Almost There

A lot has been happening in the last two weeks. I accepted a position at a wonderful school in Pre-K ESE. It was not the job I had set out for but I am excited for this school year and all of the adventures I'll have as a brand new teacher.
I have spent almost two weeks getting my room in order. I started out with a mess of "things" in the middle of a small room. It's all coming together nicely. I still have more that I hope to add but that will come in the next few weeks as we build our routine and establish our rules.
Here is my cute little room...

Little Pinterest projects for the classroom

When I first began thinking about what I wanted my classroom to look like, I thought about what makes me feel calm and relaxed. I have to be honest, my favorite room in my home is my little cowboy's room decorated in gray and yellow. It's soothing, calm, and relaxing.

 

I have noticed in many of the classrooms I've been in that relaxing and calming are not popular themes. More like primary color explosion! I think bright and cheerful is wonderful but I also know from experience that too much color and "stuff" everywhere makes for sensory overload for certain kids.

 

I want my students to walk in to my room and feel at home, peaceful, and ready to learn! I will have some bright colors here and there (don't worry, it won't be b-o-r-i-n-g, just calm) but primarily the room will be gray, yellow, white, and aqua.

 

I also am a BIG fan of chevron so chevron will have a huge role to play on my classroom décor. Here are a few things I have made for my classroom while I wait for my position.

 

Chevron Cork Board

 

This was inspired by this pin...

http://www.newlywife.com/pinterest-challenge-nailhead-trim-inspiration-board/

 

 Lollypop Treat Pot

 

Inspired by...

http://www.repinlink.com/diy/2013/3/14/cheap-cool/

 

 

This next Pinterest inspired creation was my favorite so far...I found this pin:

http://love2sisters.blogspot.com/2011/07/show-and-tell-monday-garage-sale-stool.html

 

I love the idea of a small stool for circle time, I'd be closer to the students and still very comfortable. I started looking for the right canvas for my inspiration and happened upon this not-so-beautiful ottoman at a garage sale. I purchased it for $3 thinking that if it didn't work out atleast I wasn't out much money. I purchased some chevron fabric for the cork board pictured above and some spray paint and set to work. It was (badly) recovered with fabric so I wasn't too worried about covering and protecting it as I was just simply going to remove it and re-cover it.

 

 

 

I spray painted the legs- word of advice if you try this project, make sure to pull up the fabric around the legs and spray paint them all the way. I ended up having to touch mine up. Remove old fabric and cut a piece of fabric to fit. Staple with upholstery staples on all sides, pulling fabric tight. Tuck and fold around the legs and secure with hot glue and more staples.

 

Ta Da...

Perfect circle time chair