Progress of room set-up

Today, I made a LOT of progress.  My classroom is not finished by any means but I have had some very good realizations.  (I must apologize that these last few and certainly next few blog posts will not be very enlightening to you all but are more of reflections on setting up my first classroom and getting through the entire process!) The first and most important thing I need to remember is that progress is something and I need to focus on areas that I have made progress.  Focusing only on my continually growing list of things to do is going to get me no where.

Secondly I have realized that when I dont feel comfortable or things aren't working for me I NEED to change them.  I probably rearranged parts of my room at least 10times to finally get it where I am pleased.  I decided that even though I am not totally sure on anything that I will be implementing in my classroom I still want to have a writing station and large reading or possibly work area for the students to move around in.  I also want the option of wall space which I had none of before.  So here is a general picture of my classroom from the front door.  Again this isnt finished and really is old furniture moved around.

You can't tell from this picture but there is another large bulletin board to the far left that is now easily accessible by the students which was my goal the whole time. Plus the area to the right is open wall space which will create my writing station... I think.  

I must mention that the desk set up is not staying.  No joke every single teacher in grades 3-6 has their desks set up in groups.  While yes I will be going to groups eventually I think that starting the year different and able to see everyone will be fun for all of us!  Also, thankfully those wonderful chair pockets (that is what they are called right? I had to google it but still am not sure...wow my brain needs a break already!) were given to me. Each class has a set of them and they are beautiful!  

Anyway, the point is I made progress on my room set up.  Progress on planning and all of the other things.... I have not gotten there yet.

Oh ya back to my ORIGINAL point.  I also realized today that I need to focus on areas that I can fix in a matter of days... tomorrow is all staff day. Friday is new student orientation. Monday is first day of school!! I had to get over my classroom library.  While it is wonderful that I have all of those books, I want them to look like all the other fabulous libraries that I have seen.  Frankly that is not going to happen in the next 3 days.  Also, I had to realize that cabinets filled with things are going to have to wait.  I may need them later, I may not, but for now I cant worry about it.  

ok that is all for now.  Sorry I ranted about my learnings but it will help me remember!  Hope you all are having some successes in your classrooms!