Most of you have joined my “cute classroom revolution,” and are thinking about your classrooms differently.
By now, you probably already know that I believe that your classroom should celebrate children and reflect your passion for teaching. I really could go on and on about the importance of an aesthetically pleasing environment.
But, did you know that you are also being evaluated on how your classroom looks? Teacher evaluations are changing and there is now a bigger emphasis on classroom aesthetics.
This evening, my best friend emailed me and shared the comments that her principal had made on her final evaluation regarding her classroom.
In the area of “Aesthetics and Organization,” Heidi was rated an “exceptional!” Her principal wrote that Heidi’s room is one of her favorites to visit because it is so cheery, welcoming, and organized.
If you remember, Heidi used my black and white polka dot tags and created an adorable ladybug theme!
Here is the link to see her room…
http://www.schoolgirlstyle.com/2011/09/cute-classroom-inspiration-heidi-hawley-grand-blanc-mi/
So, for those of you that were skeptical, it DOES matter how your classroom looks!
All the more reason to get some “Schoolgirl Style” in your life!
~Happy Decorating!~
Melanie
Just a quick comment…I teach high school where teachers think the kids don’t care. I always have kids tell me how they love my bright colors and organized room. I try to beat my own cuteness every year…with your inspiration I’ve been planning my cuteness for next year already. A few weeks ago we were scheduled to be in the computer lab and one of my students said he didn’t want to go to the lab. I asked him if he didn’t like what we did in the lab. He said that he liked what we did in the lab, he just wanted to be in our room because it was like home. 🙂
Susan, I agree! I teach high school as well and some of the classrooms are just plain boring (not to mention filthy and unorganized). It’s such a compliment when students feel at home in your classroom. I wish there were more design ideas for high school although I think some of these themes work well at any level. My themes are usually based around school colors, favorite books, colleges, and teen favorites like face book. I would love to hear what other high school teachers do!
I cannot wait to decorate my first grade classroom next year! I will be using your bird theme after all. I have been debating whether I want to use the owl theme or the bird them for so many weeks. Very excited and grateful for your creativity! :0)
Melanie, yes you are so right and it is time that I join your revolution. I have been teaching for 18 yrs. and I have always had a nice classroom, but organization has not been my strength. This next school year I will be teaching in a new classroom and in a new grade level. What better time to join the cute classroom revolution! Besides, our campus is trying something new next year. Each classroom will adopt a top 100 university in order to promote college readiness. My classroom will adopt the University of Michigan and I am so excited to start decorating my room with their gold and blue school colors. I have some ideas already and will start planning my room this summer. I am curious, do you have any ideas for our classroom? Thanks for keeping us inspired.
Susan! I went to the University of Michigan! Go Blue! I would love to come up with something for you! I am crazy with our end-of-the-year assessments and activities, but I would be happy to create something for you over the summer. If you email me back in a month or two, I can do a custom package for you! This would be super fun!
Yay!! I would love that! I have already contacted the Alumni Assoc. and they are donating some items for my students. I am so excited I created a board on Pinterest with some great things to use and purchase. I will definitely contact you soon. Have a great end of year and I look forward to that custom package. Go Blue!
I am also a Michigan alumna. Did you end up coming up with a custom package that I could also purchase?
It’s so true! It means a lot to the kids, their parents, and me! I feel like a better teacher when my classroom looks clean, organized and welcoming. Thanks for your inspiration, Melanie! (Still trying to decide which of your themes I’m going to go for this summer!)
Im thinking about purchasing your owl theme for my classroom next year! I wanted to see if you plan on having other themes out over the summer? If so what they will be? I LOVE YOUR SHOP!!! Thank you for sharing all of your amazing talent!
*By the way your correct on the fact that your room is being evaluated, my AP tells me all the time how much she loves my cheerful bright room! (Just wait till I schoolgirl style it next year!)
Wow!! I always admire teachers like you!! I don’t consider myself to be very creative…. maybe its the math in me 🙂 You have inspired me! I love classrooms that have this feel and will work to create an exciting space for me and my students this coming year. Maybe this will spill into my home also !! LOVE IT! I love a lot of your themes (rock star and garden)! I teach 6th grade math, so I want it to appeal to the older students and link the theme to our standards. Keep up the great work and thank you!
I just found your site and love it! Im thinking of doing a jungle theme this year for my firsties. In the past I’ve had a sailboat, a pirate ship(10ft) and nets hanging from my ceiling.