The first step: Admitting you have a problem
This new year I am determined to keep my resolution. I resolve to organize my cluttered classroom and maintain a clean, orderly and student-friendly learning environment. But I need help, so I joined the Clutter-Free Classroom Challenge.
If you knew me, and I am praying that no one who knows me ever reads this blog, you would recognize the overwhelming task I have resolved to accomplish. I work in piles. I am creative and constantly beginning new projects. I never teach a lesson the same way twice. My teaching craft and my classroom are constantly "under-construction." Right now my classroom should have orange cones and require a hard-hat to enter.
My cluttered classroom photos:
Teacher's desk
Behind the teacher's desk
Bookshelf next to my teacher's desk
Back Counter
More of the back counter
Whiteboard
Yes, this is a new carpet I received in the fall for my classroom and I have yet to take it out of the package!
Shelves in closet area
Classroom library
More storage in the closet
Storage cabinet 1
Storage cabinet 2
Reading table
View of student desks from classroom door
View of carpet and reading table from classroom door
Even after viewing the posted photos of other cluttered classrooms, I am embarrassed to post these photos of my classroom. (Perhaps that is why I didn't post my photos until Week 3.)
My half-done projects and cluttered classroom keep me at school after hours and on weekends. I long to have a neat, tidy and organized classroom. Help me Clutter-Free Classroom!
Half-finished projects are the mark of true creative genius :)
ReplyDeleteI know that one of the main reasons your room looks the way it does is because you are more concerned with your students' progress than with the appearance of your organizational system. I know how it feels to be frazzled and disorganized, though, and it only adds extra stress that we definitely don't need. :-/ I'm not sure how you have time to take on one more thing in the middle of the year, but I applaud you for doing what you can. And I'm sure I'll learn some great new tips from you as you go through this journey!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Melanie! I need all the encouragement I can get right now. This project is very overwhelming, but I need to stop spending so much time at school and start to put my family first. Feel free to poke your head in my classroom to keep me accountable.
DeleteHey a messy classroom doesn't say anything about the effectiveness of a teacher :) Obviously you are more concerned about reaching your kiddos than keeping your room organized. I say there is nothing wrong with that :) Good luck in your adventures. I will be travelling along the journey with you!!
ReplyDeleteAshley
Primary Teacherhood