For a lot of people, the end-of-the-year at school is a whirlwind of things to get done. I find that this is when I actually have the most downtime. Besides the usual data needs like grading writing prompts, administering DRA’s, finishing math performance tasks, and completing all the standardized testing, our schedule is pretty empty when this is completed. Many of the things that I plan for the kids are projects or independently completed, and I find that I have some free time to take care of my own things for next year.

Something I am over the moon about are my new TABLES! I am still waiting for one to come in. I hate the Solo cup look that is currently going on, but I don’t want to use my new bins and boxes until my new kiddos next year. It still looks okay though and is organized! My current students told me they will be my guinea pigs and help me see what does and doesn’t work for next year… they are the best! I’ll have some posts in the upcoming year about my tips and tricks for tables… I am still learning right now! I currently love it way more than desks, especially the open space that is going on. Hehe…. look at the posters over the air vent. Obviously not for decorating purpose, it was freezing in my classroom that day so I tried to block the cold air with posters. #teacherproblems

 You can see in the picture at the top of the post and this one that I am cutting out and creating labels and schedule cards for next year! I have had a jungle theme for the past few years, and I need a change next year. Same classroom, same grade…. I need to switch things up. Sadly my team is going to be very different next year, which I am not too happy about. I put the schedule cards up on TPT if you are interested in them, I cannot stop staring at them. THEY ARE SO CUTE! Look at the little girl in the math problem, so adorbs. I know my classroom decor will make me happier next year with all the the team changes taking place.

I will be using the labels on the top on big baskets I purchased at the Dollar Tree last week. After I cut everything, I will laminate, then recut, then apply magnets to my materials. Finally I stick them in a file folder until next year. There is nothing better than coming back from summer with my decorating materials set and ready to go. It means less time organizing my classroom and more time being at the pool before school starts! I know it seems repetitive to cut and THEN laminate and THEN cut again, but I like to have every little edge sealed. I really think it works better, which ultimately saves me time not having to redo the silly things 🙂