Change #1: My Classroom

One of the first things I changed from my first year to my second year was the look of my classroom.  In my first year, I wanted to get my kids excited about going to college.  My classroom reflected this; I used my college colors to decorate everything.  I went to NCSU, so my classroom was plastered in red, black, and white.  While it was one way to get my kids invested in the classroom, I realized quickly that red, black, and white made my room look really dark and boring.  

In my second year, I wanted something completely different.  I realized that I wanted my kids invested in my classroom now, not a college that was six years down the road.  I loved my classroom last year.  I collected most of my ideas from other classrooms I had been in, as well as Pinterest.  I went for a bright green and blue border on my bulletin boards, which really changed the look and feel of my classroom.  Suddenly, my room was bright and fun.  

I had 4 bulletin boards in my classroom, each of which had a different theme.  First, I recommend every teacher has a word wall; mine was at the front of my classroom and I called it "Let's Talk Science".  Also at the front of the room was my "Glows and Grows" wall.  I had three categories called "Awesome A's", "Boppin' B's", and "Going Up".  After quizzes and test I would post students names who either got an A, a B, or made improvements.  The kids LOVED to see their names on the wall.  My bulletin boards in the back were used to post model student work and posters that I made for my classroom. 

Ultimately, your classroom should be a place where you are happy to spend large quantities of your time.  It's important to get your kids invested in their physical classroom space, whether it's through a fun theme or bright colors.  Just remember to make sure that you have to like your classroom too.  

Below are some pictures of my classroom.  The pictures aren't the best quality, but you'll get the idea!