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This year, I decided to make some modifications to my classroom decor, and I am thrilled to share this reveal with you all.
This post contains affiliate links for which I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you should you make a purchase.
Before I describe each area of my classroom and share links, a bit of background information about the process behind designing this classroom layout. I have been teaching for seven years, and have consistently used the same blues and greens throughout my classroom design. This is a huge money saver because I can spend a little extra on higher quality organization tools, and decor items that get reused year after year.
Those of you who have read my previous classroom tour posts will notice many of the bins and shelving units used in my first years of teaching are still used today, and have held up to the daily wear and tear of a typical third grade public school classroom (after seven years of use). When comparing my first tour to this one, a noticeable change is that I have a more cohesive look to my overall classroom design. Buying one or two quality pieces each year has finally added up to create a more unified look.
Here is a peek at my third grade classroom on the eve of the first day of school. To see what my classroom looks like when students are present daily, check out my Instagram stories. I have included Amazon affiliate links throughout this post to make it easier for you to shop for anything you’d like to incorporate into your own classroom design.
Math Workshop Corner
This is a high-traffic corner of the room where the bulk of the supplies used during Math Workshop are stored. These supplies include Math In Motion Game Cards, our math rubric drawers, and various manipulatives used for math games (place value blocks, snap cubes, timers, playing cards, dice, counters, rulers, etc).
Since we had a little extra cubby space, I also opted to store our homework drop boxes here. On top of this corner unit are a set of electric pencil sharpeners, and a timer used for various activities.
To create this corner nook, I set three pieces of Ikea furniture. One white Kallax Shelf and two Trofast Frames with green storage boxes. My amazingly handy brother designed a table-like surface to cover the gaps that resulted from arranging these three pieces in the corner. He also added backing to the Kallax Shelf so our math supplies wouldn’t fall out the back.
The walls of this corner are covered with Pacon’s Rich Blue Fadeless Bulletin Board Paper, framed by Creative Teaching Press’ Safari Leaves Border overlayed on top of their Ombre Lime Green Scallops Border.
The drawers below make it easy for students to self-assess their work when they turn it in. In third grade, we use these drawers to submit our Problem Solving Task Cards for review. To learn more about how assess students during Math Workshop, click here.
The top drawer of the unit below contains my teacher copy of everything my students have inside their desks. This is especially handy at the beginning of the year when I am modeling new routines and expectations. The lower drawers contain Math In Motion Games used for the hands-on rotation of Math Workshop.
Here is a closer look at the way math games and game supplies are stored. You can click the following links to find my favorite rulers, timers, stop watches, and durable playing card storage boxes.
Our smaller manipulatives are stored in cereal bowls, making them easy to grab and stash away each day. You can find my favorite foam dice, foam counters, and double dice with these links.
Class Couch
Our class couch sits beneath our schedule board. This is also the whiteboard where our M.A.T.H. Workshop rotation information will displayed later in the year. I always hold off on displaying most of our anchor charts, reference posters, and tools until I introduce them to my students when learning the corresponding routines. I find displaying these resources as we learn about them, or creating them together makes it easier for my students to navigate the classroom, and use these important tools more independently.
Above the board are hand signals that help students communicate the information they want to share in class. These signals are much more specific than a general raised hand, allowing me to call on students who are ready to share the most relevant information. Here is the meaning of each signal:
The couch itself is a Kallax shelf from Ikea. They no longer sell the five cubby unit I have, but they do have a four cubby unit. It is topped with a foam cushion designed by my mom, and four throw pillows from Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Two are Jordan Turquoise Outdoor Throw Pillows, and two are Resort Peacock Outdoor Throw Pillows. I always opt for outdoor fabric because it doesn’t fade as quickly, and washes easily.
Each cubby has a plastic box drawer specifically designed for the Kallax system. Again, Ikea seems to have discontinued this, but here is something similar. Three of these drawers are filled with student headphones (brought from home), which we use with our Chromebooks. We store them in plastic zip lock bags and keep them tucked away in these drawers so our desks aren’t cluttered. The other two drawers are used for flexible storage based on random needs or projects we work on throughout the school year.
Supply Corner
This corner of the room has a compilation of student and teacher supplies. The bulletin board behind these drawers will be a display for the class rules we write together during the first weeks of school using the Responsive Classroom approach to teaching and learning.
The wall in this corner is covered with Pacon’s Teal Fadeless Bulletin Board Paper, framed by Creative Teaching Press’ Safari Jumbo Leaves Border overlayed on top of their Ombre Turquoise Scallops Border. The tree decal, along with all others displayed around the room is an Alpine Pine Tree decal from Wallums.
Both drawers are part of Ikea’s Alex system. The lower set of drawers is used mainly for project based learning (PBL) storage. The width of these drawers makes it easy to store large pieces of work without pages getting folded or wrinkled.
The taller drawer unit has extra supplies, our magnetic schedule cards, and our lost and found. Any time a student finds a stray supply on the floor without an owner, they add it to our lost and found, which is found in the fourth drawer…or as we call it “drawer four”.
I have covered the top of the lower drawer unit with Brewster Peel and Stick Wallpaper to cover some scratches. In the corner is our lantern, which you can learn more about here.
Student Work Wall & Flexible GroupS space
My small group area is home to this year’s new classroom addition…a beautiful white table from Ikea. I wanted to change the dynamic of this space to make it more collaborative. My old kidney-shaped table felt more traditional, and I found my students looking to me as the only teacher in the room when we worked there.
As we all know, our classrooms are filled with teachers, and I want our learning spaces to reflect that idea. This oval-shaped table makes it easy for us all to sit in a more collaborative way during small group instruction. Each student uses a Marius stool from Ikea, and I sit in a chair from The Container Store (not currently available). I still like to keep my own designated chair to cut down on contact with germs as much as possible
Behind our table is our student work wall, which has the same design as the previous corner. You will notice I have only used two shades of bulletin board paper in the room to create a more calm and cohesive environment. Once again, I used Pacon’s Teal Fadeless Bulletin Board Paper, framed by Creative Teaching Press’ Safari Jumbo Leaves Border overlayed on top of their Ombre Turquoise Scallops Border. At the base of the display, I added a diecut grass border.
To the right of our small group table is a storage tower from The Container Store. This is where I store supplies for differentiated instruction. It is also a safe spot for our smaller timer and electric stapler, and a handy spot to store supplies I need close at hand.
The side of this cabinet is an eye sore, so it is covered with the same Brewster Peel and Stick Wallpaper used in the supply corner. This Dr. Seuss- inspired print from The Bears Design Etsy shop was the inspiration piece for my entire mountain classroom design this year.
Each student has a spot on the wall made with a square piece of scrapbooking paper, and a name label written on a leaf accent
Supply Cabinet
The large supply cabinet at the back of the classroom is used for two purposes. The lower half of the cabinet is another go-to spot for students to independently gather the supplies they need throughout the day. This is where we store lap desks for flexible seating, more art supplies, privacy shields for students who like to create a more secluded work space, and various types of paper.
The upper half of the cabinet is where I store supplies that are used less frequently, and where I keep math manipulatives for upcoming units. This supply cabinet is kept tidy with y-weave storage baskets from Target, and labeled with my Editable Mountain Themed Labeling Kit.
Job Board
Classroom jobs are a foundational part of our self-directed learning environment. In our third grade classroom, we have over thirty jobs that students complete on a daily basis. Students apply for jobs, and get paid for the work they do each week. Their salary can be saved, or used to buy various class passes collectively created at the beginning of the school year. To learn more about our classroom economy, read this post.
Each job has a card that reminds students how to properly perform their job. Once a student is hired, the job card gets tucked in their job pocket. To create these pockets, I used Carson Dellosa Bubbly Blues Library Pockets and used my Editable Mountain Themed Labeling Kit to print mini labels with each student’s name. I laminated the pockets and the Ombre Turquoise Scallops Border because this cabinet door is opened so frequently, and I want everything to withstand the wear-and-tear of the school year.
If you are interested in trying these class jobs in your own classroom, you can grab my editable job cards for free here. You can use these links to find my favorite laminator and the durable laminating pouches I used for the job pockets.
Task Card Board
Math task cards are used daily during M.A.T.H. Workshop as part of the “At Your Seat” rotation. This board keeps our task cards organized and easy to access. For every math unit, I have created three types of task cards:
I do not display transfer tasks because I use them as formative assessments at the end of each unit.
Each pocket is a folded piece of laminated cardstock paper which is stapled to create the perfect little pocket for these cards. The headings shown are not included with my task card collections on TPT as they were created to align with our district initiatives, and focus on using mastery levels for standards based grading.
Back Counter
Our back counter is another flexible use space in the classroom. It is often a place where art supplies are arranged for student use, and where our weekly work folders are assembled by parent volunteers.
Students also love using this space as a standing desk-style workspace. I have added a few decorative accents to the area and have continued the use of Pacon’s Teal Fadeless Bulletin Board Paper framed by Creative Teaching Press’ Ombre Lime Green Scallops Border. I don’t hang anything in the space throughout the year because many of my students benefit from the “blank visual space” to help boost their focus.
Next to the sink, I also added a mirror to brighten the space and give students a place where they can see themselves smile and check their teeth for spinach. 🙂
Classroom Library
Our ever-growing library is stocked with fresh books that reflect the interests of my students thanks to the generous Scholastic Book Clubs points system. I have used my Editable Classroom Library Labeling Kit to fully label my library by genre & topic. My goal this year is to add leveling labels to each book for my personal reference. These are also included in the labeling kit.
Each book is labeled with a colorful sticker label that matches the colorful label on each book bin (for nonfiction books and picture books) or shelf (for chapter books). I attach all my labels using this blue painters tape…it lasts all year long.
I have used Green Neon and Blue Neon Magazine Holders by Really Good Stuff to organize most of the books in the built-in cubbies. I love using the window sill to display my seasonal teacher favorites. Here, you can see some of my top read alouds for the back to school season
We needed more storage space for our library corner, so I use this Kallax shelf from Ikea to organize more of our chapter books by series, genre, and author.
On the library counter, I have a few bins from Target which have since been discontinued. If ever I need to replace these sturdy bins, I would opt for the same y-weave baskets I use in my back supply cabinet.
The walls in the classroom library have the same design as those on the opposite side of the front of the room to create visual harmony. Therefore, I used Pacon’s Rich Blue Fadeless Bulletin Board Paper, framed by Creative Teaching Press’ Safari Leaves Border overlayed on top of their Ombre Lime Green Scallops Border.
Near the library corner is our read aloud chair, where I sit for all our classroom read alouds. Next to our chair is another display area for my seasonal read aloud favorites, and books I like to bring to students’ attention based on our current reading unit of study. Both the chair and the table are used throughout the day as flexible seating spaces.
Group Stations
For the seventh year in a row, these sturdy white Kallax Shelves are working perfectly to minimize desk clutter. Students keep their books and shared art supplies organized in this space. Below is a detailed look at what’s stored at each group station.
Book bins
Last year I switched from cardboard book boxes, which had to be replaced each year to plastic book boxes, which still look like new in year two. These Iris Small Open Top Magazine Files are my new favorite storage tool.
Students use these book bins during reading workshop (we use the Lucy Caulkins workshop curriculum for reading and writing). They store three classroom library books in their bin and a reading toolkit, which includes post it notes, a reading notebook, and a pencil.
Tidy up toolS
At the end of the day, many of our class jobs require dusting to cut back on allergens in the room. We store these Fuzzy Wuzzy Microfiber Mitts around the room inside Green Neon Magazine Holders by Really Good Stuff to make cleaning quick and easy.
Shared supply boxes
Reducing desk clutter helps my students make more efficient transitions throughout the day, so we store our frequently used art supplies (markers, colored pencils, crayons, and scissors) in these Iris Pencil Boxes.
Carpet Area
At the front of our classroom is our carpet area. This is yet another flexible space throughout the day. In the morning, we gather here for morning meetings. At the beginning of M.A.T.H. Workshop, reading workshop, and writing workshop, students get a close seat where they can focus for our mini lessons. During self-directed learning times throughout the day, students use this space to apply their learning in a flexible seating style.
Our Bamboo Teaching Easel by Copernicus is often found in this space with the latest anchor charts from our mini lessons. It is easy to wheel back and forth between our mini lesson space to our small group collaboration area at the back of the room.
Teacher Cabinet
The final space I’d like to share with you is my teacher cabinet. This is where I store most of what I need to stay organized for instruction throughout the week. Most of the bins in this cabinet are labeled using my Editable Mountain Themed Labeling Kit, with the exception of the labels on the math unit enrichment bins, which are a part of my Third Grade Math Enrichment Year Long Bundle.
On the top shelf are my monthly bins where I store seasonal project samples, and pre-prepped resources used throughout the year.
On the second shelf are all my math unit enrichment resources. Each bin includes Math In Motion Games, Problem Solving Task Cards, and Project Based Learning Guides for each math unit. These second and third grade resources are available for purchase in my TPT store, but can also be purchased as a year-long bundle for 20% off the regular price.
The third shelf is where I organize my needs for the current week and month. My weekly activities are stored in these magazine files. I also store the current monthly bin on this shelf for easy access.
On the fourth shelf, I have two drawer units. One is where I tuck papers for filing, copying, and grading. The other is where I store ideas for upcoming math, reading, and writing units. Having a drawer for each of these reduces paper clutter and visual noise around the classroom.
The bottom shelf, has a large bin for completely random odds and ends and our prize box, which is used as part of our classroom economy. I don’t spend money on prizes…instead I add books sent by Scholastic Book Clubs and any random swag I get at trainings and conferences.
Interested In Seeing More?
If you are interested in seeing how my classroom space is utilized throughout the school year, be sure to follow me on Instagram for frequent Instagram stories
I’ve been an elementary teacher for ten years, and love sharing tips and resources that make differentiated learning more manageable for you. Thank you for visiting.
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93 Responses
How do you pay for all of this? It is stunning, but seriously, my salary doesn’t begin to aford me this type of decor.
Hi Lynnette, it has taken several years to build this collection of furniture. I buy one item each year and teach my students how to take really really good care of it so it lasts for years to come. 🙂 They take a lot of pride in having a learning environment that they know is special and are so careful with everything.
Warmly,
Laura
Where can I get your group station forest circle labels?! I love them!
Thank you Nicole, I don’t currently have the forest labels available, but they are on my project list. 🙂
I’m really looking forward to these labels for next years class if they become available! 🙂 Everything is so beautiful!
Hi Kristin, thank you for letting me know you are interested in the labels. 🙂 Are you referring to the tree and mountain combo labels?
Warmly,
Laura
Hi, Laura! I’m also very interested in the circle forest labels. Any chance they are available yet? Also, I’m wondering where you get the wood for the mountains? Any idea how thin it is? Thanks a bunch!
Love, love, love your room!
Hi Angela,
I recently uploaded the forest/mountain labels this week. 🙂 You can find them here. The wood is called hardboard. I used the 1/8 inch thick sheets.
Warmly,
Laura
I would love to be a student in this classroom. As a child in the ’50s, I longed for “art’ and something pretty to look at. All I recall are the mandatory cursive script across the top of the chalkboard and a picture of George Washington. I once used red and pink construction paper together to make a May basket, and admired my combination only to be told by Miss S. that it was a mis-match and I had to do it over with more matching colors. I think this classroom speaks so highly of your ability to convey value and self-respect to students. I admire your ability to help them care for nice things you have provided — that in itself is going to serve them well in the future. They feel worthwhile and valued to be in such a fabulous environment. Sure, I learned a lot in grade school and many things were great — but this is better. This is so encouraging to me to hear and read about, now many years after my retirement as an educator! Thank you for doing this and posting.
Murray,
Thank you for your kind words. Reading your words of encouragement makes my day.
Warmly,
Laura
How did you make the mountains in the back? I love how they look!
Thank you Mary! They are thin pieces of wood that I draw triangles on, cut them with a circular saw, are painted with semi-goss paint. They are attached to the bulletin board with small nails and to the wall with command strips so the paint isn’t damaged when I eventually take them down one day.
Warmly,
Laura
Hey! I love your room and the mountains! What nails did you use and wood and where did you get them? Thanks!
Angela
Hi Angela,
I used a wood called hardboard (1/8 in thick) and the smallest nails I could find…both from Home Depot or Lowes. 🙂
Warmly,
Laura
Where do you get all of your plants? I have been looking to add some greenery to my classroom but I kill everything!
Hi Megan, most of my plants are fake, and I get them from Ikea. I have one living plant (the one by the read aloud chair) and I always go for plants with wide leaves because they survive much longer. 🙂
Warmly,
Laura
Laura~
Your classroom not only exemplifies a positive energy, but it also demonstrates such a clear purpose for learning.
Thank you for sharing your hard work! It’s truly awesome!
Warm Regards,
Jen
Hi Jen,
Thank you for taking the time to share your kind words of encouragement.
Warmly,
Laura
I am in LOVE with your room!! I love the organization and the flow! I came into a VERY unorganized and scattered room. Do you have any suggestions on how to create organization and flow?
Thank you Breetta! My suggestions are to start with eliminating anything that doesn’t add to the productivity and success of students. If you have items or resources in your room/cabinets that you haven’t used in the past two years, you probably need to donate to someone who will use them. Also try tucking away your teacher materials as much as possible – for the most part, our TEs and planning materials only need to be out when we are planning and shouldn’t clutter your students’ space. Once you have the students’ essentials, think about the flow of each part of your day. Are the materials students will need easy for them to access without traffic jams or the need for an adult? After you have your students’ materials in place, you can add decorative touches…but keep in mind, over-decorated walls are a huge distraction for most learners. Think of ways to make you space feel inviting but also leave “blank space” where learners can find a place to think clearly.
I hope this is helpful.
Warmly,
Laura
Hello! I teach third and this is amazing!! I want to change so much to my room now! Where did you get the drawers u use for math games?? [email protected]
Hi Stacy, thank you for the kind comment. The math games are stored in an IKEA Trofast Frame with green storage boxes (also from IKEA).
Warmly,
Laura
Thank you so much!! one other question I wanted to ask was, how do you prepare for a sub? do you have a certain binder or sub paper that you use?
You’re welcome! 🙂 When prepping for a sub, I have a sub plan template I use. Due to the fact that I mostly use the workshop approach to teaching throughout the day, my students are able to keep things running smoothly while I’m out while the sub keeps them safe and answers any questions they may have. I am happy to share my sub planning routine on Instagram stories if that is helpful. Let me know if you are interested in that.
Warmly,
Laura
I would love to see your sub prepping on Instagram. Right when I saw this post I followed you. I watch your stories regularly to get ideas! Thank you so much!
Hi Laura,
I’m a teacher in Massachusetts. I have been teaching for 26 years (23 of them in 4th grade) and have hit a wall until now. I will be teaching 2nd grade next year because I felt I needed a change. I started researching things about teaching 2nd grade online and came across your blog and resources on TpT. I want you to know that you have inspired me to continue on with a fresh new look to the future of my career and the education of my students. I am so energized to begin a new chapter of my teaching now. This is just what I needed for my soul. You are very talented in what you do! Thank you for your wonderful ideas and inspiration!
On a side note: I’m purchasing your classroom labels but they get printed on copy paper. How do you get your labels to look so flat and sturdy? Do you attach them to a sturdier material first? An adhesive surface perhaps? Please advise. 🙂
Hi Pam,
Thank you for taking time to share your words of gratitude. I am so happy to hear you have found inspiration. 🙂 When I print labels, I print on cardstock and then laminate them. 🙂 Hope this helps as you label your second grade room!
Warmly,
Laura
I LOVE the personalized labels on the student book bins with the pine trees. Are these sold in your store? I am having trouble finding them.
Hi Michelle, those labels are not yet available in my store. I appreciate you reaching out to let me know there is interest in them. 🙂
Warmly,
Laura
Your classroom is beautiful! I’m wondering about your monthly bins. Are they made for hanging files? If not, how do you store your materials in them?
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Jenna. The monthly bins have hanging files in them with art project and PBL samples. Most of my samples have to be folded to fit in the bins because projects are typically done on larger paper…but saving them from year to year saves me time. 🙂
Warmly,
Laura
Thank you Laura! I am moving to fourth grade with my current students, and wanted a change for everyone. We are going to have a great year next year with all these wonderful organizational ideas and soft calm colors.
Brenda
Thank you for the sweet comment Brenda. Have fun revamping your room for next year. 🙂
I love your decor! It has totally inspired me to change my classroom theme. Where did you get the trees? I love that they are separated and I’m trying to do something like that for my birthday wall.
Thank you Sarah. The trees are decals from Wallums. 🙂
Laura, I really like your sign language signals for questions, etc. Can you tell me where you got the drawings for each sign? Did you draw them yourself?
Thank you Shay. I got the hand signal graphics on Teachers Pay Teachers (the store is called Teaching in the Tongass) and added the text below each graphic.
Warmly,
Laura
I love your classroom! It’s beautiful and bright and I wish it were mine!
Thank you Jennifer. 🙂
Do you know when you will be coming out with the forest labels? I love your room !
Hi Bailey,
The forest labels will be added to my store this summer. 🙂
Warmly,
Laura
I was wondering, where do you store your district-issued curriculum items? I have many items that I can storage in a closet but am trying to reorganize and many of the district issueditems are really just resources for instruction (we do the Daily 5 and Daily 3 Math). Trying to clean up my teacher cabinet but I’m not sure where to put all of my teacher guides for the curriculum that has been issued. I love the streamlined look of your teacher space! Thank you for sharing!!
Shannon Menendez
3rd grade dual language teacher
Hi Shannon, I have a large set of shelves behind my sliding whiteboard where I store all my TEs and any curriculum books I refer to while lesson planning. I recently did an Instagram story showing that space and would be happy to send it your way if you send me a DM on instagram. 🙂
Warmly,
Laura
Love, love, love your classroom! I get to paint my room this year and have been looking for the right shade of blue to paint one wall. Any chance you remember the name of blue paint color you used? Thanks for the inspiration!????
Hi Michal, you are so lucky…what a cool opportunity to pick your paint color! The color I have in my classroom is Benjamin Moore #2057-40 Ash Blue. ????
Hello Laura,
I’m am a preschool teacher who set up my room every day for 6 years and have just gotten the key to my 3rd grade classroom! I couldn’t be more excited! I have been on the hunt for some classroom ideas that involved the mountains. I am a well organized teacher and love calm beautiful spaces for children to learn. Your classroom is AMAZING! Now I have the perfect room as my inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing:-)
Katie
You are an organizational queen!! I am so obsessed with this!
Thank you Natalie. 🙂
Where did you find all your “flowers” that are hanging on you walls? I just 5he the colors you have chosen. Thanks for sharing all you ideas!
Hi Michelle, thank you for taking the time to reach out. The circular wall decor is all from Amazon. 🙂
Hello,
I love your classroom organization.. truly impressed… I was wondering what your weekly work folders are? I see that you have a volunteer copy them… what goes into them? Just curious.. love the idea of having everything in one place precopied.
Hi Kelly, thank you for the kind comment. 🙂 The weekly work folders contains any graded work to be sent home for parent review. This is also where some notes from school are sent occasionally (around picture time, etc). Most of that type of communication is digital now, but there are a few items here and there. After parents empty the contents of the folder at home over the weekend, they send it back home empty on Monday morning.
Warmly,
Laura
How do you keep everything so white and bright? I had light blue and white items my first year, but found them covered in crayon, pencil, dirt, etc. The past few years I have done a black and red Disney theme to try and hide the dirt and marks the kids make. I would love to have a bright classroom like this, but I don’t want to spend all of my time with a Magic Eraser in hand.
Hi Carrie,
I find the best way to keep a tidy classroom is to hold students responsible for the cleaning up after the messes they make each day. On the first day of school, when my students walk in the room, they are asked to observe what they notice about our classroom environment. What does it look like and feel like to have a classroom that is clean and ready for learning? Taking time to recognize and appreciate first day of school-level cleanliness really sets the tone for the high level of expectations we hold for taking care of the home where we learn each day.
Throughout the entire school year, we set aside ten solid minutes at the end of each day when we work as a team to “reset” our classroom so it looks like the first day of school…only better because our walls and desks are filled with the knowledge we are building on with each new day.It’s truly amazing how responsible and respectful all students can be in their learning environment when you set them up for success.
Warmly,
Laura
I too was wondering if you spend your own money on the Ikea furniture.
Hi Jill, yes the majority of the Ikea furniture in my classroom is purchased with personal funds. I typically buy one item per year as needed. It lasts a really long time…last year was the first year I had to buy one replacement shelf after six years of use.
Warmly,
Laura
Hi Laura,
Your classroom is beautiful. I love the calm organized space you have created. I am curious about where your students store their backpacks, sweaters, lunch boxes, etc. during the day.
Thanks!
Julie
Hi Julie,
Thank you for the kind message. 🙂 My students keep their lunch and jackets inside their backpack, which hangs on hooks outside the room.
Warmly,
Laura
Hi, I love those Wallum Alpine Tree decals. What color tree tops and and tree trunks did you use?
Thanks!
Hi April,
Here are the details of my Wallums order:
Set 1:
Size: 47″ x 45″
Tree Trunk Color: Geyser Blue
Tree Top Color: Mint
Set2:
Size: 76″ x 72″
Tree Trunk Color: Dark Blue
Tree Top Color: Key Lime Pie
Warmly,
Laura
Thank you very much, I’ll be ordering those!
And one more follow up decor question: where did you get the letters on your student Work bulletin board and ones that say “our jobs”? I love how you’ve done your room and hope to replicate as much as possible! It is so calming and lovely!
Hi April, I got the letters from Lakeshore. 🙂
Love your organization!!! Where can I get a copy of your Library book labels and your pencil oh so Sharp and please sharpen signs.
Thank you Peggy. You can find the library labels here, and the pencil sharpener labels here.
Hello! I have loved your blog and all the wonderful, new ideas you share! I noticed that your tables are grouped into 6-8 for this post. How did that work out for you this past school year, compared to having groups of 4 or 5?
Hi Diana,
Thank you for reaching out. I love the larger groups because it creates a lot more open space in our classroom. We use a flexible seating approach and the students have freedom to sit around the room, so it never feels super crowded with them all at their desks. 🙂
Warmly,
Laura
Hi Laura
Your classroom is such an inspiration. It motivates me to use some of your ideas in my room. My question concerns the 3 drawer bins in the teacher cupboard, what do you use the line the inside so you can’t see in.
Thank you
Debbie trempe
Hi Debbie,
Thank you! 🙂 I use scrap book paper, and trim it down to the correct depth for each drawer.
Warmly,
Laura
Dear Laura,
You are an inspiration to teachers everywhere. I have taught Montessori Lower Elementary Grades 1-3 for 20 years and never thought to get such calming inspiration outside of our Montessori teacher community! You work so hard to create independent learning in your classroom. Have you ever observed in a high quality Montessori classroom? You would be a natural in that kind of environment! Your love and respect for your students shows in all that you do. As Dr. Montessori states herself: “Children are human beings to whom respect is due, superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their future.” I am sure that the children that have you for a teacher take a huge step in realizing their potential!
Hi Michelle,
Thank you so much for taking the time to send your encouragement my way. I have never had the opportunity to observe in a Montessori classroom, but based on what you’ve shared, I think I’d probably love it. 🙂 I’ll have to look into some potential visits in my area.
Enjoy your school year!
Warmly,
Laura
Hi Laura! Congratulations on your pregnancy! 🙂 Thank you for taking so much time to share your brilliant ideas. I have purchased a few of your resources, including your Words Their Way organization and your Tidy Team cards. I love everything you do! I’m wondering if you can share how you file student work? I currently have a large filing cabinet that I’m dying to get rid of, and I’d love to know what you do. 🙂
Thanks so much!
Hi Caley, thank you so much for the kind message and warm wishes. Paul and I are really excited about Baby Santos. 🙂 I have one filing cabinet where I file my student work for the year. Each student has two folders. One folder is for assessments and any IEP/504/etc paperwork. The second folder is for their writing portfolio and any art that we hang on the wall throughout the year. I create a little package for them to take home the last week of school with these special portfolio items from the second folder. As for work that I send home weekly, I have a filing crate that I keep on the back counter where all graded work is filed by student helpers and sent home for parent review. Hope this helps as you get your filing system revamped. 🙂
Warmly, Laura
I just purchased the Math Organization Bundle. I would like my drawer labels to say Guide, Trailblazer, Explorer, and Seeker as well. The ready to print and editable file don’t have this option. Could you send me those, or tell me the font?
What do you use to hang your paper especially if it is not on a bulletin board?
Hi Lakeisha, I have only ever hung paper on bulletin boards or whiteboards. When I had to cover whiteboard with paper, I used double-sided tape and used magnets to hang everything. Command strips also work well on surfaces like cinder block walls.
Hi Laura! I love your classroom and have already purchased a lot of your stuff in your TPT store! Where did you get your turquoise square cereal bowls to store your dice and chips for the math games? I can’t seem to find it on your blog and I’m only guessing they are cereal bowls.
Thanks!
Marlese
Hi Marlese,
Thank you for the kind message. The bowls are from Target.
Laura
Thank you! Love all your stuff and every time I come back to your page I find something new I want to do or make in my classroom! Thanks again for sharing with other teachers!
I love your classroom! What material did you use to make your mountains that are on your bulletin boards?
Hi Mandy, thank you so much. 🙂 I used a very thin wood material called hardboard.
Your classroom is so AMAZING! You’re very creative and organized;)
How did you cut the hardboard for the mountains and did you paint them?
Thank you!
Thank you so much for the kind message Leah. We cut the hardboard with a table saw…the perks of having a super handy dad. 🙂 They are painted.
I love your classroom, it’s so beautiful! Since I’ve got some extra time on my hands I’m doing a classroom remodel and your classroom reveals have really inspired me! I have 3 questions: Where did you get the white EXPLORE sign? Where did you get you different paper pom pom/fans on the walls? Do you hang anything from the ceiling?
Hi Nicole,
Thank you for reaching out so kindly. 🙂 The letters for the EXPLORE sign are from JoAnns. They were originally brown but I spray painted them white. The poms and fans are all from Amazon. I don’t hang anything from the ceiling because it makes any space feel very closed in and is especially distracting for students who struggle to maintain focus.
Warmly,
Laura
Love your classroom tour. I might be going back to teaching after 5 years of being at home with my son…so nervous and excited. Thank you for sharing!
I LOVE all the classrooms I saw here today!!! Very organized, bright, and welcoming. I would LOVE to see smaller resource room type spaces that are organized and bright. I am a teacher of students with special needs. My room is 12′ x 20′. I have a kidney shaped table with 3 student chairs and one rolling chair at the table. I need to organize curriculum for three grade levels and have differentiated materials for the different leveled students. I really like the drawer idea for days of the week. Any suggestions or pictures would be much appreciated! Thank you for sharing the ideas I viewed today. Very helpful.
Hi Theresa,
Thank you for you kind comment. Here are a few posts that have resource room photos that may help. Their rooms are not quite as small as the space you have, but you may be able to pull a few ideas from them.:)
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
I absolutely love your creativity!! This classroom will make anyone feel comfortable to learn and push themselves to be great. You took a minimalist approach with getting rid of a lot of visual clutter and keeping the stuff that you regularly use at hand. I’m trying to make this same look little by little and I was wondering where did you get your turquoise small plant pots? Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas with us in Classroom 205! I pray you have a safe and fulfilling school year. ????????????????
Thank you so much for you kind comment. 🙂 I got the small turquoise pots from Ikea several years ago. They no longer carry that color, but they still have the same pot design in white here.
So many fantastic ideas. Thank you for sharing.
I love these ideas. I am just a new 3rd grade teacher in a Cathplic school this year. I wanted to know more on how I can start decorating my classroom. Thank you God bless