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[lolakimono]

After three years of floating, I finally have a classroom!  It is the smallest of the classrooms that my department uses, so I am going to do what I can to maximize the space. We are in a building that is about 100 years old and there is evidence of deferred maintenance, and some things we simply cannot change because it is historical.  

It is a work in progress, as I move stuff out of my basement, from our department office, and move out what was left behind by other teachers.  You will see what it looks like behind the scenes. Kids don't return until September, so it will be ready by then but I wanted to show you where it's headed.

If you have been following my DIY threads, you know that I like a challenge and a bargain.  I am a Spanish teacher, and while I studied in Spain  most of my students are from Central America, so I wanted to create a classroom that represents the many facets of Hispanic culture.  I also teach high school, so I would like some color (but not like a daycare center) and I don't want to have to remove items when we have state mandated testing. 

There will be a lot of posts, so be sure to check back as I add them!

Here is a page from my inspiration board.

[lolakimono]

I started buying/making things this summer with the hope that I would get a classroom.

These are craft boxes from Michael's, for my most used desk items.  In this photo I had them in a drawer for my home teaching cabinet, but at school I have them on the chalkboard railing. I printed images of Spanish tiles and used my label maker to identify what's inside.  I may tape the labels in the front, but I would probably laminate them before I would tape them in.  

[lolakimono]

This is one side of my UGLY door.

Both sides are equally ugly.

This peel and stick wallpaper went on both sides of the door.  I only took a picture of the in process work, but both sides are finished.  I don't know how it will hold up, but at least it will help my students easily recognize my room.

[Desertdi]

C  O  N  G  R  A  T  U  L  A  T  I  O  N  S    

[jackthebear]

@lolakimono 

is there a buynothing dot org group in your area

we have one that is very active, I think people would love to donate to your classroom 

[lolakimono]

These are a set of three framed prints that I bid on at Shopgoodwill, but I wasn't digging the color of the frames.

I also ordered two of these vintage lamps from Shopgoodwill and found shades there too.

I painted the frames purple and rehabbed the lamps and now they look like this.

If you are not familiar with old schools, many are cinder block walls.  I found out when I went to hang the far right frame that the nail would not go into the wall flush, like maybe the window frame extends into the wall, so I have to work around the outlet and the power cord in the wall.  

[lolakimono]

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@jackthebear wrote:

@lolakimono 

is there a buynothing dot org group in your area

we have one that is very active, I think people would love to donate to your classroom 

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@jackthebear 

I looked on FB Marketplace and NextDoor, and I have some stuff on Donorschoose.  

[Lisa Y]

@lolakimono   You're classroom will look homey and welcoming to your students! I can't believe you've been floating for three years. That must have been difficult, especially during the pandemic.
good luck with your new room.

My 3rd grade classroom is still a hot mess from last year. I will have 18 students separated 3 feet apart. Everything was moved on top of my 2 cubby holes (about 10 ft long each) and my windowsills. There is very little space on the floor with those desks 3 feet apart. Going to be another strange year.

[Foxxee]

Wow!  When I went to school, teachers weren't permitted to decorate. 

We could decorate a bit for Christmas and other holidays, but there was a time limit when it had to be taken down.  

The only things allowed were the teacher's desk and chair, student desks and chairs, and the American flag standing in the corner in the front of the room.  

The same currently in my school district.  

[lolakimono]

This is a mola that I bought last year, from Shopgoodwill.

This one I got from eBay. I messaged the seller and said that I was a teacher but I couldn't pay that price, would she consider X offer and she did.  I really liked the frame.

This is the area to the right of the other vignette with the lamp.  I wanted to use those two outlets and declare that area "off limits" to students so that they don't unplug the lamps to plug in their cell phones.

They painted the classroom for the first time in like 20 years, so when they did they took down the plastic-y roller shades.  Somehow there are only two that returned, so I might leave them off unless I am directed to have window coverings.