For first couple of weeks, I spent quite a bit of time simply painting. I found some economical paint for these shelves at the local Habitat for Humanity Restore...
The old blackboards were removed.
The school district was able to get the closet/garage door removed! Ahh so much space!
Then I removed shelving and then spent hours upon hours removing the archaic hardware.
DIY was the only way to go!
Craigslist and the Restore became a huge part of my summer and it was a fun challenge.
Math Quiz: The previous hooks had been 6 inches apart. That meant that every time a kindergartner got near a backpack or coat, something would fall off. I calculated that they would need a minimum of 8 1/2 inches time the amount of kindergartners per class....equals a new set of shelves so everyone would have a place.
I used these existing shelves and added a backing for backpack and coathooks.
More painting and constructing.
This classroom needed some color and life!
Enter green paint with purple trim!
The entryway had been dismal and institutional looking,
so I painted and added items not traditionally found in a school setting.
As people enter, I want them to feel invited.
Walking sticks are the easiest of class pets,
and they eat the invasive ivy that we find at the school's nature trail.
The next phase was the beginning of organization,
so that materials were organized to be accessible.
Art storage in progress...
There is too much plastic in early childhood centers, so I used baskets wherever I could.
Setting the stage for reading, music, and inquiry...
