Smart Summer Office Makeover!

I spent many years as a teacher working at home at night in what you might say "unprofessional" work spaces.  Correcting papers on the floor in front of the TV, rocking a little one and working in the rocker, at the kitchen table as the kiddos complete their homework.

Ten years ago (Wow! I can't believe it has been that long!) we moved into a larger four bedroom colonial house that had a front office room.  We had spent weeks stripping wallpaper off the walls of many of the other rooms and decided to just leave the office as it was-- like this!

The wallpaper looked very studious so we just left it for then.  I always was going to "get around" to changing it . . . but . . .

This summer was the time to complete the office make-over!  It is the first room visitors see when they enter our home and it was becoming an ugly eyesore of my stacks of books!

I have numerous summer projects for school this year so I needed to get my office completed within the first two weeks of my vacation so I could spend the rest of the summer working in a wonderful new space!

My daughter and I spent three days stripping wallpaper and washing walls!  I am proud to say we now have NO wallpaper left in our home!!!!

The walls were primed

and painted--Behr "Ocean Kiss."

 My grandfather's library table--my desk was moved back in!

 Earlier this spring I had purchased a Target chair to use as my chair after the make-over!

Our computer desk was moved into the corner.  A great place for the kiddos to work on homework.

I have vowed to keep this space neat, tidy and clean! 

My bookshelf was cleaned and downsized!

This week I spent adding a few more details to make my office a little more cozy.  

 A clearance find at Hobby Lobby for an office treat of chocolate almonds!

 See Jane Work office supplies!

Today I made three valances from one Target curtain panel, some foam board, and duct tape!

So confident I will get much accomplished this summer in this beautiful new space!

What smart new space can you create this summer!

Happy Creating!

Amy

Smart Classroom Beach Party

As the year comes to a close, it gets more difficult to gain the students' attention.  Last week I decided to have a Math Beach Party.  When the students were outside at recess I readied the room by putting down the beach towels.

On each beach towel I put a beach themed math center. 

My third graders had just been learning about decimals, so their math centers were from my Beach Party Decimal Pack at TpT.

My fourth graders had fun practicing their Roman Numerals with this freebie from TpT

This was our best day ever in Math Class!  Quiet . . . Focused . . .  and FUN!

Life is better at the Beach!

Amy