Classroom Tour 2015

School started pretty late for us this year since we cannot start till after Labor Day thank you, Michigan!. Two weeks in, I think it is about time I put up my annual classroom tour pictures. To see my other classroom themes go HERE, HERE, HERE, or HERE. 

Since I focus so heavily on Social Studies throughout the year, I decided not to start with an actual "theme" but started out with our first social studies unit which is Government. You could call my classroom theme this year "black and white" since that is the only part of the room that will stay as I change it to match each social studies unit. Because of our first unit, we are looking very PATRIOTIC as of right now :) 

Please enjoy a picture tour of my 2015 classroom. 

Left side of the Room

Front of the room

Back of the room

Right side of the room

Extreme Learning: Classroom Tour

Another school year is upon us! and per usual, I am a bit behind in my blogging. 
One month down and my classroom still looks surprisingly nice *grin*

I started this year with an "Extreme Sports" theme focused on Extreme Learning. I had been wanting to do an extreme theme for a couple of years but just couldn't wrap my head around how that would look. This year, after a summer of theme contemplation, I finally decided to give it a try. 

So, I raided our garage and brought all of my husband and I's toys to school - lucky for him, I have decided this year to only have this theme for the first month of school until we start social studies heavy so yes dear, you will have your snowboard in time for boarding... no, you will not have your climbing shoes for another week, sorry. Next week, the theme will be changing to match our social studies units, beginning with Government.

Here is our EXTREME classroom tour 2014 - Enjoy!

Decided to try a pinterest idea - McDonald's cup holders as table supply holders! Thank you for visiting the virtual tour of our Learning Conservatory! 

DIY//Tissue Paper Border

I am finally back in "school" mindset. Partly because I am ready to start thinking about it, planning for it, getting excited about it ... and partly because well, it. is.

August. 

Can I get an AMEN! *smile* 

With that said, I have officially started working in my classroom. It isn't very cozy yet, but considering this was ONE Friday, I am pretty excited about my accomplishments! 

Today, I am sharing one of my favorite bulletin board borders. This idea is by no means my own, and there are quite a few tutorials floating around the internet, however, I figured it wouldn't hurt to put another one out there to encourage more people to utilize this FUN, EASY, and CHEAP boarder. 

I can do one bulletin board with a packet of colored tissue paper from Dollar Tree for ONE DOLLAR! 

SCORE!

PS: I do NOT use paper for my bulletin board backgrounds. I always use plastic table clothes from Dollar Tree (again, CHEAP!). At first, they do have the lines but I don't mind and they smooth out fairly quickly. Black is my favorite color to use because it goes with EVERYTHING and it really allows student work to POP! 

 

First: Using one sheet of tissue paper, fold it and bunch it toward to top much like a tootsie roll end. Some people like to fan it out and make the sheet longer but I like to go all the way to the end and balloon the middle to make it a bit more 3D.

Bunch at the other end as well. 

Second: Do #1 to all of your pieces (2 or more depending on your color scheme) - you should end with with a batch of tootsie rolls. I like using three to create a color POP!

Third: Gather and pinch the ends of the three together. Push pin them together onto your board. Some people use staplers but I find that push pins hold it better. Pin both ends. There should be some space between each "balloon".

Fourth: Using the same three colors, cut each color into smaller squares and create small "bunches". I like to crinkle the edges a little. 

Fifth: Pin these bunches between the "balloons" to create a finished, flowery, look.

 Tada! 

There are so many combinations you can try with these! These are just a few I have done - the abundance of red, white, and blue is because I teach American History and Government. 

Rolled, Tulip-like, flowers in between

Using only two colors 

Two colors and a solid flower

Now you have FABULOUS and super fancy looking borders to place your kiddos work in! 

Warning: Be prepared to get many compliments ;0)