Still Working...

Wow, I can't believe that we are already into the second week of August!  School will begin before I know it.  I have been working diligently on projects in my classroom and for my classroom - and don't worry, I am still working on the book-based substitute plans!  I want them to be top notch for my followers (and free!).
I went to Lowe's the other day and purchased paint for some shelves in my classroom.  I chose "sauteed mushroom," which is a nice, darker tan color.  Three coats later, they are finished!  Here are the before...

Chipped, flat ivory paint.

And after...

A nice, satin beige finish!

I do love the way they turned out.  They now match and look so much nicer, and fit with my color scheme.  Speaking of colors, have you seen these on Pinterest?  

I think these would be great for Daily 5 word work, so while I was at Lowe's I picked up a stack.  All I need to do is add the chunks and make some letter & blend strips for the students to use with them.  Great idea, huh?  Pinterest has really inspired me to create some cool things for my home & classroom.  If you're not pinning yet, you should be!  If you'd like an invitation, leave a comment with your email and I'll send one your way.  You'll thank me later :)

Finally, my husband did come to my classroom the other night to help me rearrange.  He was VERY helpful (that is, after I convinced him that *12* first graders at a table was a bit much!!!).  Coming soon I will post pictures of my layout and progress, but it is just too much of a mess to take pictures of right now.  Owen has set up his own "Lego office" in one whole corner of the room, along with all of the boxes of orders and clutter that comes along with the beginning of a new school year.  I'll keep working away!

Classroom Progress & a Giveaway!

So...Owen and I went into my classroom today to start setting the room up.  I have not been in all summer (which is pretty unusual for me) and my room is a hot mess.  But, with the SMART board installed, I was inspired to go start on my new layout.  The problem?  I was NOT inspired.  I moved a few things.  Then I moved them back.  Then I moved the same few things again.  I think I made it worse.  Finally, Owen and I went to a few stores for some retail therapy.  Here are some pictures I snapped with my phone before we left to document the chaos...

Looking in from the door - new SMART board on the left, former gathering area/library in the back corner.

Looking in from the door again - this time a view of the right side of the room.

Another looking in view - do I want my teacher table there?  I'm not sure...

Not pretty.  I am dragging my poor husband in later this week to help me think of ideas and move things around.  He complains a lot, but the labor is free :)  In the meantime, if anyone has any ideas to inspire me, suggestions, etc. please leave me a comment!  I am really struggling with the gathering area/library.
Now, onto the giveaway!  Jodi from Clutter Free Classroom is having a giveaway!

Her blog was the first educational blog I started following, and is still one of my favorites!  She is giving away a set of back to school books, a pocket chart, dry erase schedule and her Ultimate Teacher Organizer Tool.  Just the name of that makes me want it!  Check out her blog for a chance to win.

I haven't forgotten that I promised pictures of the projects Owen and I are working on.  They are on their way - hopefully in the next post!  I just had to go get some more supplies to complete them :)