This summer I was fortunate enough to be hired a month and a half prior to staff development week. The month of July began with daily cheer practice. Every morning I would commute 45 minutes to school, went to cheer practice and right after I would carry shelves, books, etc into my new classroom. It was a joyful transition, but it was also exhausting. In addition to being in a new district I was also moving to a new city and renting the cutest little cottage on a farm. All these transitions did overwhelm me in the moment, but I had complete peace knowing, this is exactly where I was supposed to be. I was going to be doing what I love and have been equipped to do it.
On June 28, 2019 after being offered 7th grade ELAR position I was taken to my classroom. I looked around took a deep breath and turned Mrs. Grijalva and said, this is mine, it's perfect.
Snap, snap, snap I began to take pictures in order to plan the decor and my minds visual wish list. You see, I had already created a vision for this room long before being offered the position. I trusted God and knew He'd be faithful in providing a place for me to teach.
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I began looking for deals on offer up, and let go. I bought $8 dollar desks which I spray painted. I bought shelves that would other wise cost between $70 - $100 for $15 and $20. I waited for Hobby Lobby to offer 50% off certain items. I planned and collected. After receiving almost $400 from the teacher shower I began to purchase supplies, and brick bulletin board paper.
I knew what I wanted my room too look like from the start.
I wanted my room to encourage my future students, I desired for them to feel safe.
The following pictures are the result of weeks of creating, glue gun burns, painting, cutting, taping, hanging, living on a tall ladder and having wonderful friends that provided more than I had asked for.
Welcome to Ms. Lopez Classroom
because tree branches are my favorite
Do it yourself canvases $10 for the set at Hobby Lobby
Yes you can!
Remember to keep track of time and choose joy
As other colleagues have been visiting my classroom I have been humbled by their comments, from "My daughter loved your room", to "your students will feel safe", and my favorite, "your classroom makes me want to pick up a book!"
It's very important to me that my students feel welcomed and are provided with a safe learning environment. About two months ago some of them lost their homes due to an unexpected flood. It is my first year of teaching in a public district, but it feels like I have been preparing for a lifetime. I am truly blessed.
Teachers, I hope that you have a wonderful school year. Ultimately it is not the aesthetic of your classroom that will promote student learning, but rather the atmosphere you have created for your students. May joy pour out as you teach your lessons, may peace surround you, and may care abound.
Blessings
-Ms Lopez
