Tell All Tuesday: My Dream Classroom!

Once again, I am linking up with Diana from My Day in K and Jayme from Teach.Talk.Inspire for ....

This week is all about .....

This was a tough one to decipher, narrow down, and actually figure out because I'm no longer decorating for a 3rd grade classroom but rather an 8th grade classroom now.  I really have no idea what my dream classroom would look like, but I have a select list of ideas that I would like in a classroom.  Ironically, as I was looking for a picture to explain my dream library, I realized that most people would just tell me to be a Media Specialist, but I really don't think that's the route I want to go.  I like teaching reading and of course teaching writing too.  I want a classroom library that mirrors a beautiful school or community even college library! [Of course I couldn't find a picture I wanted to use that I also thought was "okay" to use without being penalized for breaking some kind of term of use.] I love the space and the ability to just get lost in books! It reminds me of Belle from Beauty and the Beast. :)  And because writing stems from reading and we use books as mentor texts, I wouldn't mind writing in a library or working at a craft table-library desk and writing with a stack of books and Starbucks in hand!

So without further ado, here are some ideas that would be beautiful if I:
a) had the room
b) had the time
c) had the money ;)

{Click the pictures to be taken to the exact link of where I found it.}

1. Wall Space

I really like this idea from The Pinspired Teacher the black background with the various color borders.  It sets each area of space apart from the others.  The colors are friendly, and it is a great area of the wall/room.  All charts that can be posted in the colors are at eye level for students.  

2. Bunting and Pom Poms !!

I love *love* love bunting [and of course wash tape too ;)] - especially this bunting display from Peace, Love, 2 Sisters. I really like having bunting and pom poms in the classroom.  It livens up the room and makes it an inviting place for students.  No matter what the age of the classroom students.

3. Classroom Library - Book Display

I think a "flashy" classroom library will go a long way with middle school students.  There are more novels and books that appeal to them because they have been turned into films or vice versa.  I don't think this would've worked so well with younger students; it doesn't seem as applicable to them.  Middle school students are usually at the movies or watching a movie, no?

from Shelf Mouse

from Marci Combs

from A Burst of First

^^^ by far, what I would LOVE for my library to look like. Since I'm moving to middle school, I think having the books displayed .. not in bins .. would appeal more to middle school students who-will-eventually-be-freshman-come-June, so book bins seem ... elementary??  And the "IMAGINE" sign .. Imagine all the possibilities. :)

4. Technology in the Classroom

Seriously! How stinkin'  A W E S O M E  is this ??!!!! 

I love this Starbucks-meets-Apple-in-the-classroom kinda feel, don't you? :) 

I think my kids wouldn't mind writing research/information papers. ;)

from Welcome to Macara's Blog

5. Classroom Library - Reading Space

I really like the openness, the space, the two chairs and little "ottoman" in the center of the reading area in Reagan Tunstall's classroom.  It makes me think of a coffeehouse. :)

from A Burst of First

HECK YES !
I would totally put these in my classroom -
and I would want more than one. ;)

6. Classroom Desks

I really enjoy the circular tables.  I feel like it gives the vibe to students in the group that all are welcome.  There are no sharp edges or corners that separate one side of the table from another.  It may not be idea for books and such, but the rounded edges would allow me to maneuver between all students.  And groups of 3 are perfect.  After group tasks in mathematics with my 3rd graders last year, I learned within a few weeks that the smaller the groups, the better. 

from Middle School Teacher to Literacy Coach

Well, I hope you enjoyed my imaginary classroom?  Needs to be the size of a house, right? :)

What would your dream classroom look like and include?