There is little I'm more proud of in my life than my current classroom. It's fantastic, and I love it. Okay, so I hate the floor, but it was there before I got there. After clearing out more than forty (40) bags of trash- yes, the contractor giant bags that you fill and can't lift. Full. Forty of them. I'm proud of what, and how, I've stocked this studio.
For starters, there is no front, or back. The room is designed to flow around the kids and what they're doing. Take that educational philosophy!
The tables- are made by a USA- based company called Haan. I'm in love. They're solid maple, and nothing sticks. Nothing. The stools are also Haan. They weren't cheap, but given how solid they are I know it will pay off when I'm not replacing them again in four years.
The demo desk- the small white table located against the wall, next to my desk, is my demo desk. Students meet me there when it's time to learn something new. They self-regulate their ability to see and hear when I do a demonstration, which I love since it puts the responsibility on the students. This particular one cost me $25 and came from IKEA.
Trash cans- also an IKEA special, these small suckers allow me to be a pain in the bottom and make students stay on their bottoms. Seriously. Safety folks- if they're seated, I can see them, and they're less likely to hurt themselves. Okay, so that last part about hurting themselves I made up, but I haven't had a terrible accident with a student in a seat, so I say it!
Posters- I went for pieces I love, and info I think is extra important, like the color wheel. I made all of the non-art pieces, so I would like to think it feels more personal.
Cleaning Supplies- yup, my students CLEAN! I've got a broom, and dustpan, a swifter with wet wipes, washcloths, and bottles of Simple Green. Kids are responsible for cleaning up after themselves, which they do a wonderful job of. I also keep a bottle of nail polish remover as it pulls tough stains out of the wood tables easily.
Washcloths- I'm going to say it. Paper towels are a WASTE. STOP BUYING THEM. I ask students for rolls of paper towels because some messes are just too much, but we use washcloths instead in my room. I wash them weekly, and they work wonderfully.
Projector- one wall is white white white, and I've got a projector hooked up on the ceiling so I can show all sorts of fancy images to my kiddos.
For starters, there is no front, or back. The room is designed to flow around the kids and what they're doing. Take that educational philosophy!
The tables- are made by a USA- based company called Haan. I'm in love. They're solid maple, and nothing sticks. Nothing. The stools are also Haan. They weren't cheap, but given how solid they are I know it will pay off when I'm not replacing them again in four years.
The demo desk- the small white table located against the wall, next to my desk, is my demo desk. Students meet me there when it's time to learn something new. They self-regulate their ability to see and hear when I do a demonstration, which I love since it puts the responsibility on the students. This particular one cost me $25 and came from IKEA.
Trash cans- also an IKEA special, these small suckers allow me to be a pain in the bottom and make students stay on their bottoms. Seriously. Safety folks- if they're seated, I can see them, and they're less likely to hurt themselves. Okay, so that last part about hurting themselves I made up, but I haven't had a terrible accident with a student in a seat, so I say it!
Posters- I went for pieces I love, and info I think is extra important, like the color wheel. I made all of the non-art pieces, so I would like to think it feels more personal.
Cleaning Supplies- yup, my students CLEAN! I've got a broom, and dustpan, a swifter with wet wipes, washcloths, and bottles of Simple Green. Kids are responsible for cleaning up after themselves, which they do a wonderful job of. I also keep a bottle of nail polish remover as it pulls tough stains out of the wood tables easily.
Washcloths- I'm going to say it. Paper towels are a WASTE. STOP BUYING THEM. I ask students for rolls of paper towels because some messes are just too much, but we use washcloths instead in my room. I wash them weekly, and they work wonderfully.
Projector- one wall is white white white, and I've got a projector hooked up on the ceiling so I can show all sorts of fancy images to my kiddos.
Labels- these labels are everything. So are my paper buckets. I jazzed up some index cards with fancy washi tape, and then laminated them. The paper buckets came from the Container Store. My students know where things are, and get what they need without issues. They also put things back! Inside the drawers with drawing materials, items are stored in easy containers so students can grab a bucket and have a seat.
Counter- I work hard to keep it clear, but it inevitably stores clay as projects are drying, and books during class.
Counter- I work hard to keep it clear, but it inevitably stores clay as projects are drying, and books during class.
Drying racks and butcher paper- the husband built me this sucker, and it is the bomb dot com. Students can easily put their work on it, and it stays out of my way. Plus it's on wheels. And wheels are awesome.
Sign out sheets- I forget things. All. The. Time. So I make students sign out of class when they leave. It's just a clipboard by my door, but it's wonderful.
And, of course, a little inspiration on your way out!
Sign out sheets- I forget things. All. The. Time. So I make students sign out of class when they leave. It's just a clipboard by my door, but it's wonderful.
And, of course, a little inspiration on your way out!