Before and After: A Classroom Makeover

August 27, 2011

First of all, let me apologize for not having this post up sooner. This week was the first (half)week of school, and I've worked 14+ hours each day. October is usually the month when things slow down a bit, and I can breath.  There is so much for an elementary teacher to do in the fall that at times you question your sanity for ever getting into the profession. Hats off to my teacher friends with real children of their own; I don't know how you do it. 
BEFORE


AFTER

Yes! Those are Scrabble pieces. I glued two boards together and then glued the letters down with an all-purpose craft glue.
BEFORE


AFTER







I used an overhead projector to trace the outline of a map. Originally  I thought I'd trace every state...I ran out of time and decided the "Show Me State" was all that was really needed. I had a hard time not tracing Texas too.
 My fabric inspiration. If you look closely, you can see Dachshund silhouettes on the green fabric.

                                   Before                                After
My amazing principal agreed to let us chalk paint our doors. I used painter's and quilter's tape before painting to make the lines. PS-Quilter's tape was pretty much worthless. I thought it would peel clean, but it didn't. If you try using for a painting project, be careful.

I'd pinned this picture on my Pinterest in hopes of recreating it for a shower. Then I ended up trying for a "bee hive" lantern in my classroom.
I'm definitely not thrilled with the results. I almost didn't post the pic, but I felt like it's dishonest if I don't show you my "flops" too! I'm  thinking I needed to layer  more tissue paper. Plus, it might have helped if I had started with a yellow paper lantern, so the green didn't show through. Isn't the Martha Stewart picture incredible though?
 BEFORE
AFTER
Remember the "toad stools"? They found a home.

Back to school is a bittersweet time for me, especially this year. There are a lot of things going on with our family right now as well. The summer was a great time for me to get started doing my first interior design project (lots more on that soon) and starting this blog. I hope now that my "real" job has started up, I'll be able to keep up with it all. My plate is full at the moment. The things I want to "take off" I can't. The things I want "more of" will have to wait. Does anyone else ever feel this way? 







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87 comments:

  1. Dear Heather! You have put so much loving care and creativity into your classroom! I'm sure you've inspired many other teachers with your genius! It will make coming to school a lot more fun for everyone! We've all been where you are right now. Just repeat after me, "I can't do it all!". I know you want to, but the price could be too high. Take care and enjoy your students...maybe they could all start their own blogs. That would maybe encourage writing and computer knowledge! Too young?

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  2. Thanks for the encouragement Barbara! I needed to hear it. I've heard of teachers letting kids start their own blogs! I'm wanting to do some more research into how it's best handled before giving it a try. I think they would love it and it would be a great way to incorporate technology.

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  3. Wow~ This is amazing. You can tell you love what you do and the students you teach. They are lucky to have you. I LOVE the fabrics. and map. GREAT JOB.

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  4. Aw, Heather! I WISH you had been MY teacher! Your room is darling!

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  6. Heather, this is truly a work of love and passion. Any student is going to strive in this fun enviroment you have created. As a mom of 3 grown kids, I appreciate you taking the time to care about your kids like that and to go the extra mile to make their room so special. Great job! Going to pin this for sure!

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  7. Your classroom looks amazing Heather! And Yes! I feel like that all the time.

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  8. From a former 4th grade teacher, your kids are gonna love this room! Shoot, I love it! Great idea painting those cabinets with chkbd paint. One year I had my students paint their own desks--ya know those nasty metal ones that aren't anything to look at? We had such a fun time making each desk personal to each student. I love your note on your desk too. Have a great year and take time to breathe:)

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  9. I love it! Love the colors you used and especially love the map and the toadstools!! Gorgeous! What a fun classroom for 5th graders!!

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  10. Love your new classroom and I love the map. It would be fun to do that in 4th grade when they study Missouri! I should have taken before pics of my office, but people would question the brown smears marks on the walls. ICK! I will send you an after picture when I am finished! It is a work in progress as I know you understand!

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  11. Oh my gosh!! I love it. If I had kids, I'd want them to go to your class.

    And I'm from the Show Me State too!

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  12. This is amazing! I am a teacher as well (special ed.), but I don't really have a classroom. I have an office, more or less, and a kidney table. :) That is so neat that you can paint! We are not allowed to paint at our school, but I would definitely use some of your ideas if we could! I totally know how you feel with being stretched in many directions. I spent my summer starting an etsy shop and doing some photography, so now I want to spend more time on that. Alas, I guess we can't do it all. Hope you have a wonderful year!

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  13. This makes me wish I was back in 5th grade heading back to school; what an incredible classroom. Your student's are lucky to have such a creative and visually interesting room- cheers to the school year!!

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  14. Thank you so much guys! Becky-can't wait to see pics. Kat-that was a brave but obviously rewarding venture!. Diana-It's good to hear someone else say the same thing. If you find a way to "do it all", I'm all ears. I'm heading to check out your shop after this!

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  15. Looks amazing. What a great classroom. If you get a chance I would love you to link your classroom makeover up to More the Merrier Monday. http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/

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  17. What a beautiful class. <3! I'm sure your students love it too. I especially love the note to your class on the front of your desk. :)

    I definitely feel the same way a lot of the time. I work through the not-so-fun to be able to do the fun.

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  19. Fantastic! How did you do the large note on your desk? That might be a wonderful back-to-school gift for my daughter's teacher! Her teacher does a blog with the students (it's a 1st/2nd multi-age class so our second year having her) and it is a huge hit! They use kidblog.org and it is completely username/password protected so only the students, their parents, the teacher and the principal can get on. They give each other SO much feedback and they've really kept up with it over the summer so they've kept in touch even if they haven't seen each other. Anyways... your room is fantastic! Great job!

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  20. What creativity! You did a great job. Thanks so much for sharing:)

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  21. I would want my child in your class!! So very creative!

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  22. Amazing! You took a cold, uninviting, institutional style room and made it warm, cheerful, fun and definitely inviting. What a nurturing learning environment! Great job!

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  23. I know the feeling - I teach in the UK and I know that when we go back next week the madness will descend and I'll be so stupidly busy it hurts! Thank goodness for crafting and blogging - they keep me sane! Wishing I could do more to my classroom, I've done a few bits that I'm about to post on my blog.

    I have a class blog - some sites will let you have a 'closed' blog where only invited members can see an contribute to it. I think Wordpress does this and it's all password protected. My nine year olds loved it last year - each day someone was tasked with posting about their 'Best Things of the Day' and then others wrote more extended reports about trips etc. Not many of our parents read it, but I'm hoping that changes this year.

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  24. Thanks ladies. Im so glad you stopped by and left some love! @ Natalie- It's actually just a piece of poster board that looks like a giant piece of notebook paper.(Found at teacher supply store) I curled the corners by wrapping them around a marker for a few seconds. @ Stephanie- I'm hoping to one day be one of those people whose "work" is the "fun" too! @Claire-I'd love to see pics of your room when they're up. I'm really wanting to let the kids do blogs...I'
    m a little concerned because Missouri enacted a new law about communicating with students online. I'm hoping that student blogs will pass the test, but I guess I'll have to wait and see. It sounds like you and others have found success with them.

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  25. Wow! You've done a crazy good job. My husband is a high school teacher, and he just tapes some "art" from a calendar on the wall in his room. :) Elementary teachers have it SO much harder!

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  26. Thank for noticing Kelly!! It's definitely a lot more hours than high school. Makes me wonder sometimes why I'm not teaching freshman geometry...

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  27. Your classroom looks fantastic! As a former teacher, I know how much students appreciate a pretty, inspirational space! I can tell that a tremendous amount of work went into your space--bravo!

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  28. So cute Heather! I am en elem teacher too, but home for a few years with my little ones. It is so nice that you created a beautiful, comfortable, homey environment for your students! It makes school a nicer place to be!!!

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  29. What a creative teacher you are- and I don't think your bee hive is a flop- quite and oppisite, I love it!

    BTW, though my only child graduated high school this year (2011) I would like to thank YOU, a TEACHER, for all you do for our children.

    Humble Me,
    Suzanne in NW IL (visiting from MMS linky party)

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  30. You did an amazing job with your classroom! I teach a 4th/5th split this year. I just might grab your idea of using Scrabble tiles--love it!

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  31. This is such a great classroom makeover!! I bet your kids love it!! I featured you on my blog today! Feel free to stop by and grab a featured button!

    http://craptastickatie.blogspot.com/2011/09/five-feature-friday-7.html

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  32. Dear Heather, Come you come and teach my kids?! I love what you have done, but really love the msg on your desk!! That is what it is all about!

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  33. How about sticking a big bumble bee on the hive? I think that would help!

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  34. Amazing!! I LOVE all of it!!! It's so amazing that you were able to use chalkboard paint on your cabinets...they look phenomenal! Also...that note on your desk is perfect!

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  35. Your students are lucky to have a teacher who cares enough to put in all that effort! And glad your principal allowed you to do the makeovers.

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  36. Heather, I love it! How do you keep the fabric on your desk? I was thinking spray adhesive? I want to do the same in my classroom!

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  37. Thanks so much Amy, Kim, Christina & Suzanne. Amber, bumble bees would look cute! Let me know if you find any in blog world. Katie, thanks so much for the feature; that's awesome! @ livingsoabundanlty- wow, splits can be a challenge. You have to be SUPER teacher to do this! Kate, I actually just stapled the fabric right to the wood desk and used 3M adhesive strips at the bottom to tuck the ends in. I think adhesive spray would have worked even better though! If you decide to do it, I'd love to see pics.

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  38. Beautiful room! I absolutely love the letter posted to your 5th graders on the front of your desk!!! I teach 4th grade in Oklahoma and love putting personalized special touches on my classroom too. I chalkboard painted the insides of both of my classroom doors this summer and LOVE them! I love your idea of the USA on your cabinet doors!! Too stinkin' cute!

    I am your newest follower...

    LaKeta

    thepolkadotdesk.blogspot.com
    1luckeegirl.blogspot.com

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  40. This is fabulous. I applaud anyone who teaches, as large groups of children stress me out ;) Your students are lucky to be able to learn in such a fun, inviting space! :)

    PS -adore- the scrabble tiles. Such a cute idea :)

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  41. Wow! Your room looks amazing! I teach 4th grade, and I know how much time goes into getting your room ready. Seeing yours is very inspiring. And I can totally relate to the mixed feelings at the start of school. Have a great year!

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  42. Heather ~~
    Have a Great Year .... I know your kids will. What a wonderful job you did on the
    make-over, can tell how much you care.
    Love, Love, Love the sign and it's message.
    Also love your name I was counting on a girl
    years ago and that was the name I had my heart set on ..... I got a Heath instead !! lol
    Hugs ~ Connie xox

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  43. Thanks LaKeta-I hope you have a great school year too! Anna, many days it stresses me out! Melinda, mixed feelings is a good way to put it. I hope your year has started off well. Connie, thank you so much for the kind words. Heath's not a bad name at all!

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  44. I'm currently studying to be a secondary education teacher, but I am in love with this room! Amazing working! I love the note and name on the desk, I can't wait to put them in my classroom!

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  45. You did an amazing job! How lucky are your students! I recently did a post on how my first grade teacher made such an impact on my life when I first came to america I STILL remember her. I bet you're making the same impact on your kids. I found you thru Sunday Showcase. Great job!

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  46. Hi again! Wanted to let you know that I liked your classroom makeover so much that I featured you on my "Get Me Motivated Monday" wrapup this week!

    http://www.imbusyprocrastinating.com/2011/09/get-me-motivated-monday.html

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  47. Meg- it's a lot of work but so rewarding to be a teacher. I wish you all the best in preparing:) Thanks Patty. Teachers need to hear those kinds of stories; it helps us through hard days! Hollie. that's awesome! Thanks so much for the feature.

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  48. Heather, I love your makeover and as a first grade teacher I know how much time you spent on it. I'm lucky to have a daughter who is an artist and she's painted my room for me with trees and clouds..... People notice it right away. I'm on the shady side of the building so it helps brighten things up a bit too. But I hadn't thought of using fabric which is strange because my mom, who was a first and second grade teacher for over thirty years used a lot of fabric. she often used it on bulletin boards instead of paper.
    I noticed a comment about secondary teachers. My husband is one of them and quite a few years ago he happened to be with me on a stop at a teacher store and he bought some borders and stuff for his room. He got lots of comments about how the administration might make the rest of them do bulletin boards if he kept his up! He did, for so many years that when he took it down he was surprised at the color of the paper behind the letters. He'd forgotten what color it was! So sadly, he gave in to peer pressure and never did another one.
    I have an etsy store too but once school starts it doesn't get much attention which results in little business. I wish I had more time for it but school really does absorb pretty much all of me as it does most elementary teachers.
    Have a great school year!
    Linda

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  49. I wish I had a teacher like you when I was in school! You obviously put a love of love into your job and it looks like a wonderful learning and growing environment for your students. Good job!
    P.S. - I think the paper lanterns look great just the way they are!

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  50. Linda, that's too funny about your husband's board! I can totally see that. Don't you wish you had a "school clone" that could take care of everything, so you could do more in a day??? Michele, thanks so much for the encouragement. I'm so glad you stopped by and said "hello"!

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  51. Great classroom makeover! It seems like a very happy and fun place to learn now. Lucky kids!

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  52. You are pretty much awesome and I wish you were my kids' teacher! And the beehive is fantastic (I like the green peeking through).

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  53. I just found you through Better After and I puffy heart love your classroom! I teach 8th grade love the personality you have put into your room! Is that fabric that you covered your desk in? Swoon! I am so pinning your "letter" to your 5th graders so I can recreate it in my room!

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  54. I found you on Better After and I love that your made the class room fun for your kids.

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  55. Your classroom looks so much better "after"! Just remember to leave some "white space" for the kids to incorporate their own things when art class is over :-) Even a classroom needs "a place for the eye to rest". Have a great year. I used to be a teacher too.

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  56. Thanks to everyone who came by via Better After! I loved reading all your great comments:)

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  57. awesome, awesome job!! I want to go back to the 5th grade!

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  58. I can't think of a word that does this room justice! AMAZING just isn't good enough! I love your cute classroom and I'm sure your kids think it's the best room in the entire school. You are such a cute teacher ;) I'm a new follower!

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  59. Thanks Erin! They do enjoy the chalk doors. If I had painted the whole room in chalk paint, they probably would've thought it was the best room ever. I'm so glad you're following along:)

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  60. Thanks Stephanie! Somehow I missed your post earlier. it was a nice surprise to find it after work today:)

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  61. I love this makeover! So many wonderful ideas especially the dachshund fabric used to cover the office desk, the scrabble tiles and the blue painted cabinets with the map detail! You did a great job! Great blog, a new follower!

    Oh, by the way, I am hosting a giveaway! So, come by and enter for a chance to win a stylish designer beach umbrella (valued at $110)!

    http://www.mixandchic.com/2011/10/product-review-and-giveaway-cocopani.html

    Have a great day!

    Jessie
    www.mixandchic.com

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  62. Thanks for stopping by and following along, Jessie! Heading over to your blog.

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  63. Hi heather,
    I love how you've made the learning environment inspiring! Im a mother of 4 boys, 4 - 12, and I was wondering if you had any suggestions on making their study areas more inspiring study spaces and any good study strategies? My 5th and 6th grader dilly dally doing their homework and my 6th grader really loses focus. He's dyslexic and gives up easily. It's not a matter of capable, now I believe it's inspiration. Thanks and I love your sight!
    Kathy

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  64. Wow, Kathy. Four boys? You must be a saint! I would say to let the boys have as much say as possible about how the space is set up. I know with the age that I teach (10-11 year olds) forts or nooks are always the coveted spaces. I would make sure there's plenty of light with lamps or Christmas lights, but any space hidden away that seems "all theirs" makes it seem more exciting than the kitchen table. A comfy fluffy rug, lots of bean bags and pillows, and plenty storage for supplies would be good too. Good luck!

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  65. WOW! What an amazing classroom! I'm doing my student teaching this year, and this is great inspiration for when I finally have my own class next year!

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  66. Thanks Mandy! Congrats on almost being done. Your first year of teaching is the hardest and most exciting time. Warm wishes your way:)

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  67. This is absolutely amazing...I don't even know you and I love you for being an amazingly involved teacher! I sure hope that when the munchkins go to school, they have a teacher like you! It turned out so darling...

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  68. Aubrey, that's the nicest thing ever! Thank you so much for taking time to say "hello".

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  69. Dear Heather,

    You had me at "Dear Fifth Graders"......
    Lucky students to have you. My son fell in love with his 5th grade teacher, (he's in 8th grade now), it was the little things she did like lean down and look him in the eye when she spoke (I know this occurred as he told me her eyes were not blue, but turquoise) ~ sigh ~ You are a students (& moms) dream. Best of everything for a wonderful 2012!

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  70. Thank you so much Donna! Sometimes we teachers need to be reminded of stories like this to make the eye rolling(from 5th graders) a little more bearable:) Thanks for stopping by.

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  71. I love what you did with the room. It is so inviting! I teach high school, and wish I was allowed to paint like you have. I did use fabric on my desk though and it is amazing how it brightened it up under the florescent lights. Thanks for sharing and I'm glad I stumbled onto your blog.

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  72. @blissfulandwishful-Thanks so much! I'm pretty lucky that we're allowed to paint. Doesn't it just make you happier seeing your bright desk each day? I wish I would've done it sooner. So glad to have you following along.

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  73. I stumbled on your blog and have been spending 1 hour looking at all those wonderful post you've put up and love the one of your classroom. I work in a the office of a high school and try to jazz it up as much as I can and felt very inspired by what you did here! I also have many hats/interests and enjoyed all of your wonderful descriptions. Thanks so much for your generosity!

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  74. helene-thank you so much. what high compliments! so glad you found htings to relate to here. hope to "see" back again soon.

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  75. Your classroom makeover is amazing--I love it! The fabrics are perfect. {I'm actually going to do my son's "big boy room" in navy, green and white--my faves!} As a former elementary school teacher for 10 years, I know how much time and effort went into this room. I'm so jealous you got to paint...and with chalkboard paint, no less! {For those who can't paint, chalkboard Contact paper might be a good option for covering cabinets, doors, desk fronts, bulletin boards, storage boxes, etc. I've also used it to make cool labels with my scrapbook punches.} I was a Special Ed. teacher and then a Title 1 Reading Specialist, so I always shared my classroom with 4-6 assistants and a *ton* of materials, so it was hard to achieve the "clean and bright" vibe I was going for. Your room is so bright and cheery and your respect and care for your environment and students shines through. Keep the photos coming! :) {P.S.--Don't you wish you could make a living just decorating and organizing teachers' rooms for them? That would be a dream job!}

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  76. Thanks Lisa! I JUST saw pics of chalk board contact paper. Brilliant! I have several friends who work in Title 1 schools, some as literacy coaches and others as Reading Recovery teachers. I know exactly what you mean by having to share a classroom. Oh and yes, that would be a dream job!!!

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  77. That letter to your students made my heart happy. Thank you!

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  78. Ηeather it's my first visit here and I must say I'm impressed! The classroom transformation awesome! I'd like to be back at school now! lol! Your home is so lovely! So taken care of! And the dipped planters are an excellent idea! Really glad I found you! I'll be following you via Bloglovin;!
    Love, Olga

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  79. Saw your classroom makeover at Olga's - you did an amazing job. I also took the house tour - your home is beautiful, with such great style.
    I'm going to follow by e-mail.
    Thanks for the inspiration Fiona

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  80. Heather,

    I just discovered your blog through foodgawker and ended up touring your home and classroom..
    Incredibly beautiful, thoughtful and inspiring. I just had to tell you how touched I was by the little note that you had on the front of your desk to your students. What an incredible reminder of things that we rarely hear from someone outloud. Bravo to you for nurturing such a loving environment for your students. It brought me to tears...

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  81. Raquel, thank you so much for taking the time to write. I really appreciate hearing that. Some days that sign was just as much a reminder for me to remain calm and show patience as it was encouragement for the kids!

    All the best, and welcome to the "Cupboard".

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  82. Heather,
    Your letter to the students (the whole room, really, but that specifically) gives me such great hope that there are still teachers who truly desire to see the kids succeed! Thank you!
    I am wondering where you found the blue stripe & green chevron fabric?
    Thanks,
    Amy
    amybalas @ gmail dot com

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  83. You are amazing! I can't wait to see what you do in you new English class.

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  84. Heather - You Rock!!! I love teachers who care about the students for real!!!!

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  85. I just came across your blog and absolutely love all of your great ideas! However, I must say that the one thing I love the most is the letter to the students on the front of your desk. How lovely!! That should be posted in every classroom! Thank you for sharing your talents!

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    Replies

    1. Thank you so much:) Glad you stopped by to say "hello"
      -H

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  86. I realize I'm WAY late to this post, but I just want to thank you for sharing.

    You're not alone in wanting to let go of some things, and to do more of others, but knowing you can't (at least right now).

    I'm so inspired to see you making your creative dreams a reality, though. And hope to do the same!

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