New Classroom..New Look!

When I first began my teaching career last year, I was left with quite a mess from the previous teacher that once was there. I spent the entire summer cleaning, organizing, sorting through what I truly needed to hold onto and what could be tossed! I spent a lot of time in that room and gave it 110% of true TLC. However, things change..I once taught 4th grade, I will be teaching 5th grade this school year.
With teaching a new grade level, I needed to move my classroom down the hallway. After one year of teaching I knew it wouldn't be TOO bad moving. I haven't had the time to accumulate this and that as some of my colleagues have. The room that I needed to move into however was once a 40 year old veteran's work place! I didn't know what to expect when I walked into my "new" room. How much would she take with her? Leave behind? Needless to say...a lot was left behind. Enough said.

I sadly must have erased my true "before" picture on my Iphone. :( Majorly bummed. However, you can imagine the clutter.
Here is a picture of one of the first piles of books I decided to donate to our book swap room:

Hundreds and hundreds of books. Some of you may think I'm crazy. However, I like having new fresh books in my classroom. Kids are engaged and excited to read when a book is in good condition. I did keep many books to add to my own collection though which I am very grateful for. These books will be put in our book swap room where students can go and bring a book and take a book. It's a great program.

Here are a few more pictures after we (my mother and sister) did MUCH cleaning:

Since these photos were taken we have done even MORE organizing and cleaning. My mother and I painted and sponged two book shelves that were in my room. To put it nicely they originally looked AWFUL. They were very old and needed some TLC. Here they are now:

Last but not least, I created my book basket labels for all 53 baskets (and I think I need more?)
Here they are! 

 How cute is Old Yeller? :)
 
So, there you have it. I will be taking more pictures soon of the progress. I cannot wait to decorate some more and continue to brighten up this room!
TTFN
-Larissa