As you know, I decided to completely redecorate my classroom this year. Just like my old classroom, this year’s decor is the result of a partnership between myself and Melanie from Schoolgirl Style. I spent the month of August working in my classroom, making decisions about all of the big elements that catch the eye when you first walk in. My first day of school was September 1 and I’ve been working on the details here and there as often as I can. You know as well as I do how crazy and completely exhausting it can be to head back to school. In between teaching my students, juggling paperwork and trying to be the best teacher I can for my new class; I have been slowly working to complete some detail projects for the classroom whenever I have some time to spare.
Each time I share anything on Facebook or Instagram, someone always asks when my classroom will finally be ready to share. The answer is always the same: soon. Believe it or not, the waiting is probably killing you more than it’s killing me. Just when I’m ready to throw in the towel and say, “Enough already! I’m taking these photos today!” I am inspired to complete one more detail to give my classroom a little extra pop. Then, I run out of time for photos. Believe me, it will be worth the wait. I want to leap for joy every time I tackle a fresh project and I know you swoon when you see it too.
But before you do see my new classroom, there’s something you need to know.
I have a small class this year.
Like… really small.
Seven students to be exact.
I know it’s crazy and I’m pretty sure it’s just a one-time thing. My school offers both half day kindergarten and a typical full-day kindergarten program. Parents can choose which program best meets the needs of their child (as well as their own schedules.) As you can imagine, most parents choose to enroll their students in full-day kindergarten, but there is always an interest in half day. This year the interest was particularly small and I find myself teaching 7 students each morning. I feel more like Mary Poppins than a regular kindergarten teacher, but I love every single moment of it. I have an opportunity to really get to know this group of students and shape my instruction to meet their needs in a whole new way.
I am counting this year as a monumental blessing for my mental health. Last year was all-consuming for me. I worked full time at school, managed Kinder Craze, launched my lifestyle blog, planned a wedding that was filled with personal details, and moved into a new home with my husband. To say that I was stressed out and exhausted is an understatement. It was a glorious year, but it wore me down and I spent my summer trying to recuperate from all of it.
You’re probably wondering what this has to do with my classroom and why I feel compelled to share this information with you today.
The answer is simple. With only 7 students, I also only have 7 desks in my classroom. As a result, the space looks huge. It’s not. It’s a regular classroom with some extra floor space because it isn’t overcrowded with desks. I want you to be prepared ahead of time so you don’t think my classroom is unusually gigantic. I’ll be the first to admit that I am blessed in many ways, but the size of my classroom is not out of the ordinary.
I know it seems like I’m taking forever, but the classroom is approaching completion. I rented a special lens for my camera just for my classroom reveal and I have to return it this week. So the classroom reveal is definitely coming soon. In the meantime, thank you so much for your enthusiasm and patience. It means the world to me.
In the meantime, I’m going back to work so I can finish these lovely details!
The post Before You See My Classroom, There’s Something You Should Know appeared first on Kinder Craze.