Classroom Reveal 2019-2020

This is my 10th year teaching sixth grade Mathematics and ELA. I, like most new teachers, started from scratch and continued to add more décor each year. I wish I had a picture of my classroom from my first year of teaching but I can assure you it didn’t look anything like it does now.

Note: First-year teachers, your classroom does not need to look Pinterest or Instagram worthy. Focus on being familiar with your curriculum and building relationships with your students. That will allow true learning to occur.

Flexible Seating

I have been interested in flexible seating for a couple of years now but never had any luck with Donor’s Choose, Facebook Marketplace, or grants. This year I finally ditched the groups of desks and added round tables. It was pure luck that another middle school in my district needed student desks so we did a swap. I am hoping to add more flexible seating options in the coming years so my classroom is always a work in progress.

Being Intentional

After listening to Jillian Starr’s podcast on being intentional with a classroom set up and décor and doing some research on classroom décor and how it affects students’ learning, I quickly realized that my classroom needed a change. If you follow me on social media, you saw I stripped my classroom walls of every piece of décor. My walls that used to be covered with bright, neon pieces of décor were bare, and it was just the fresh start that I needed. The classroom remodel took about a week, working a couple of hours each day.

Inspiration

Inspiration for my new classroom “theme” of farmhouse came from a local wedding venue I saw: a gorgeous barn. Fall is my favorite season and I love everything pumpkin and sunflower related, so I decided to take the sunflower element and incorporate it into my farmhouse theme.

Main Purpose

The main purpose of all my classes is to use a growth mindset, perseverance, and problem-solving to create better thinkers and future leaders. It was important to me to only have essential décor on my walls that goes along with my purpose and that we reference ALL the time. I also wanted to allow students to have a voice as this is OUR classroom so two of my bulletin boards are blank for that purpose. I have ideas of what I would like to use them for, but ultimately, I plan on giving my students the reigns and letting them decide what those boards should be used for.

Classroom Reveal

Without further ado, below is the classroom tour and I will attempt to link as many resources as I can:

Front Door

Wreath- I created using materials from Michaels.
Chevron Border Trim- Lakeshore Learning
Door Poster– Idea from Kristen @dammans_algebra_room who has a bulletin board display in her TPT store.
Hall/Bathroom Passes-PVC Invites

Front of the Room

Fridge Banner, Class Values, Home Sweet Classroom, Homework Banner, Voice Levels, Level of Understanding Posters, Table Marker Inserts– All free in my google resource library.
Chalkboard Border Trim– Lakeshore Learning
White Border Trim– Lakeshore Learning
Wooden Paper– Amazon (affiliate link)
Table Signs– Amazon (affiliate link)
Whiteboard Contact Paper– Michaels
Carpet- I can’t find the link but it was from Walmart.
Round tables- Inherited from another middle school in the district.
String of Lights- They are old Christmas tree lights. I’m not sure where from but there are tons of options on Amazon.

More Student Seating Options:

The Power to Choose- Sign up for Ramona’s @ramonarecommends newsletter and this is a freebie!
Letterboard– From Target
Stools– From Ikea: also available in white.
Table- Inherited with the room.
Laptop Charging Station- This was provided by the district and is being removed from my room since our school is going to a 1-1 program.
Carpet- This is from Total Liquidators where their inventory constantly changes.

Pillows- The pillows have been gathered over time and are an assortment from Walmart and Ikea.

Back of the Room

Word Wall Banner– Free in my Google Resource Library.
Math Word Wall-From @the615teacher
Growth Mindset Posters-From @algebra_love
Frames-Dollar Tree
Teal Border Trim– Lakeshore Learning
Chevron Contact Paper for Teacher Desk- Walmart
Student Supply Cart– From Michaels. There are other color options.
White 3 Drawer Turn In Bin– Amazon (affiliate link)
Colored Bins on Back Shelf- Dollar Tree and Walmart

Side of Room

Anchor Your Learning and Goal Getters Banners– Free in my Google Resource Library.
Math Anchor Charts– From @iteachalgebra
Mental Health Check-In Anchor Chart– Free from @makingastatementinsped
ELA Anchor Charts- Coming soon!
3 Drawer Bins– Walmart
Supply Caddy– Target

Concluding Thoughts

First, make your classroom your own. Some teachers enjoy extravagant décor; some enjoy minimal décor. Some teachers like having a classroom “theme”; some do not. Second, give your students a voice and let them assist in the classroom setup and design process. Finally, do your research and ensure that your classroom décor, layout, design, etc. benefits all students. If you have questions or I missed anything, feel free to comment below. I hope everyone has a wonderful school year!

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