Classroom Reveal 2015

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It’s finally that time of year, time for my annual Classroom Reveal!  2015 is sure to be a great year with a new classroom and moving back to Kindergarten from first grade!  I’ve waited 16 years to be back in Kinder permanently and it’s FINALLY happened.  To say I am excited is an understatement.

Classroom Reveal 2015 First Grade Blue Skies

BUT…I had forgotten how the first part of the year is in Kinder and I would be lying if I said there were no tears shed (by ME!!) on our first day back on Thursday.  It was tough.  Like, hit my head on the wall tough.  Totally not my their fault, it was my fault.  I was so busy with beginning of the year prep and room prep and meetings and professional development and all the other things we HAVE to do, I wasn’t ready for them.  I thought I was ready, but I was NOT ready. Of course, I made it through.  They made it through, and no one knew the difference, except me.  I kinda wish I had a “do over” because I over-estimated their ability and under-estimated how prepared I was.  I don’t mean to make it sound like it was a “bad” day.   We actually had a good day because we played and got to know each other.  Also we worked on routines.  We survived.

Painted Gumboil Machine for Erasers - First Grade Blue Skies

Beautiful classroom pictures

Classroom Reveal Pictures First Grade Blue Skies

Open House Pictures

But Friday was better.   I have to always remind myself that every day is a new day and no matter how tough one day is or how ill prepared I may feel, tomorrow is a a new day, a fresh start.

Math Meeting Area Photos

Classroom Loft

Book Buddy Bucket

More pictures

With all that said, I’l go ahead and share the pictures of my new space.  I was scared when I first saw it. But once I painted (twice) and got new floors…I got excited.  I *love* classroom decorating.  I love creating a space I love coming to every day and that when my students enter into it, they smile.  It makes me happy.  What do they say, “happy teacher, happy kids”? lol

Math Meeting Board

Wall to display student work

ABC Chart

The above alphabet is from Ladybug Teacher Files {HERE} and the alphabet below is from Schroeder Shenanigans in 2nd {HERE}

Alphabet chart

Back to school classroom pictures

writing station

writing station photos

Classroom Reveal 2015 First Grade Blue Skies Banner on Windows and chevron contact paper on table

classroom board

writing station board

The writing station cards above are from DeeDee Wills HERE}  The cutie patootie tins below are from my friend Kaci {find her easy shop HERE}

sharp and not sharp pencil cans

order of directions classroom

class loft Classroom Reveal 2015 First Grade Blue Skies

Classroom Reveal 2015 First Grade Blue Skies

The numbers at the top of the picture are by Sarah Cooley {HERE}

Pete the Cat

classroom door

personalized sticker for computer

Classroom Photos First Grade Blue Skies

Classroom Reveal 2015 First Grade Blue Skies

Classroom Photos First Grade Blue Skies

 classroom saying

The “Be Brave” sign and the banner above my windows are both from Hobby Lobby!

 classroom clock

I found the clock on Amazon  HERE: Trend Lab Dr. Seuss Kid Wall Clock, You’ll Move Mountains

Classroom Reveal First Grade Blue Skies

I hope you love it as much as I do, the pictures really don’t do it justice!  It is bright and cheerful!  I have so many other things I want to do with the space and add to it, but that will have to be put on hold until I get my Kindergarten Groove back!

DREAM picture in classroom

104 Comments

  1. Jennifer – I LOVE your room. That gumball machine with the erasers is just too cute. I’m sure your day was better than you think and the good news is you have 180 days of “do overs.” I can’t wait to keep reading about your year!

    Lauren

    Reply

  2. I love your room! The first 2 weeks in K are the hardest, it does get better!
    Where did you get the black and white border with white polka dots?
    I have to have it! Thanks!

    Reply

  3. I would love to teach and learn in your room! I also love classroom decorating and can’t wait to get into mine in the upcoming weeks! I love the way your personal style is present but doesn’t overwhelm the room. It’s perfect!! ❤️

    Reply

  5. First, I love your room! Wow! What do you do with the empty frames you have hanging? And, where did you get the pockets on the back of the chairs! Fabulous!

    Reply

    1. They’re from Really Good Stuff! I leave the frames as is for now, then I add a clothespin in the center to display art the kids give me =)

      Reply

  6. Your room looks awesome! You have inspired me to paint my stool. That will be my project.
    Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply

  8. I adore your classroom & your honesty about the first day of school! It’s so hard to be really ready for the kiddos but we always make it through & the journey is so much fun! I hope you have a wonderful first year back in your kindergarten home! ❤️

    Reply

  10. I just want to grab a book buddy, climb in your loft, and read. Then I want to hop up on the “stage” in front of your calendar and do a little happy dance. Oh to be 5 again and in your classroom! I taught Kinders for three years back when I was starting my career. That was 24 years ago. Know that your room is a magical place, and the children who will live and learn in it are lucky to have you!
    Warm Regards,
    ~Jennifer
    Stories and Songs in Second

    Reply

  15. I love LOVE your room!! So cheery and fun! Hobby Lobby is going to be my go-to place for my homeschooling room this year. I love that second story reading area! Where did you get it? I bet the kids just love it!

    Reply

  16. I was just hired to teach first grade. This is my first year teaching. What do you recommend doing the first day? I plan to spend lots of time showing them basic procedures and playing outside (I do not yet have a lot of toys for the room).

    Reply

  17. I love your room! I love the gray walls with the touches of white and blue. It’s beautiful and creates such a lovely learning environment. I also love the border above and below the alphabet (above the white boards). Where did you get that?! I want that for my alphabet line too! 🙂

    Reply

  18. By the way, did you paint the black “bulletin board” sections on your walls yourself? That’s an awesome idea! I do not have bulletin boards on my walls and I end up putting long sections of roll paper on them to make my own sections. I like the paint idea!

    Reply

  19. You are so very creative! Your kids are lucky to have you for their teacher. I absolutely need the steps 1-4 , name color, etc. Where can I find it?

    Do na

    Reply

  21. Love, love, love your room! All of my favorite color combinations and some of my favorite TPT products! One quick question, where did you got the pennants that you have hanging over your desk? Have a wonderful year and you are off to a great start! Thank you for sharing so many beautiful photos and thanks in advance for your help!

    Meliisa

    Reply

  22. Hi I ordered the sharp and not sharp decals- can you tell me where you got the tins that look like lined paper on them. The ones you used with your decals.
    Thanks

    Reply

  23. Love your room….where can I find the name, scissors, crayons, and glue pics that you posted in the one picture showing the kids what steps they need to take to complete a task?
    Thanks,
    mvondran@woh.rr.com

    Reply

  25. I am also moving to K after 16 years in first. My biggest worry is expecting them to more than they can handle, so reading about your first days has made me feel better.

    Reply

  26. love your room, very put together! But what do you mean you got new floors lol?! Wish I could get new floors in my room ha.

    Reply

    1. There were missing tiles and some that were broken in half with sections missing. It was terrible! They were kind enough to see it and install a new floor! =)

      Reply

  28. Hi Jennifer, your room is amazing! I love the colors and all the special touches you have incorporated. I always say the first 25 days of Kindergarten is the hardest. I am crying, they are crying… 😉 I hope you have a great start to your school year!

    Reply

  30. Sorry posted that before I was ready….did you make the loft? Is that a bunk bed loft? Did you have any safety issues having that in your room. Thanks

    Reply

  32. Hi – First, I just wanted to say that I think your room from last year is ADORABLE. I am getting ready to change schools and I have been looking for inspiration for my next classroom. Your classroom is warm and very inviting. I have a question though where do you store your kiddos backpacks? My new classroom does not have cubbies or backpack hooks. I’ve been searching high and low on the internet for any creative and decorative solutions. I was just wondering what you use, since I do not see any pictures of where your students hang up backpacks.

    Thanks!
    Krystin

    Reply

  33. Love your room! I just ordered the Dr. Seuss clock. I need to replace my loft, after construction this summer. Can your students stand-up, under the Childcraft loft?

    Reply

  35. Jennifer, I love your room. So colorful, organized, and inviting. My friend teaches at a 100 year old historical school with plastered walls. How do you keep your materials mounted on your brick wall?

    Reply

    1. Well, my school is pretty old, too! I use a variety of methods, depending on the weight of the item or texture. For heavier objects, I use A LOT of 3m Hooks and they always come off super easy! I also use a hot glue gun on the COOL setting, it peels right off if you don’t use the HOT setting. But mostly I use MAVALUS TAPE, you can find it here: http://amzn.to/29EK1lu It holds REALLY well and never leaves any residue. Hope those tips help!! =)

      Reply

  36. Hi Jennifer! I love your classroom! Do you have access to your room over the summer? I wish I had time to work on mine but we only can get into our school a few days before we have to report back to work from summer break. Your classroom is beautiful!

    Reply

    1. Yes, luckily I can go into my classroom anytime I like! I guess you could say I’m a lucky duck (at least where that’s concerned!! lol)

      Reply

  38. I am in love with your pencil (sharp/not sharp) pails. How did you create such straight lines to mimic lined paper? Thanks!

    Reply

    1. I think the pails came like that from Target last year. The words were done for me by Mrs Hoffer’s Spot on etsy =)

      Reply

      1. Thanks! I purchased the words and received them last week, but all I could find were white pails. This year Target has ones that are like grid paper.

        Reply

  39. Hello ,

    I just wanted to ley you know that your awesome and love your ideas. I have purchased a lot of your product’s. I would love to buy the dream frame where can I get one. Have to get one..

    Sandy

    Reply

  40. Jennifer,

    I love your classroom!! I always check your blog for inspiration 🙂 I was wondering if the chair pockets you have are the ones from really good stuff? If so, did they hold up well? If not, where are they from and how do you like them?

    Thanks!!
    -Elizabeth

    Reply

    1. They are from Really Good Stuff 😉 I think they held up well, I’ve used them for three years now and they’re still in pretty good shape! Hope that helps!

      Reply

  41. Jennifer,

    I love your room! I was wondering what size your picture frame is you used to display your birthdays, and what do you use to display each child’s birthday.

    Thanks,
    Heather

    Reply

  42. I swear I saw a 10 teacher must haves somewhere on your blog that had a really cute tote bag as well as some pens from Amazon too. Of course I can’t find the links anymore. Do you know where they are?

    Reply

  43. Jennifer,

    Love the pictures! This is the color scheme I am going with this year! I made a calendar similar to yours but how did you get it to stay on the bulletin board?

    Reply

    1. If it’s the magnetic calendar board with the blue frame, then it’s actually on a wall that’s painted black (as a square) and then outlined with border (it’s affixed with screws). In the past, I have used it on a bulletin board with short nails that I hammered into the board, they weren’t long enough to go into the wall and it worked out fine. Not sure if that helps or not, but I hope so!
      Jennifer

      Reply

    1. It’s from IKEA (Amazon has them, too, if you search “IKEA polka dot rug” -if you don’t have an IKEA =) )

      Reply

  46. I’m a little late to the game so forgive me if you already answered this but where did you get the “book buddy” vinyl? Did you make it yourself??

    Thanks!!

    Reply

  49. I’m not sure if you are still reading comments. But I wanted to know how you created the decor on the front side of your desk?
    Thanks!

    Reply

    1. The desk came with the “window frames” but you could easily make them with trim. I used mod podge to add scrapbook paper or fabric inside the frames 😉 hope that helps answer your question!

      Reply

  50. I love your Book Buddy! I actually found a bin the exact size and color! How did you do the letters? Your classroom is awesome!

    Reply

  52. Your classroom is so cute! I love looking at all of the photos! Did you paint your walls? What color gray are they?

    Reply

  53. Hello I love your room, I see a lot of questions about where you got your book buddy bin and how you made the letters but I would like to know where did you find the book buddies?

    Reply

    1. Most of them are from Kohl’s when they do the Kohl’s Cares promotions. A lot of them can be found on Amazon and at bookstores =) Hope that helps!

      Reply

  54. Hi!! I love your classroom!! I am inspired by your book buddies bin. What size of font did you do to put on the bin?

    Reply

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