If your classroom is carpeted, you may find that the custodial staff has to shampoo before you can start arranging furniture. There are metal brads on the "feet" of many kindergarten tables, chairs, easels, book racks, cubby shelves, etc. It's best to let the carpet completely dry, which could take a full day so that the metal brads don't leave rust marks on the floor (a big no-no, and a surefire way to get on your custodian's not-so-chipper-side!) but if you're pressed for time (or just *really* need to see if a planned room layout will work), cover the brads completely with masking tape:
It will take some time to cover the brads, but it will be soooooo worth it in the end!
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Dear Daughter came by and helped me make some progress in the room. We spent a lot of our time climbing ladders to hang bulletin board paper and set up kindergarten/school themed vignettes:
(What will eventually be our "circle time" area for stories, games, calendar, sing-a-longs...)
An area being set up for painting and clay (we're learning about colors so I have multi-colored flags hanging from the ceiling...)
Vignette numero uno (displays that are up and out of the way stay put for the entire year)...
Part of a vignette that spells out "kindergarten," along with some friendly bears and stars...
...and of course, something patriotic!
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How is your classroom set up coming along?
I haven't been in my classroom yet. I'm a bit lazy this year, and also not looking forward to heading back. Of course, it's not quite as pertinent that my room is completely decorated by the first day, which is a very nice perk about my job. It'll get there. Your classroom is and has been a huge inspiration for me. I loved how you and Jess decorated for the different seasons and used scrapbooking paper for decorating. It really added the personal touch.
ReplyDeleteAw, *blush*.
ReplyDelete:)
Just wait until you see the pictures this weekend- the carpet was shampooed, the furniture is in place, and I'll be setting out freshly sharpened pencils, new crayons, and unopened glue bottles tomorrow to make everything look "official!"
I am also a Kinder teacher...though I have only been teaching for 3 years...I love the way you are setting up your classroom...and love your little vignettes...it adds a personal touch and makes the classroom feel homey...something to think about when I'm setting up my classroom! Thanks for sharing your pictures...can't wait to see more!
ReplyDeleteI am also a Kinder teacher...though I have only been teaching for 3 years...I love the way you are setting up your classroom...and love your little vignettes...it adds a personal touch and makes the classroom feel homey...something to think about when I'm setting up my classroom! Thanks for sharing your pictures...can't wait to see more!
ReplyDeleteOh, I just love inhaling the smell of new crayons and glue! Wait a sec. . . should I be admitting that???? :) Hey, gotta stay sane!
ReplyDeleteHi Gladys! So glad you dropped by, and I hope you have another wonderful year in kindergarten! The vignettes are made up mostly from the little tchotchkes and gifts that former students and their families have given me. Several of the items were given to me by my first group of kindergarten students...and they have just finished their first year of...gulp...college!
ReplyDeleteI'll be posting more photos in the days to come- hope you like them!
Michaele
I love your room- - I'm especially interested in the wooden post with the hanging baskets. Would you share what went into making that?
ReplyDeleteHi Nancy! Thanks for dropping by! The apple basket tree is a treasure I found when I came across an antiques/collectibles shop owner who was closing down her business. She said she wouldn't sell it to just anyone, so I explained that I was a kindergarten teacher in need of vertical storage for puppets and stuffed animals that would be kid friendly.
ReplyDeleteFive minutes later she was helping me load it into my truck.
I've photographed it a bit more closely so if you know someone with woodworking skills, s/he can figure out a pattern. Check back either tomorrow or this weekend and I'll post what I can.