Evolution of a Classroom

 Over the summer, I moved rooms at my school--a good thing, because my previous room was being reserved for a new Art teacher, meaning I would not have to teach Art anymore. At first, I wasn't excited to get one of the portables, but as I shuffled all of my stuff around in the space, I realized it actually worked really, really well. I had made the decision to get rid of most tables, and keep my teaching space open and flexible.

But first, there was a mess to sort out.

Walking into the room to be greeted by chaos.

My media table was piled with stuff.

I started piling all the furniture and other clutter I 
no longer wanted/needed in one part of the classroom.
I also had to pack up the Design materials that would be 
moving.

I made a commitment to spend most Mondays of my summer vacation working in the room. I started by shuffling things around, kind of like the world's biggest game of moving-box Tetris. Before long, things started to take shape.

I kept two tables under the back window 
for "Inquiry Corner." 

I kept a few more tables for storing my 
brand-new Orff instruments (still in boxes 
at this point), and for "Reflection Island."

Unpacking my huge collection of books
was almost half the battle!!

I have to have a clean, functional desk area,
and it took ages to sort all this stuff out.

I waited to unpack my beautiful new
instruments, to keep them safe and
dust-free.

Slowly, I started adding the decorative
touches.

That blank space was reserved for my
Chromebook cart.

The hardest part was waiting 'til August for the custodial staff to be back and able to move the massive stack of boxes and furniture that would be leaving my room. It was previously the Design classroom, so there were boxes of materials for that, books, and other large items.

At least I was able to start decorating.

Then my new rug arrived, happy days.

One of the last things I did was un-box all the new Orff instruments. They're absolutely gorgeous! The kids have been enjoying them.

I put an Inquiry Corner sign up, and the IB
Learner Profile Traits.

My work area came together more and more.

I set up "Reflection Island" for those times that
students need to be away from others.

Borders make everything look better.

I added twinkle lights in strategic places. 

This is the view from my desk. Two para-educators have their
desks in that back corner.

By the time school started, the Music room was ready to go--inviting, cheerful, and organized. I'm very happy with how it looks, and how the space is working for my classes. The kids can sit on stools or on the floor, and in my middle school classes, they can choose the tables, as well. My 7th graders (last period of the day) are good at making sure stools get stacked nicely so that our custodian can come in and vacuum quickly. Despite having fewer windows, I'm finding that there's still enough natural light, and that I can open the window on the far side of the room (opposite the door) and get a lovely cross-breeze when it's not hot enough for the A/C. 

Now, my room is an inviting, open space, ready
for music and movement!