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