my classroom looks like a classroom!

I took the day off yesterday to work on my classroom a little bit. When I left last time, it looked like this:

I knew the cleaners would have to move things around. So when I got there yesterday, it looked like this:

My piles moved, my rug cleaned, every surface clean. Desks amok.

But WHERE TO START?!? 

Oh my gosh it was intimidating. I walk in and my math and phonics stuff were all together instead of in their table-stacks of sort-of-separation, mixed in with centers, toys and games. Oh boy. I basically had to start all over. Not at all the custodians' fault, by the way. Probably would have felt that way even if they'd been able to leave them on the tables. Anyways, I slowly picked away at the piles, grouping, sorting, and putting away in cupboards and on shelves. 

Until this awesome lady showed up.

Jeni helped me get the courage to toss what I wouldn't use and didn't need, bury what I won't use but have to keep and organize everything where it all makes sense. Oh how I love her for her help and experienced ideas! We run our classrooms differently and have completely opposite personalities, but I respect her opinions and appreciate everything she had to say. I am so glad she teaches in the same district, right around the corner from me! And first grade is as close to kindergarten as you can get. I will definitely be leaning on her as my mentor and friend this year. 

When we left, it looked like this!!

 My kidney tables all face towards the whiteboard and smartboard, with a slight diagonal tilt. There are 5 tables, which each seat 5 students and has a teacher seat available for grouping.

My library center is DARLING. Ok... so, on the DL, I may have swiped those cute chairs and couch from the kindergarten room next to me that the other new teacher is moving in to but has not yet seen. AND I kept the 3 bean bags that were originally in my room (they are tucked in on the other side of the whiteboard storage box in the right bottom corner). Perhaps I should feel bad? If they didn't look so perfect in my room, I might. And the cute little rug my momma got me just a couple weekends ago. It fits just right.

The two book shelves on the right butt up against my desk and filing cabinets. We moved those darn filing cabinets three or four times before we finally felt good about their placement. Thank goodness we were able to empty out most of the drawers beforehand! 

The shelf on the left holds my art and writing center materials, and there is a round table next to it.

The stuff on the counters on the left are not staying there. The clutter of desks and tables in the back will hopefully find a new home- I do not need them! And the bookshelves on the counter will display our decodable books and curriculum books that are used outside of center time. 

Everything has a place, and I like my cute classroom space! I feel soooooo relieved to have this done.