what i've been up to...

I've been neglecting my blog...I know...but I have a good reason!  I've been working in my classroom lots this summer; organizing, sorting, going through files (embarrassingly enough...even from college).  I had LOTS to go through!  Well, here's a sneak peak of what I've been working on (I won't show you my files, although I did downsize from 6 boxes to 4 file boxes!)

I found an easy way to peel crayons...(I may be behind the times, some genius has already thought of this I'm sure)...take an exacto knife and cut the paper down the middle.  Then all you have to do is peel it off like a wrapper!  Took me no time at all!

This area will soon be filled with children's ART!

I got more drawing men!  If you're wondering, they're cheapest at Hobby Lobby ($5) and with a 40% coupon, it's cheaper (compared to other stores at $15!)

These glass jars are eagerly awaiting colored water...

I ♥ the writing center, and especially the REAL artwork my friend Allison Fees made for my classroom last year.  Can't get enough REAL artwork in the classroom for those children!

More REAL art from my Grandmother who was a beautiful potter.  This shelf is in all the classrooms and I decided it was far enough away from little hands to display some of my Grandma's pieces.  It's also near the studio where we'll be doing clay sculptures.

Here's a glimpse of the studio...and a start of my artist collection.

The mason jars are waiting to be filled with a beautiful array of mixed, colored paint!  On the shelves, I used colored masking tape to indicate where the colors will go.  Then I put contact paper over the tape to secure it (at least for a little while).

I found these 2 bins at IKEA in the clearance section...$3.95 each!  They were mine!  We bought casters for the bottoms so they could easily be accessible under the computer desk.  Ready for Portfolios!

And finally, a little space of my own...I love this picture of Andrew & I from our wedding, and the space would not be complete without my two friends "Elephant & Piggie" from my friend Rachel!  Thanks Rachel!  They will be well-loved!

So there's a sneak peak...hope you enjoyed seeing the fruits of my labor!