Classroom Command Center

Hi All,

I apologize for the hiatus. You know how crazy it gets in the first six weeks. I am hoping to get back to blogging and share my 2014-2015 classroom tour with you. For starters, here is my classroom command center:

 

My command center is where my class starts their day. We use this center to guide our day for morning meeting. 

To the left in the green pocket chart, you can see my schedule cards. You can find them at my store here: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/JungleSafari-themed-Schedule-Cards-311851

Next the my daily schedule, you can see my months of the year. I use the magnetic finger pointers that you can buy from Scholastic with your bonus points here: https://clubs2.scholastic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=11151&catalogId=10001&productId=85050840 You can buy my months of the year from my store here:
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Zebra-Themed-Month-of-the-Year-Headers-1254027

I bought my calendar and calendar numbers from Mardel.com. It is a part of their Zebra Stars collection.

My "piggy" bank, place value chart, and straw place value pocket chart are all used for the number of days we have been in school. The place value chart is from Meagan Begg's TPT store. You can find her chart as a FREEBIE here: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Zebra-Print-Hundreds-Chart-and-Place-Value-Charts-757072
 

The days of the week headers are from my TPT store here: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Zebra-Themed-Day-of-the-Week-Headers-1254042

My alphabet line is from "It's a Jungle Out There." You can find it here: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Zebra-Word-Wall-Alphabet-Cards-Lined-Font-808039

My hand signals are from Stephanie Ann. You can find them here: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hand-Signals-Posters-With-Without-Pictures-Pack-Freebie-807131 

I use my magnetic blue pocket from Scholastic to store my pointers, extra schedule cards and number cards for my calendar. You can find the pocket here: https://clubs2.scholastic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=11151&catalogId=10001&productId=85050747

Until my next post...enjoy! :)

Part 4: Organizing my Classroom Library

So here is the beginning of my classroom tour. The only part of my classroom that is completed is my library. I will break down how I organize my classroom library for you.

How did you acquire so many books?
This is an important question because as we know, teachers don't make enough money to just go to Barnes and Noble and buy every book we want. I have received my books from multiple sources.

The first place I bought many of my books was from www.Scholastic.com. At scholastic, you can put out your monthly flyer and buy books for yourself, as well as parents can buy books. For every book purchased, you will earn bonus points. These bonus points can be used to buy books, cds, technology and a variety of teaching supplies and furniture.

The other place I bought most of my books for SUPER cheap was through book sales. Libraries across the country hold book sales once or twice a year to get rid of books that have been donated to them that they don't need. Many of these books are in just slightly used condition and there are a lot of great, high quality books. At my book sales in NH, the children's books are usually only 25 cents. You can find book sales in your area by going to www.booksalefinder.com.

The final place that I received some of my books was from a teacher that retired prior to me moving into her room. I recommend that you pay attention to anyone you might know that are retiring. Most teachers that are retiring do not take all of their books with them and they might be willing to give some to you.

How do you sort your books?
I sort my books through a variety of levels and subjects. Some of my books are sorted by author, such as: Dr. Seuss, Robert Munsch, Leo Lionni, Eric Carle, etc. Some of my books are sorted by title, such as: Magic School Bus, Clifford, Curious George, etc. I have many books sorted by theme, non-fiction and guided reading levels. To determine a books guided reading level, I used two different websites/apps. Book Wizard by Scholastic is very effective and just requires you to type in the title. You can find Book Wizard here: www.scholastic.com/bookwizard/ . I also used the app, "Level it." Level it allows you to just scan the barcode on the back of the book or manually type in the title. This app is still working on adding many titles, so there are some titles that cannot be found when you scan for them.

Where did you get your labels?
You can buy my labels in either zebra print (shown in my classroom) or in blue chevron print. Sadly, they will not be able to include the books by author or title because it is considered copyright infringement. However,  there will be blank labels for you to write them in. The next 5 people to follow my blog or leave a comment on my blog will receive their choice of my chevron or zebra library labels for free!

My zebra labels can be found here: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Library-Book-Bin-Label-Zebra-Print-1389433

My blue chevron labels can be found here: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Library-Book-Bin-Label-Blue-Chevron-1389328

Where did you buy your bins?

 These green and pink bins are from ReallyGoodStuff. You can find them in a variety of colors here:
http://www.reallygoodstuff.com/durable-book-and-binder-holders/p/160103/

Also, these bins are 20% off this weekend!

The top bins are from Lakeshore Learning, but I spray painted them turquoise. You can see my post about spray painting them here:
http://coordinatedclassroom.blogspot.com/2014/07/spray-paint-galore.html

The green bins are from the Dollar Tree. They are the perfect size for chapter books!

The pink bin with my reading buddies is from Walmart by Sterilite. The turquoise bin is from Target by Sterilite. The pink lap desk is from Michael's and will be used for our library center during learning stations. The white bins are from Walmart, also by Sterilite.

Any other questions? Post them here and I'll be happy to answer! :)

Enjoy  the sunshine,
Jessica

TPT Back to School Sale and a DonorsChoose Giveaway!

It's a back to school sale off of my entire TPT store! Using the code: BTS14 you will receive 10% off everything, and I'm hosting 20% off my entire store for August 4th and 5th! That's a total of 30% off; you do not want to miss this! Use this as a chance to stock up on those products you've been looking at.

Also, enter this rafflecopter giveaway for a $10.00 DonorsChoose giftcard! You can use this to support someone else's DonorsChoose project, fund a project of yours, or you can start a new project and enter the code INSPIRE to double your donation!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/25d8bd870/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway



Be sure to follow my blog and TPT store, as well as comment so you can have the most entries possible! The winner will receive their gift card via e-mail so he or she can use it immediately! Don't miss out on this deal!

Spray Paint Galore!

This year, I took a job in a new district...actually a new state. The position I filled was a retirement. This teacher was so wonderful and she left me everything. Some of the things that I inherited included a ton of storage buckets like the ones pictured below. The only problem is they don't match my theme at all. I know to some people this isn't a big deal but I spend so much time in my classroom, I like it to have a cohesive and organized vibe. One way I make this happen is to sticking with my theme at all costs. So I started searching for ideas and came across multiple posts about spray painting plastic tubs. Whoever had the original idea, kudos to you! There were lots of different methods, but here's what I did...

1. Find your containers

2. Using sand paper, lightly sand off the glossy coating. In some cases this can leave scratches on your containers, this was not a concern for me, but if it is to you, you could try skipping this step, but I find that the sanding really helps the paint adhere better to the container.

3. Wash your buckets with soap, rinse and dry.

4. Lay down a drop cloth and space out your buckets. 

5. Take your spray paint in your desired color and start painting. For mine, I used Rust-oleum. I was very happy with this product. I bought mine at Wal-mart for $3.47. I also bought my plastic drop cloth at Wal-Mart for $ 0.88.  Make sure to not get too close to your object or you will get drip marks. I also recommend wearing plastic gloves and a face mask. The fumes can be over powering even in a well ventilated area and who wants spray paint all over their hands? 

6. Let your containers dry for 30-60 minutes depending on the brand of spray paint and add additional coats if needed. I put 2 coats on and that seemed to cover nicely.  Then once dry, flip them over and complete the same process for the inside. 

7. Let your containers air dry for approximately 2 days to allow the paint to totally set (it will be dry to touch I'm about an hour, but will chip easily at first if you don't give it a couple of days) and to air out the nasty spray paint smell. 

8. Add your favorite labels and enjoy!

(Sorry for the crappy picture...a better one will be up on my classroom tour which will be unveiled in a couple of weeks!)

What spray painting projects have you done?

Xo Jessica 

Summer Pinterest Projects

Hi All,

I hope you're finding time this summer to relax and enjoy family time. I've been using these rainy days we are having in NH to work on some of my classroom projects. As I complete projects I will post them here so you can see them. 

Here's what I have so far...

This is my favorite project thus far...my own teacher toolbox. I've been eyeing this project for the past couple years, but in my previous school I had a ton of cabinet and drawer space. I am now going to a school that has barely any, so it was time to start this wonderful project!

You can find this container from Home Depot or Amazon. The prices are pretty similar between both places. You can find my labels here: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Teacher-Toolbox-Labels-Zebra-Theme-1259869 FREEBIE ALERT...The first five people to follow me and post a comment on this post about their favorite back to school pinterest project will receive my teacher toolbox labels for free!

To create this project, I just printed out my labels, laminated them and then taped them into the insides of the drawers. You could also skip the laminating and mod podge them on.

I am in love with my no name clothespin board.

To create this board you will need:

9x12 piece of plywood

Acrylic Paint

Clothespins 

Duct Tape (I bought my zebra tape from Michael's.

Ribbon (1 spool)

Cricut to cut letters or precut letters

Mod Podge

Hot Glue Gun

First I took the plywood and painted 2 coats of acrylic paint on.

Next I used my zebra duct tape to border the edges of the plywood. I did this so I wouldn't have to sand my plywood, however this is not necessary if you choose to sand your edges.

Then I used my Cricut and Don Juan font cartridge to cut out the letters and glued them on.

To seal everything I put on 2 coats of matte Mod Podge. 

Then I used acrylic paint to paint my clothespins.

Finally I used my hot glue gun to add on the ribbon and clothespins.

A great way to organize your papers is to use this 3 Drawer Paper Sorter.

To create this project you will need:

3 Drawer Sterilite Unit

Scrapbook Paper

Mod Podge

Cricut to cut your letters or precut letters

First I used my Cricut and cutting edge font cartridge  to make my letters. 

I plan to use the first drawer for all of my papers that I need to grade. I grade one night a week, so everything sits in there for me. The second drawer is used for me to put all of my papers that I need to file in either student files or in my master copy files. The third drawer is for my emergency sub plans. I live an hour away from my school, so I always keep a couple of sets of emergency plans so my coworker can just go to that drawer and pull it out if I need them and I don't have to go into work.

Next I glued my letters onto the paper and mod Podged both sides of the paper to make sure it is attached well. Let it dry and you're done!

I hope you're enjoying my projects! Check back for my next project!

Jessica :)

How to Design an Organized and Functional Classroom {Part 3}

I am very excited about the summer projects I have planned to get my new classroom into tip-top-shape. Ryan, my supportive and oh-so patient boyfriend, laughs at me that it's my summer break and as soon as some rain comes in (which has been in plenty in New England the past couple of days) I am Pinteresting away. So here are the pictures and links to the summer projects I have planned. When I complete my version of the project I will post it below the pin. What Pinterest projects are you planning on doing this summer?

http://whathappensinfirstgrade.blogspot.com/2012/09/fun-friday-on-sunday-night-and-freebie.html
I love the idea of encouraging positive behavior in the hallways. This is always a challenge for firsties. I hope this works! :)

I couldn't find the link on this one, so whoever's original idea this was...GENIOUS! In years past, my team and I have shared construction paper, so it was stored in stacks in our storage closet. This year, I have my own supply in my classroom and this is a great solution!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/104326962/the-no-name-board

Love this idea! What a great way to make students take responsibility of their work.

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/51298883228415449/

This will save my desk from the unorganized pile of notes and drawings that end up cluttering my work space every day!

http://www.learninginwonderland.com/2012/07/monday-made-it-owls.html

This is a great way to keep book repairs from interrupting valuable teaching time. Stick the book in the book hospital and then I can repair it when I have free time...Like that happens all the time. ;)

http://littlekinderwarriors.blogspot.com/search/label/freebies

I've actually already made my teacher toolkit, but I haven't gotten the chance to upload my picture yet. I'm so in love with this project!

http://jen-simplyliving.blogspot.com/2011/02/plastic-drawer-mini-facelift.html

I've done this project before (check out my old post of Made it Monday) and I love my 2 rolling carts. Now, I think I'm going to take on the challenge of dressing up this large clear 3 drawer storage cart. It's filthy and ugly...I think this and some soap will be the answer. :)

http://ramblingsofafifthgradeteacher.blogspot.com/

I love covering the front of the desk. I think I'm going to add pictures of our class throughout the year so that we can have a wall of memories to look at.

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/teachers/2013/10/classroom-organization-tips-frugal-teacher-part-1

What a great way to store plastic bags for students who forget their backpack! I think my version will add some zebra print duck tape to cover the label up.

 

I can't wait to get started on these projects.

 

What's on your project list?

xo Jessica

How to Design an Organized and Functional Classroom {Part 2}

In this Part 2 blog post in my organized and functional classroom series, I will display the scary BEFORE pictures of my new classroom. If you refer to my previous post, you'll see that I identified all of the areas in my classroom that I have to make sure I have when I am setting up my classroom.

These are the pictures I took when I came into my room this week. The position that I accepted is from a teacher retirement, so she left a ton of stuff behind for me, so I had to add on the extra step of sorting through all of her materials before bringing in my own belongings so I don't get overwhelmed. (Anyone else out there facing this same experience?) I have made a classroom map of what the general set up of my classroom will be and I have started to think about some projects I will want to do this summer for my classroom.

So here are the BEFORE pictures of my classroom...I've got a lot of work to do!

 

I have started sorting through all of the books and have started to get organized...you'll be able to hear about that project in one of my future blog posts! Make sure you follow me so you don't miss it! xo

How to Design an Organized and Functional Classroom {Part 1}

It is the beginning of July, and if you're like me, you're trying to hold onto every minute of summer vacation, however thoughts of your classroom just keep sneaking into your mind. Well normally I don't start thinking about my classroom until the end of July because I couldn't get into my classroom until mid-August. However this year I moved to a new district-new school-new classroom.

All of my friends joke with me about how much time I put into my classroom set up in the summertime, but I PROMISE you, it's so worth it. If you're the type to say, "I'll get to it later." You all know that later never comes. Once the kids start, there are too many other things to do like lesson plan, make family contact calls and sleep. So don't delay, ORGANIZE! It's so worth it. If your school allows it, I suggest getting in on rainy days when you're not missing any summer sunshine. :)

 

It's amazing how a new classroom brings back all the memories of trying to remember how you've always got your past classrooms to that feeling of the perfect set up. So I decided to break down my classroom set up for all of you as I do it.

The first part of making sure you set up a functional and organized classroom is to make a plan. I always plan out what areas I need to make sure I have for my classroom. Depending on your curriculum, class size, and room, everyone's list might vary.

Here's my MUST have list:

• Whole Group Carpet Area
• Small Intervention Group Area with Kidney Table
• Student Work Spaces (I have trapezoid shaped tables, which I set up in hexagons)
• Math Manipulatives
• Art Supplies (Not for daily student access)
• Daily Art Supplies (For easy student access)
• Student's Every Day Supplies (Pencil, folder, etc)
• Teacher Desk (No, I'm not at the point where I'm willing to part with mine yet.)
• My Daily Plans/Supplies
• Teacher Storage (Office Supplies, Text Books, etc)
• Homework/Finished Work Paper Area
• Literacy Center Materials
• Teacher Technology Area (document camera, laptop)
• Student Technology Area (iPods and iPads)
• Cleaning Supplies (Lysol Wipes, Baby Wipes, Extra Paper Products)
• Classroom Library (Book Storage and Student Sitting Area)
• Book Storage for Teacher Read Aloud/Mentor Texts
• Take-a-Break Space or Regrouping Space for Behavior Management

That's my own list, but what about you guys? What are on your must have spaces on your classroom set up list?

Follow me so you don't miss the future parts to this series...
Part 2: Before Pictures
Part 3: Planned Pinterest Summer Projects for the Classroom
Part 4: Organizing My Classroom Library
Part 5: Teacher Desk/Space Organization
Part 6: Organizing Manipulatives/Supplies
Part 7: Photo Tour of my new 2014-2015 Classroom!

Also check back for miscellaneous posts on my experiences making some favorite teacher Pinterest projects and freebies!

Enjoy this 4th of July Weekend!
xo Jessica

I ❤️ Donors Choose!

So I work at a school that is very fortunate when it comes to technology. We each have interactive whiteboards, document cameras, laptops, computer clusters and a set of net books. I love using technology in my classroom, especially at work stations. I felt like my classroom was missing one station and piece of technology. I had seen other people blogging about using iPods at their listening stations to replace those old school cd and cassette players. I searched for options and sadly my district budget was just not an option, so I looked elsewhere. This is when I discovered www.donorschoose.org! I love this website and it's amazing to see how many generous people there are in the world!

So I took the first step and created my account. You can check out my page here:
www.donorschoose.org/MissCoulombe

They link you up with one of their vendors and you go shopping. Once you post your project and it gets approved, donations can start pouring in. In 2 weeks my project was totally funded and my iPods and headphones were shipped to me.

So once you receive your items, it's your job to take 6 pictures of your students using the materials, have the kids wrote thank you notes and you have to write a thank you letter to the donors. It is a very  small task considering all that you get!

To use these iPods as a listening center, I had to open an iTunes account and sync all of my books on cd onto iTunes. Then I just created a listening response page and off the kids went!

You can find my listening response sheet on teacherspayteachers here:
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Listening-Center-Response-Sheet-1123480

I hope you enjoyed this! If you follow my blog, I'll send you my listening center response sheet for free!

Jessica :)