Summer is flying by as it always seems to do!  I've been having fun decorating my classroom with crafted and thrifted items.  I love thrifting and hitting the garage sales.  I think I may have a problem!

This little find wasn't for my classroom though.  I had wanted these little measuring cups from Pier 1 a long time ago. (But didn't want to fork over the dough!)  Found the set at Savers for $4!!!! Score!

                                                 A couple of little chips but I don't mind!

 

This is a banner I created using Powerpoint.  After I was done I rubbed chalk over the print to give it that well used chalkboard look.

 

This was a picture frame that I got for .25 at a garage sale.  I had never used chalkboard paint before, but it turned out good.  I can't remember which blog I saw the idea on...let me know if your recognize it so I can give credit!

 

 

I wanted to add some fun pens to my room this year...mainly as a reward for good behavior.  Painted the can and added some rainbow ribbon...vwa la!

 

 

Adding some live plants to my room this year!  Crossing my fingers!  I used chalkboard paint along the top of the pots so I can write the names of the groups on them.

 

 

The library corner is "almost" finished.  Not sure if you can see, but there are cloud "pillows" that I made hanging in the window.  The paper lanterns were from Oriental Trading.  Got the rug off Craigslist for $20.  Had to drive a ways, but I think it was worth it!  I added the greenery to soften the edges, picked that up at Savers. 

 

 

The next few items weren't thrifted, but purchased at US Toy.

 

These are my "Back to School Gifts"  for the kids.  Oh and the crazy pens.

 

I have wanted one of these FOREVER! Don't laugh!  I'm going to be using it as an attention getter. And just maybe....a reward....

 

 

These last items are wallets I picked up at US Toy.  I'm going to be using the "Backpacks to Briefcases" system in my classroom this year.  The book was written by Susan R. Nunamaker, Ed.S.

 

 

 

I still have a list a MILE long of things I need to get done, as we all do.  I do feel like I have a good start on it though.  Until next time, RELAX, HAVE FUN, and ENJOY the rest of your summer!

 

 

 

 

With Love,

Kim

 

 

 

 

 

I'm finally dipping my toes into the blogging waters.  I've read so many inspiring blogs by so many talented teachers that I decided to try my hand at it.  

I've really been in the mood to think about next year and work on redoing my classroom.  I took my room down to the bare bones before I left so that I had a blank canvas to work with.  I've been in the same room teaching second grade for 6 years!  In my first years of teaching, I gathered (scrounged) so many things!  But over the years, I've learned what I need and what will never be taken out of storage. 

My theme this year will be rainbows.  I wanted a LOT of color! 

Here are a few of the small things I have done:

Chalkboard paint sign for my door.

 

New treat jar.

 

 

My take on "Fill My Bucket"  Buckets.

 

 

 

Sweet puffy goodness! I will have 3 of these cushions in my reading area.

 

 

I will be adding photos of my room in progress and other projects that I am working on.