Actually, for all intents and purposes - I had a really great week. My elective kids seem to be good kids, enjoying my wacky ways of doing things and being able to roll with the punches. It's nice to have kids repeat back my super chipper "Good Mooorning!" at the door. Last year, they sneered at me as they dragged themselves into my room. Not a good way to start off your day.
Too bad I only had one problem boy this afternoon. He told me that learning about the Olympics in the computer class was "Stupid and he knows everything about computers anyway" and then stomped from the room as I explained that I didn't really think he knew everything and it was only the first week of school... Oh well. Tough cookies for him. He can transfer out or whatever. Don't care. He's not ruining my happiness of the computer lab and wonderful students.
On to my classroom! Remember back in June - this is what my room looked like:
I'm proud to present my room as it stands now! I know that it's not super fancy like many a elementary room, but the computers take up most of the space. Plus, I need open project space for photography, video shots, etc.
My teaching station. Every period, I display the date and our Daily Objective that they copy down into their Reminder Binder. I always thank them for being here!
My All About Me board - Yes, kids your teacher has a life outside of school! I'll fill it up with more things as the year progresses!
My all black background with fun borders to make it pop!
Classroom Computer Lab Guidelines... I'm going to add more computer info graphics to this board when I find them. Surprisingly, there's not a whole lot of computer poster stuff at Lakeshore. Also, not a lot of computer graphics online either.
The wall behind the paper was so torn up and ugly. Had to cover it up!
One section of blue to contrast against the black. Really makes it POP! This is where all the school announcement stuff will go.
And finally... this is stupid, but I'm so proud of my ugly switch solution. I bemoaned a while back about the paper and having the cut around the outlets. I put up my paper and cut out the holes for the outlets, not worrying too much about cutting them close, but keeping clean edges. Then I bought the cheap borderette at Lakeshore and cut that to match the edges. It almost looks like it's peeling up the sides and I like the change in texture. Yes, this is dorky, but I liked how it came out!
Looks great! I really like that you covered the mauve wall with black paper. It definitely updated and streamlined the room! Great job!
ReplyDeleteWow, you've really done some transformations! Looks awesome :) The ugly switch solution is the best! hahaha Way to think outside the box! Happy School Year!!
ReplyDeleteJess
What a change from before! I have my students copy my objectives too. I find it helps so much with focus AND with academic vocabulary!
ReplyDelete♥Kristin
http://thatteachingblog.wordpress.com
Your room turned out great, thanks for hosting the linkup party and I wish you an amazing school year! I love how the black accents tie your room together :) (I'm your newest follower too)
ReplyDeleteAntonia @ forkin4th
Lauren, I love your room. I teach middle school within a secondary school and my room looks weird compared to most of the other classrooms in the school. When I look at the elementary school classrooms on the net I feel like my room is so inadequate and it is hard when I only see my kids twice a week. But I found you through confessions of a teaching junkie and I can relate to so much of what you are writing about! :D I want to follow you using my blogger but can't find the follow button. Can you help me out please?! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteM
agreattitle.blogspot.com
Don't worry Lauren, I found it! I'm such an airhead! I'm your newest follower. :) M
ReplyDeleteHey Lauren -
ReplyDeleteI'm a Computer Electives teacher too! Tuesday starts my second year, which is crazy! I can't believe I've made it this far!
Anyway - I searched your Teacher's Notebook and TpT site for a copy of your Computer Lab Expectations, but you don't offer them? I cannot find a set of expectations that I like - but I thought perhaps yours would be closer to what I needed because we teach similar classes.
Would you be willing to share? Or did you happen across another website that you used?
Thanks!
Another new follower! Autumn
Hi Autumn -
DeleteI have a few things that I've made for my computer lab that I didn't even think about sharing on TN/TPT. I'll polish them up and have them online in a few days! And I'm so happy to find another computer elective teacher - I was feeling pretty lonely! :)
Lauren