As we begin a new school year, I am curious to hear from all of you about what changes you have made to your classroom. Have you created new areas for quiet reading, or for new work stations? Did you get a chance to declutter? What do you hope to accomplish with the changes? How do you think your students will benefit from the changes?
If you are still working on your classroom or you are trying to decide what to do, here are a couple of older posts from my blog where I talked about inspiring classroom spaces. As you browse through the pictures, I am sure you will find answers and inspirations. Send me your classroom photos to d.diller@live.com and I will post them to my blog!
Welcoming Classroom Environments in Denver, CO
Debbie Diller 
Ha ha, funny you should ask. I have been setting up my classroom since Monday. While moving the $25 Kidney table I bought off of Craigslist, the IRON leg broke off completely! ???? I am totally bummed out. I have to giggle about it to myself, because it’s just the way things go for me. 🙂
Other than loosing the table, things are going well. I’m unpacking slowly so I put things together and away in proper places, but man… I am SUCH a hoarder it is tough for me. I have your books and they help me to a point but man, I just can’t get out of my own way when it comes to school “stuff”. Last year I would climb over piles that spilled from my desk to the floor.
I think I’m a candidate for “Clean Sweep” – Classroom Edition. Ha ha. But seriously, Im bad. I don’t do well, but I AM trying, I swear! I may have to see if my Dr. can up my ADD medication, too, I walk around in circles much of the time wondering what in the world was I just doing???
Well, that’s enough about my quest for neatness and efficiency! I’ll get there some day! Just keep writing books!! BTW, MATH STATIONS is my FAVORITE!! I shared with my other first grade team and one of them has already gone out and bought it too! I’m very excited, but again…. How and Where to set up these stations… To Be Continued…
I revamped my writing workstation, added a yoga workstation and a new word work workstation! Looking forward to trying a few new things!
I’ve been trying to do a complete overhaul of my classroom this week. Another teacher got all new furniture and I got to “shop” in her room for pieces I needed to replace some of my older furniture. I have a larger than usual class this year, so I’m trying to make all of my space as effective as possible.Reading Spaces & Places is helping! 🙂
Well, I’m sticky noting your Spaces and Places book to death and trying to start the year very organized. Hopefully it will stay that way. Thanks for all of the amazing ideas and pictures!!! Come to Oklahoma soon!
I have given up my teacher desk and substituted a small square table for my computer, two trapezoid tables for my work area/small group area, and all materials are organized and are either on the bookshelf nearby, or on a magnetic basket on the side of my file cabinet. I added two carpets and a lamp. So far, two of the art teachers have peaked in and commented on how comfy it looks. I agree. Two areas that I will work on next are the library and literacy stations. I have read Spaces and Places thoroughly and have been quite inspired by it. I will share pictures when I am done.
Tell us more about your yoga work station! I want to know more!!!
Thanks for writing, Janette. Would LOVE to see pictures of your room! Sounds like you have been very thoughtful. Your kids are so fortunate to have a teacher like you!