Classroom Set Up 2015-2016

I've not changed a lot in my room over the past few years(other than the color theme on the bulletin boards & chair footies...which changes every year).  I use to change my room pretty drastically, but once you have technology in a certain place....and find a groove with that & your furniture...

you stick with it! 

I have my tables set up with an outer & inner horseshoe. It is a total of 14 tables/28 spots.   However, if our 2nd grade continues to grow....I'll have to move a few things around because my "extra" tables are in the back of the room not in my horseshoe of every day use!  

I have a PolyVision Smart Board. I really like it.  It does take up a chunk of my white board, but it is a usable white board & magnetic.  I mainly use my white board to post teacher examples & write vocabulary.  I'm trying to do more objectives & such on Power Points or the PolyVision's White Pages(it's a PolyVision thang).  

 I have a large room that was designed as an art room(back in 1988).  I've taught in very small portables & regular classrooms...so I understand small spaces.  I don't take this for granted.

 I love my room!!  

I had the district build two shelving units in my room a few years ago.  I love being able to have frequently used items easy to access.  

I love my cabinets, but wish the counter was not white(who puts a white counter in an art room!?!?!). As you can imagine...around 28 yrs of art room use....lots of stains/marks.  The other negative about this room....do you see my itty bitty sink?  It is really small...and too high for K & 1st.  I actually don't let the kids wash their hands in the sink.  I developed a few tricks when I taught in a portable with no water...and use those for clean up!  If ever there is just a whole lot of mess....the bathrooms are across the hall from my room and they can wash their hands there if need be.

So I was gifted this Crayola box after last year's back to school sales(Dollar General).  I decided it would be a great place for my art shirts.  I decided to set up this little vignette so it was painfully obvious where they were located(will still have children walking around lost!! ha ha).

My reading area has changed a little bit this year, but I think it is growing on me.  I read to my kindergarten students every time they come, and feel a designated reading area is a priority.  I've been teaching 19 yrs...so I've been able to accumulate a lot of books over the years. If you want to know some of my favorite books, here is the link to my Pinterest board. 

https://www.pinterest.com/tededinger/books-i-use-in-the-art-room/