I started out the new year in Greenwood, Arkansas on a return visit to Westwood Primary. On my last trip there in June, we set up a first grade classroom together and made over the space in a day. We also learned about literacy work stations. Boy, did these teachers put it into action! A big thank you to all the awesome teachers at Westwood Primary!
Kindergarten read-aloud with word wall and ABC chart
Whole-group area and word wall
Whole-group area - note the automotive drip pan on the wall
Debbie Diller 
What is the overhead on in the picture with the zebra rug? I like how it is low to the ground.
Katie
Katie,
It’s on a plant stand that has wheels. You can get these from hardware stores, like Loew’s or Home Depot. I’ve seen them in the garden department at WalMart, too.
Debbie
Dear Debbie-
How can I get you to come and organize my classroom and help me with my workstations? What does it cost?
Mary Williams
Mary,
If you are interested in having us work with your school, please contact my associate, Gretchen. She takes care of all our scheduling and can be reached at gretchenchilds@comcast.net. Thank you!
Debbie,
Thanks for the great sessions in OK last week….do you suggest a whole group area for 5th graders also? I always see them in K and 1st. Just wondering.
You are welcome, Stacy. I really enjoyed meeting everyone in OK! Yes, I do suggest a whole group area for 5th grade. Check out my book, Spaces & Places, for sample pictures. We also have a flckr site for Spaces & Places where teachers have displayed pics of their classrooms. Check it out at http://www.flickr.com/groups/spaceandplaces/
Debbie,
In your book Spaces and Places, you discuss color and the classroom environment. The picture above features a classroom in pink, green, black and white. Do you feel that these are colors complimentary to a K classroom?
Valerie,
The colors you choose in your classroom depend partly on what has already been put in place by the school contractor. You should look at the colors of the floor, walls, tile, carpet, built-ins, etc. when choosing a color scheme to unify your space and make it inviting.
I have been in rooms that have purple tile or gray carpet or peach cabinets. I choose colors based upon what will look aesthetically pleasing. I loved the classrooms I saw in ths AR school. Today I worked in a school built in the 1950’s that had peach tile and gray/magenta floors. We chose black and white to use in this room.
Hope this reply helps you. Happy summer!
Debbie
Debbie,
I love getting ideas from your site.
Do you ever visit classrooms in Canada?
Neroli
Thanks, Neroli. Yes, I do work with classrooms in Canada. If your school is interested in having me work with them, please contact us through this email: gretchenchilds@comcast.net. Gretchen does all my scheduling.
Debbie