Simple Elementary Reading Specialist Room
Are you looking for ideas to set up your small elementary classroom or a reading room? I hope so! In my professional life, I’m an elementary reading specialist. I recently moved to a new school and “inherited” quite a bit of stuff that was left behind. I wanted to give the room a complete makeover. One that was fresh and welcoming to both students and teachers.
I’m a visual person, so I searched everywhere for some small classroom ideas. Alas, I couldn’t find anything that fit my style and needs. So, I enlisted my friend Jen to help set me on the right path.
If you’re like me, you like to cut right to the chase and see the before and after pictures. All sources are located under pictures and a complete list is at the end. I think you’ll enjoy seeing the transformation my small room went through.
The before picture shows what the room looked like when I started moving in over the summer. Fortunately, I gave myself several weeks to work through all of the “treasures”. It was packed with all sorts of materials. I couldn’t figure out the top from the bottom, let alone any form and function.
What should stay and what should go? Many things didn’t even belong there and a lot needed to be tossed (dated materials, empty boxes, etc). Needless to say, I found the entire process to be completely overwhelming. I spun in circles and worked for days just moving things from place to place.
One more look at the before… to the left of the clock you can still see a little of the classic green chalkboard. The white dry erase board didn’t erase. Don’t worry, they’ll both disappear.
First, my own kids came to help out. Then, I called in the calvary… Jen came and started turning things around. First, Jen had us clear everything OUT of the room. It was a ton of stuff. Then the fun began… let’s just say air-conditioning doesn’t always work quite right in the summer. Whew!
Welcome! Come on it. Everyone can be a reader. Here’s the view from the hallway.
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I made the “Super Readers”silhouettes out of black laminated bulletin board paper. Once I figured out the boys proportions, I was able to make a girl by just adding pigtails. The pennant banners:black and whiteand silver glitter (similar one).
This is the what I see every time I enter my room. It’s welcoming and refreshing.
The above bulletin board was originally the white dry erase board. Since it didn’t erase any longer, I turned it into a bulletin board.
Reading Makes Us Brighter bulletin board: Letters were cut on a Silhouette using 5 different color card stock paper. Polka-dot bulletin board border. Black Fadeless bulletin board paper is key (it stays black and looks sharp). The blue pompom in the corner was from the Dollar Store. Don’t be afraid to use black! The letters really pop and the striking background is very grounding.
We keep leveled books in our room. I purchased this type of basket and used these labels for the bins. I printed them on card stock, laminated them, and hot glued them to the fronts of the baskets.
Jen suggested that we “float the shelves” this is perfect since the room is shared by two teachers. I work on the the other side of the bookshelves and can still see the door, but the students stay focused working behind the bookshelf. I can also easily move the 2 bookshelves when the room is used for training or large group sessions.
I love this little workspace. It makes me so happy. This is the only portion of the room that actually feels like an “office”.
On the wall: My wonderful niece made the Be Happy, Be Bright, Be You sign (by herself)! The & sign (craft store) and 2 frames I spray painted with the same black paint. This helped all of the wall pieces look more uniform and good grouped together. Calendar frame (directions below).
Yep, I even have a mini fridge and little microwave. These were left behind by previous teachers. Thankfully they match the black and white decor theme. 🙂
I made the calendar frame the same way I made the Scrabble Board I have in my home. Instead of Scrabble letters, I used these brads and glued on magnets for a little bling. The calendar was a free printable, click here, from Lightbulbs and Laughter. I printed it on white card-stock and put up 4 months at a time.
On the desk: I have 2 Mason Jars with my favorite Flair Pens and Papermate pencils.
Room use: I currently work as an elementary school as a Reading Specialist and Literacy Coach. My room serves many purposes including student small groups and teacher training. I also share my room with another part-time Reading Specialist.
Reading is a Blast! Bulletin Board
I have one real bulletin board (above). It also had an old wooden frame. To hide the wood, I laminated the black Moroccan bulletin border and hot glued it to the wood border. I took the blue paper to the edge, then covered it with more simple black border. Letters were cut using a Silhouette and card stock paper.
The rocket was made from Black Fadeless . In order for me to create the rocket, I drew out templates on scrap paper. It took me awhile to get the right size, but the end result was worth it! Detailing came from a silver Sharpie marker. The “smoke” was created with overlapping white poster board. I did freehand the smoke because I needed it to cover up a big gash I accidentally put in the blue paper. Oops!
The stars are actually Post-it notes. Student names get written on the stars when they make their goals.
I love how this little white cart keeps all of my teacher and reading groups supplies handy: pencils, scratch and sniff stickers, smelly markers, Silent Timer, dry erase boards and markers, hand sanitizer, Post-its. You name it, it’s there. The cart has wheels too. I roll it up when I need it and put it away when I’m done. It used to have primary colored baskets, but I changed them all out for black.
Let’s just give one more shout out to The Silent Timer. I can’t think of a classroom that doesn’t need one! I love having one at home and one at school.
I have a room with a view… of the playground!
I followed Jen’s advice of 2 base colors and one accent color. I hope that you’ve been able to tell that I chose black and white, with turquoise blue accents. One little first grade friend said that “blue was a really famous” color in my room.
Book Shelves: I purchased the large black bins from Target and the blue bins. The fake plant is from Home Goods. The bins help me camouflage all of my random notebooks, training materials, magnetic letters, games, catalogs, wiggle seats, etc.
My book shelves are really old and scratched up, so I bought black polka-dot fabric from Jo-Ann fabrics. I didn’t sew it, I just filed it and laid it across on top of the old bookshelves.
Favorite books: Koala Lou, The Napping House, and Bugs.
To make my window look like it has a little type of curtains, Jen used this black and white pennant. It’s held up with wax clips. I ordered two of these pennants. One hangs outside my door and the other above my desk.
The students don’t mind working at the table, but we always gather on the rug first. I’ve found that connecting with my students through cheers and stories helps them feel more connected to me and then they work harder. Win!
The pillows (similar) I originally found at Costco. They are made from the outdoor fabric and clean up very nicely. The rug is my favorite! It is an indoor/outdoor rug, but it’s soft. My rug is 5×7 and it was under $40! If you put the carpet on a classroom tile floor, you’ll need this non-slip mat. Together the pillows, basket of old favorite books, and rug create a warm welcome.
I’ll leave you with one more look of my Super Readers. All kids are Super Readers and I love to watch them read! Scroll down for the complete shopping list with links.
Thanks to a generous PTA, helpful friends, I was able to transform my entire new classroom space.
Shop My Room:
- pillows (similar)
- indoor/outdoor rug
- non-slip mat
- black and white pennant
- blue bins
- wiggle seats
- little white cart with black baskets
- Silent Timer
- simple black border
- Silhouette
- card stock paper
- type of basket for books
- Polka-dot bulletin board border
- Black Fadeless bulletin board
- silver Sharpie
- Post-it notes stars
- Flair Pens
- Papermate pencils
- wax clips
Favorite Books Pictured:
Note: I never intended this to be a shared with the world. But after receiving so many compliments, I thought I’d share. Why? Because it takes a lot of careful planning to create an intentional, bright learning space that you and your students want to spend time in. I never take full credit for the transformation, because I had my friend helping too.
My inspiration came from my friend Jen, link to post, and my need for a more updated room. Click on the photo below for more! What a difference some well thought out colors, bins, and clean decor makes.
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You’re the BEST! Thank you!
I absolutely love your ideas. Thank you for sharing. I have never used a silhouette before. Can you please tell me how it is used? Difficult? Does it matter which machine to use?
Thank you.
What size are the letters you cut for your “reading makes us brighter” board?
What size are the letters you cut for your “reading makes us brighter” board? Thanks in advance for your response.