Books, Batman, and Bane

For this post, I've linked up with Amanda at One Extra Degree

So, I spent my first afternoon of many in my classroom yesterday.  I've been in and out all summer, but usually with my 17 month-old son (who gets into EVERYTHING, that's why there is a beachball on the floor) or meeting with the new teacher I'm mentoring.  Yesterday was the first I could really dig in and try to get some order back in the place.  At the end of last year, I had a SMARTboard installed which is awesome!  But, I never really got my room the way I wanted it.  So, now my goal is to make all of my things work around the SMARTboard.  Here's what I walked into...ugh, cue shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and flat-out anxiety attack:

I walked in there with a to-do list, but of course got side-tracked.  I was putting supplies away when I finally admitted that my closet was an absolute mess.  So I completely re-organized it and now I am in LOVE with that closet.  Since I didn't plan on doing it, I don't have any before/after shots.  Blast!

But, I did get my classroom library back in order. 
Here's the before, notice the shelves are still covered from when I packed the room up in June:

Here are some after shots:

Classroom Library

Classroom Library



Leveled Book Baskets



Tomie dePaola and Eric Carle baskets

I organize my library with tags I've made in a pink/green theme.  These tags probably have about one good year left in them and then next year I'll be doing something new.  The books are sorted either by level (if they are the type of book that are easily leveled, ex: Magic Tree House, Rookie Readers), by the month that I use them, or by subject area. 

Onto Batman and Bane.  So, my husband and I saw Batman Friday night and I left there completely obsessed with Bane's voice.  Has anyone else been intrigued?  The jury is still out on whether I like it or not.  I did my best Bane impression the whole way home and ended up sounding like Ross from "Friends" saying, "I'm the holiday armadillo!"  My husband then informed me that I sound like Ross every time I do an impression.  

If you haven't yet downloaded my freebie high-frequency word packet, check it out in my TPT store.  I've also added a few new products that will be really helpful in starting the school year off on the right foot.  I have newly added everything you'll need to create a class directory, so helpful for parents.  And the best news is, it's only $1.00!!!
Click here to visit my store!
Keep sparkling!
(Speaking of sparkling, check out this super sparkly, super pink tree I got at Michael's for $1.80. I heart it.