Monday Made It!

WOW, I just realized how long it's been since I've posted. But once you read on, you'll see why. I've been really busy making different things for my classroom.  Believe it or not, it's getting closer to completion. (It may not look like it when you walk in, but it's waaaayyyy better than it was 2 weeks ago!) So I'm linking up with Tara at 4th Grade Frolics for her Monday Made It linky.  (My first!)

 A lot of these are Pinterest-inspired! I found this last year and immediately made it for my 3rd grade classroom. In 3rd grade they are given planners for the first time and I wanted my kiddos to be super organized. I'm not sure how organized they were, BUT the board turned out cute. AND I brought it on over to 5th!

The next thing I just HAD to do was the Teacher Toolbox that is all around Pinterest. I am actually going to give my kids access to this so they don't grab things off my desk. I'm pretty partial to sharp pencils and specific pens, and rather than them constantly asking for rubber bands and paper clips, they can go here. The toolbox was already gray, and since blue/white/gray are our school colors, I decided to paint the chevron stripes white and then add some blue! I really like how it turned out.

I also just HAD to make a Homeworkopoly Board. What better motivation to turn your work in? And basically I'm rewarding those kids that always do their work! Sometimes I feel like we forget the kids that do what they're supposed to do all of the time.  I used pictures and places from around our hometown, and was pleasantly pleased with the final product.

Finally, for now anyways, I wanted a new alphabet. I'm pretty sure that by the time kids hit 5th grade they know their letters, but I still wanted something. And then I came across this website while blog browsing and found this: Crayons to College. I absolutely LOVED this idea and wanted to incorporate it in my own classroom. Basically, it's an alphabet focusing on different characteristics kids need to work on as they grow from crayons to college. She was gracious enough to offer it as a freebie and I made my own sport-themed alphabet. All of the letters are made out of various sport-themed paper. I apologize for the glare from the lamination and lighting. When school starts we'll discuss each characteristic and brainstorm ways that we can be better leaders, work on attitude, or become more organized. This is probably my most favorite thing in the room! (so far)

Whew! I feel like I've gotten some things accomplished. I also wrapped (with the help of my Mom) my teacher desk with blue/white chevron. I'm just debating if I should add to it or not. I am so mad I didn't take a before and after picture, but hopefully when I post my final classroom pics, you'll be able to appreciate the change. 

On my list for this week is to paint a bookshelf, finish some bulletin boards, and create a backdrop for my prayer corner in my room. I'd also LOVE to find a teacher's podium. I'm doing some looking and pricing for having one built! Lots to do in the few weeks we have left, but I love working under pressure. :)

Have a wonderful, and productive, week!
Megan