}.
Downside: I'm not able to get into my classroom the second half of January. That's a while to wait to get things going. I hope I can catch up.
Situation #3. My new classroom has HEAPS of shelving. These pictures don't really show it but one wall is covered by three sliding whiteboards that conceal shelf after shelf after shelf. Below the whiteboards are, you guessed it, more shelves! I have what is best described as a miniature kitchen with sink, counter, cupboards, and drawers. all of this is at the other end of my room nearest the Smart Board. I have another mobile cupboard that is almost as big as my Teacher Desk. My classroom is in disarray so the cleaners can get around and do a real thorough job over summer.
Upside: HEAPS OF PLACES = HEAPS OF OPTIONS.
Downside: I'm struggling to actually come up with a downside to this except that I have HEAPS of stuff that will need to be organised. It's doable but I need a plan.
So this is it. I'm joining in the fun. I promise to take photos once I'm in my classroom and I look forward to following along as we join together as a unified force and tackle our collective messes!
Yuck.
Wait.. are your walls blue?? And you have a mini kitchen?? I would kill for a sink and actually might not mind a kitchen area. Ha! We certainly spend enough time there! Those shelves are going to come in handy once they're organized and ready to go. I have a few of my shelves super organized already and it has saved my life many times. Can't wait to see it when it's all done!
ReplyDeleteYour room looks like it has so many possibilities! I love the dark walls. I can't wait to see what you do with it.
ReplyDeleteMs. M
Ms.M's Blog
A Teacher's Plan
Miss P: Yep, blue walls! And maybe "minature kitchen" is a bit misleading. It's a sink with HOT water and some cupboards and drawers. The shelves are exciting and I can't wait for it to be done! :)
ReplyDeleteMs.M, thanks! I like the dark walls too. they are all fabric covered and pushpin ready. I can't remember what it's called but it's like living in a bulletin board!
✪ Liam ✪
Now I have serious classroom envy! As if I didn't already want to go to your little place on the map, I would love to go set up that space. The dark walls! The bright white trim! Oh my! Thanks for linking up!
ReplyDelete❤Jodi from...
★★The Clutter-Free Classroom★★
Helping Teachers Get Organized
Jodi: It's a gorgeous room and you are more than welcome to come by and set the room up. I don't know how much gas would be to get here though... :)
ReplyDelete✪ Liam ✪
Wow! I'm jealous of all that shelving/storage. I can't wait to see what you do. I have to run cause my room is awful compared to this.
ReplyDeleteJJ
http://guide2math.blogspot.com/
I wish I had all of those shelves inside my room! I have a coatroom with shelves but I am always afraid the things are going to fall off of the shelves onto the kids..... a bit of a problem. :)
ReplyDeleteMarvelous Multiagers!
You have such an interesting looking classroom with the dark walls and light fixtures! I'm hoping this project will help me too...good luck once you're able to get back in your room! I'm your newest follower :)
ReplyDeleteBonnie
Living A Wonderful Life