Teacher Space Redo

I wasn't planning to work in my classroom today but there is just something alluring about setting up a classroom for a new group of kids that this teacher can't resist. The fact that the hallway bulletin board was missing border because I ran out yesterday didn't factor into my visit today...no, not at all. I suppose my trip to IKEA to pick up stools and a small nightstand didn't factor in either. ;) 

After putting up the last pieces of border, I walked around my classroom surveying what needed to still be done and there it was...my teacher space. It was the elephant in the room yesterday and I was hoping it would become invisible before I returned but no. There is was rearing it's ugly head. Okay, ugly may be a strong word. The space was fine. It was functional but it was lacking to me. I didn't want to spend another year with my back to the room while I work on the computer. Plus, there is an amazing view out the window and I'd love to be near it. During the grey, rainy winter months, it will be important. 

My teacher space yesterday...

Nothing wrong with the space but it could be better. In the words of Lowes, "never stop improving." I totally get their slogan! 

After a bunch of pushing, pulling, unplugging, plugging back in, sweat and non-stop chime playing by Lil' Miss, here's what my teacher space looks like now. 

The kids always love lounging on these boxes to read and work. Oh look, the green lantern is up again!

Our classroom constitution hung on the blue paper last year. This year, it might house the calendar...

My desk is now by the window and no more sitting with my back to the room!

This arrangement allowed me to move a table closer to the whiteboard.

This area isn't quite right yet...so keep your eraser handy.

This area houses my teaching supplies. The baskets are labeled with the days of the week. I put the supplies I need for each day in them. Teaching resources are on the bottom shelves along with my collection of various size labels, close at hand, in the green bin.

This is the configuration I'm going to stick with this year unless I absolutely have to change it. I used to change arrangement every so often during the school year but it was like "Look what Mrs. Crone did" day when the kids came in and there were big changes. So, I really think about and intentionally plan arrangement before the kids show up. 

Until next time...imagining the possibilities.

Bonus picture...

I got 4 stools for this table since it is on the smaller size for the chairs I have. Plus, these are way cuter!