Sharing Kindergarten

  • Home
  • Read More
    • Literacy
    • Math
    • Phonics
    • Sight Words
    • Teaching Tips
  • Newsletter
  • FREEBIE Email Series
  • Professional Development
  • Shop
    • My Account
    • Downloads
    • Cart
    • Checkout
  • About Me
  • Digital Learning Boot Camp
  • Teaching Top 5 Virtual Conference
    • Downloads
  • Shop
  • My Account
  • Checkout
  • Cart

Classroom Reveal 2016 from Sharing Kindergarten

September 5, 2016 By Mary Amoson 12 Comments

Slide34Welcome to my classroom reveal for 2016. My second home is my classroom. It is my happy place. This classroom isn’t perfect, but it was created by me!

Classroom Goal

But more importantly is what my classroom is to my students. First, I want this place to be their second home. Secondly, I need it to be their happy place. And, of course, I desire for it to be predictable, organized, and created for them in mind.

Work in Progress

But let’s face it… a classroom is a constant work in progress. Kinda like ourselves as educators… and exactly like our students as learners.

This year I was so blessed to be given the gift of Kindergarten again. {You can read about that here.} Although all my kindergarten materials were stored in a classroom that was 80% decorated and ready to go, I had to scoot down one classroom this year.

And we all know what a one classroom “scoot” means. It means weeks of work.

The before view of my classroom

The Before Pictures

First, here was my classroom as it was left to me. The former teacher did an amazing job of clearing out in a timely manor and left me a a great blank slate.

Since I was already moving rooms and taking down all my beloved monkey decor… I thought why not do a total theme reset?

Slide36

Classroom Challenges

Secondly, there are set up challenges to every classroom. This classroom is spectacular to me, but it has some set backs. Do you notice the lack of windows outside? Or cabinets? Or a sink? Well, I do not have windows, cabinets, or a sink.

This is nothing we can’t overcome in the classroom with some smart thinking and creative ideas.

The Classroom Reveal

So sweet friends… without further waiting… I present to you my Kindergarten Classroom 2016, a work in progress. My theme this year is Black Primary. Clean bold colors without a lot of fuss.

First, here is a view from the side corner looking towards our work space tables. Slide41

You can see my amazing new carpet from Lakeshore Learning called “Learning Shapes and Colors.” I truly loved my former “A Place for  Everyone” carpet that I had to leave at my former school.

Then, I knew a new school needed a new carpet. And this one is amazing. It has 6 primary colors with lots of shapes to hold 24 students. I can also call student up by their color or their shape! And this carpet is so visually appealing. I feel like it sets the tone for my classroom.
Classroom Reveal from Sharing Kindergarten

Positions in the Room

I positioned my students tables close to the white board and my the alphabet for phonics instruction. This is the one time a day I use direct instruction without fail. Now, I also knew I needed a bulletin board for my calendar. Placing the carpet next to that board was an easy choice.

Alphabet

Have access to our alphabet as shown below, white board, and Promethean board are vital for this subject. (remember I have no natural light for these pictures so excuse the darker picture.)Alphabet using Black Primary Colors

Breakdown of Seating

You can also see the color coded primary color tables.  Now, I have 6 tables to hold 4 students. The breakdown below provides us with 24 seats for my students. Since my class size is already at the state limit of 23, we don’t have much extra space!

  1. There is a yellow table with wobble seats,
  2. Orange table with chairs and Abilities Kore Cushion,
  3. Red table with wobble seats,
  4. Purple table with wobble seats,
  5. Blue table with chairs,
  6. Green table with crate seats.
  7. I have the 14″ Kids Wobble Seats from here.
  8. I also have a stack of blue chairs ready for others to grab and use as they feel the need to.

Color Coded Tables Classroom Reveal from Sharing Kindergarten

Table Breakdown

Here is a look at the set up for one of my color coded tables. I purchased these colorful carpet tiles last school year from flor.com outlet for a great price. I knew I wanted to incorporate them into this year’s classroom somehow. Color code all the things

Classroom Carpet

I have always taught in a classroom with carpeted floor, so I welcomed the look and feel of these colors under our tables. Since my students are not required to sit, having a color coded “space” is a great way to set movement limits as well. This is just another step I take for seating options. And another image. Peek into my room!

Next is a glimpse from the diagonal corner looking towards the carpet, calendar, cubbies. This view allows you to see the crate seats and cushions a little better.Color Coded Classroom

Calendar

Now, remember back to when I talked about calendar? One of my wall came with a bulletin board. Since I always display my calendar big and bold, I knew this was the correct spot for it. I incorporate as many standards and hands on learning activities into calendar as I can.
Check out this classroom reveal
Here is a closer look at my calendar set up.
Calendar time that is FUN and inviting
Classroom Library

My scoop seats are also off to the side, since this area has a duel purpose for library  and reading to self area. The library is under my calendar.Library time revealed
And each bin is labeled for easy student use. Make it easy for them to find a book!These are the bins I use for my library.  Here is an additional view of this area. And you see see those chairs waiting for students if they need them. MORE of the Classroom Reveal from Sharing Kindergarten

Not Brand New

Remember how I said this classroom reveal wasn’t perfect? Lots of sweat went into this room. This black shelf as well as my cubbies were a hand me down shelves which I painted in the middle of July outside in the sun. They were UNDER a house. So they had to be vacuumed, wiped down, dried, painted, and touched up in about 100 degree weather. But look at them now!

You can see the cubbies on the far left spot… the spot most other classes would have cabinets and a sink. Check out this BOLD kindergarten room.

Classroom Reveal of Cubbies

Here is a closer look at this area. Each student has a color coded basket to their table color. You can also see the trash bins, table supply bins, and such on top.Cubbies for Kindergarten
We also hold some of our book boxes on the top of my shelving. I like to spread these out so when we need to read to self, everyone isn’t running into ONE directions, but instead they are scattered out.

Book Boxes

Only the purple, orange, and red bins are here because their table colors are closer to this area. I store the blue in the front of the room close to the blue table. The yellow and green are closer to the loft. This is a small attempt at crowd control. Check out the set of Really Good Stuff Bins I use for book boxes.Cubbies and book boxes and more color coding... oh my!

Shape Posters

On the wall space above, I have our shape posters. Since school has started we created some fun charts about shapes I posted as well. Shapes are up and ready!

On the other side of the calendar I have a loft. Reading loft!
Loft

What classroom reveal would be complete without a loft? This was also a hand me down dorm loft. I had my hubs cut down two by fours to the right side at Home Depot. Then I sanded them down, painted them, and screwed them together. This extent the sides of this to be safer for students. We use this to house our kitchen play area. Loft and word wall space

Word Wall

You can also see the word wall overlaps this space as well. We add our words to the word wall weekly, so it is a work in progress.

My white board area is shown here.
MORE Classroom Reveal from Sharing Kindergarten
Basket Organization

I store sight word station baskets and center baskets here.

Organized center baskets from Sharing Kindergarten
Topics of the Week

I also post the topics we are working on to the side. I erase and write on this area weekly. This is the border I selected to decorate my room and create this area with. Our Minds are Growing

Technology Table

My technology table set up remains the same. (You can find out about this here.) I have 6 stations, assigning each person a slot, color coded KidzGears Headsets, and the app guide in the middle. Then, I also have groups ready to go on that white sheet of paper that is flipped over. Tech Table set up from Sharing Kindergarten

Lining Up Helpers

The last thing I added to my classroom has these Really Good Stuff  Classroom Line Up Helpers. Here is the first part of the line. Line Up Helpers REALLY do help.

And here is the second part that curves around the blue table. I got to break up my line using these line up helpers.
I just have TOO MANY kids to ask them to stand in one line. There isn’t enough space from the door to the wall for 23 bodies to stand. I used these stickers to break my line into two and get up out the door so much faster.
I didn’t put these down until after we learned the traffic flow patterns for this room. We are two weeks into using these circles and I LOVE LOVE LOVE them.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my perfectly IMPERFECT classroom reveal.
I love it and I can’t wait to make it even better as time goes on.
What was your favorite place in my classroom?

Classrom Reveal 2016

Related Posts

  • Center SaturdayCenter Saturday
  • Time Saving TipsTime Saving Tips
  • If You Take a Mouse to SchoolIf You Take a Mouse to School
  • Buggy Word Wall and More!Buggy Word Wall and More!
  • Daily 5 IdeasDaily 5 Ideas
  • Filling Your Hearts! Blog HopFilling Your Hearts! Blog Hop

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
«
»

Filed Under: 8 August, Back to School, Classroom Decoration, Organization, Teaching Tips

Comments

  1. Amanda says

    September 5, 2016 at 8:14 pm

    I love the carpet under each table. What a great use for those carpet squares. Your room looks fantastic despite the challenges you had!

    Reply
    • Mary Amoson says

      September 6, 2016 at 10:01 pm

      THANKS… I love the look too!
      That was a last minute decision I am LOVING.

      Reply
  2. Beth says

    September 5, 2016 at 9:48 pm

    Wow! What a beautiful room you have created for your students. Our classrooms are much smaller unfortunately but your seating options are amazing. The wobble chairs are fantastic, but very expensive at $70 each.
    Thank you for sharing! I’m inspired !

    Reply
  3. Gail says

    February 23, 2017 at 7:20 pm

    It looks great! I love the different kinds of seating. Did you have to buy the furniture ,etc yourself? I like the idea of two areas for lining up.
    How do those small tables work out? How do the kids access the the calendar and charts with the bookcase in front of them?

    Reply
    • Mary Amoson says

      February 24, 2017 at 5:53 pm

      Each school is different. My school provides desks, which were not what I wanted for my classroom because my kids almost never seat at an assigned seat!All the blue chairs and brown tables are theirs. I purchased the wobble seats years ago and adore them. The crate seats were a hand me down… along with all the black shelves. I LOVE MY TABLES. I use to have circle tables with I also enjoyed. These tables are beyond perfect for me and how I run my classroom.
      As far as calendar, the shelve is not very deep so they can easy reach the calendar with it. Ideally I would have that shelve pushed over, but plugs don’t allow that right now. 🙂

      Reply
  4. natalie says

    March 3, 2017 at 7:10 pm

    You and your classroom have me in awe and completely enthralled. Even though I am an older teacher, I love hearing and reading what you are doing in your classroom. You are no doubt an awesome teacher. i want so much to learn to be better. Two of my Kinder co-harts have gone to flexible seating and myself and two others are contemplating doing so as well. It’s so hard to transition. We have always had tables where the students had their own places with their names, etc. I notice you have different seating but all of the tables seem to be the same height. Can you tell me how you manage your seating? Thank you and also for all that you have shared. You are a blessing.

    Reply
  5. Jennifer says

    April 6, 2017 at 7:30 am

    Where did you get the seasons, calendar, and weather cards??

    Reply
    • Mary Amoson says

      April 10, 2017 at 10:14 pm

      https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Calendar-Black-Primary-2592617

      Reply
  6. Holly says

    June 27, 2017 at 3:37 pm

    Where did you get your student tables ?

    Reply
    • Mary Amoson says

      June 27, 2017 at 8:45 pm

      Worthington Direct

      Reply
  7. Molly says

    August 6, 2017 at 3:19 am

    The loft is amazing! Unfortunately our classrooms are not nearly as big as yours so there is no way I could do something like that in my room.

    Reply
  8. Kim says

    October 4, 2017 at 9:23 pm

    What is the fishbowl for? (Next to the calendar)

    Thank you!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Looking for Something?

Check Out These

  • How I Teach Sight Words in Kindergarten with Sight Word Stations
    How I Teach Sight Words in Kindergarten with Sight Word Stations
  • Must Dos for the First Day of Kindergarten
    Must Dos for the First Day of Kindergarten
  • Rocks Rock! All About Earth's Materials
    Rocks Rock! All About Earth's Materials
  • Interactive Classrooms with Bitmojis
    Interactive Classrooms with Bitmojis
  • How to Make and Manage No Contact Centers
    How to Make and Manage No Contact Centers

Latest on Facebook

Latest on Facebook

Latest on Pinterest

  • Are you looking for a fun, engaging approach to teach your students about Valentine's Day? This holiday interactive notebook is a great hands-on way to teach kids about these kindness & friendship. These worksheet activities for Kindergarten, 1st, & 2nd Grade Elementary kids are fun for students to create. Templates included in this lapbook pack is graphic organizers, writing prompt, traditions, facts book, vocabulary, cupid labeling and more! #interactivenotebook #valentinesday #tpt
  • This fun little Groundhog Day activity makes the perfect addition to your anchor chart or class posters about Punxsutawney Phil and his springtime predictions! Or, use the templates to let your kindergarten, first grade, or second grade students make a fun little groundhog craft peep-over to adorn their school work, your hallway, or classroom walls!
  • For this Shamrock Science Experiment all you need are materials from around your home - baking soda and vinegar.  I added some food colouring and special treasures too!    It is really easy to make and keeps kids happily experimenting for a long time.  I used this in my kindergarten classes as well as with my own kids at home. #stpatricksdayactivity #stpatricksday #stpatricksdayforkids #saintpatricksdaystem #stpatricksdaystem #stpatricksdayforkids #stpatricksdayactivity #familyfun #stem
  • Thank you for checking out my Valentine's Day alphabet match activity!  This printable alphabet game supports the learning & reinforcement of letters! #kindergarten #preschool #literacycenter
  • Valentine's Day Math activities
  • Check out this post! So many snowman activities and ideas in this post, such as this Snowman Subtraction activity for winter months.
  • Valentine's Day Math activities
  • This Google Classroom activity teaches students early addition strategies by have kids count on from a given number. This digital activity helps students learn counting & number recognition. Embrace technology in your January math small groups & centers or stations. This fun, paperless, no prep Google Slides game is great for Distance Learning with Preschool, Kindergarten, 1st Grade Elementary kids. No worksheet needed! Each card has a fun Winter theme filled with snow, snowman, penguins, & more
  • Digital polar bear activities for your primary classroom! These digital activities are preloaded to Seesaw and Google Classroom. A fun learning video and activities will make teaching about this… More
  • Check out this fun no-prep cactus Valentine's Day writing craftivity flap book! This activity would make a perfect kindness bulletin board. Your students can brainstorm and reflect on how they are "planting kindness" while working on their writing skills.
  • March kindergarten lesson plans
Follow Me on Pinterest

Latest On Instagram

sharingkindergarten

👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 wife & mommy of two girls
📱a little techie
👩🏻‍🏫 Passionate Kindergarten Teacher
🎤 Educational Presenter
💻 #sharingkindergarten

Sharing Kindergarten
Instagram post 17911514947604279 Instagram post 17911514947604279
RUN RUN RUN to grab these. They go over overhead l RUN RUN RUN to grab these. They go over overhead lights in the classroom and can really calm a room and reduce headaches. I have them over 8 lights in my room now. They are 55% off!
(This is a 4 pack of the light filters.)
ad: https://amzn.to/3bJCLXz
#digitaldealsforteachers
I make a few cents off purchases you make at no additional cost to you.
Doors are open! And it is NOT too late to join! We Doors are open! And it is NOT too late to join! We would love to share if too 5 tips and tricks with you! https://sharing-kindergarten.mykajabi.com/offers/ocqqojZy/checkout
Instagram post 18179523043070946 Instagram post 18179523043070946
ONE more day!!! I can’t wait! We have everything ONE more day!!! I can’t wait! We have everything loaded and ready... and the fun starts tomorrow morning at 10 am EST! https://sharing-kindergarten.mykajabi.com/offers/ocqqojZy/checkout @halpey1 @deedeewills @differkinder @teacherslearn2
We are comparing books this week. Anyone else have We are comparing books this week. Anyone else have the WORST smart board handwriting?! 🤦🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️ Asking for a friend...
Some years are harder than others. I had a year th Some years are harder than others. I had a year that I gave up my passion. Here is my story and what happened to me. https://sharingkindergarten.com/year-gave-passion/
This was a question on Raz kids today for a studen This was a question on Raz kids today for a student. I felt this one. I am awful about confusing my emotions so I don’t actually know what I feel. How about you?
We are currently teaching addition. We use to play We are currently teaching addition. We use to play this game with partners and no with play individually. But we are playing and learning. (This may is a freebie that comes in a packet for signing up for my newsletter.) https://sharingkindergarten.com/newsletter/
Tag a teacher friend who you know loves teaching a Tag a teacher friend who you know loves teaching as much as you do! I am teaming up with some of my teaching friends to present to you out to 5 tips and tricks that starts this weekend!
Next Saturday our Teaching Top 5 Virtual Conferenc Next Saturday our Teaching Top 5 Virtual Conference goes live. 
So excited for all the giveaway we can announce... and more are coming!
$25 for all 10 sessions
http://bit.ly/TeachingTop5VC
This week seemed to be the longest and slowest all This week seemed to be the longest and slowest all at the same time. In science, we dove into the water cycle. On Friday, we got to try some simple (covid friendly) science experiments. We melted colors ice cubes to show states of matter changes. Then we did small cups for sink float. We predicted if each item would sick or float, then tested out. We can choose f2f or virtual this week, so I only had 12 in the room with me and 8 at home.
My district’s social studies head sent out info My district’s social studies head sent out info today to teachers from our GADOE. It has several resources that may be helpful to you, your students, and your families. Click the link they do to the google doc that says click here: https://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Curriculum-and-Instruction/Pages/Social-Studies.aspx
Working mom tip my sis gave me. Precook your meat Working mom tip my sis gave me. Precook your meat and that cuts down on cooking time the day of. Hope it helps. #sharingkindergarten
Just a reminder... Just a reminder...
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2021 · Website Design By Jumping Jax Designs · Privacy Policy