Classroom Decorating (Planning)

I can't get into my classroom yet (likely first day is around August 16 since teachers don't report until the 27th--kiddos in Michigan don't start school until after Labor Day, except in certain cases), but I am certainly THINKING about my classroom set up.

In 2010-2011, I was in the same classroom I will be in this coming year (click here for pictures of that room). There are only 3 bulletin boards in the class and one is next to the ELMO which makes it best for behavior boards and/or other things the students don't have to interact with a ton since they don't go over there much. I've been pinning and blog stalking lately and have found many creative ideas that I may well steal to help make my room more student friendly. I am not going with any specific "theme" this year but I am thinking hard about how I want my students to be able to interact with our room. 

At this point I think I am going to buy some black fabric (most likely sheets) to make my own bulletin boards along the back and side walls. 

This wall where the computers are will be PERFECT for tacking up a large piece of fabric and adding some borders to separate it into different sections. I think I will put my BOGGLE board back here.

The far right wall is also a great place for adding a board. It stinks that my phone is smack dab in the middle of the space! BUT I am thinking this would be a great spot to add fabric/border and either showcase student work or add our anchor charts. 

This window area would also make a great display area as well and it is already separated into different sections so that would make it easier to put different things up there.

I have also found a great idea for my word wall. While they are traditionally not as interactive in the upper grades, I want mine to be, especially since I am teaching a split grade this year. I really like this idea from Jess at Rambling about Reading. She used black paper and then added velcro so her students can remove and reattach words as needed. LOVE!

Again, I have awhile before I am able to get into my classroom and start working but I am excited about it. My work on National Board and my self-learning for math this summer has really invigorated me and I am ready to jump in and make some major changes in my teaching and classroom set up. 

Once I am allowed in, expect posts with lots of pictures!