Tips for Closing up your Classroom

I wanted to do some tweaking of my classroom for next year.  We get out June 21st but I like to start cleaning and organizing a little each day.  Don't wait until your last week of school because you won't want to clean then, you just want to get out!  There is so much to do at the beginning of school and it is awesome to come back to an organized room.


Here is what I have been working on...

1.  Start cleaning early...I choose a wall or section to clean and organize every day.  It takes me about 6 days to do this.  Try to weed things out as you go.  I moved grades this year and want to weed materials that I didn't use.

2.  I rearranged my room last week so my book corner is larger and the books are more accessible.  I went through my bins and made sure that everything is in its place.  I am making more bin labels as one of my summer projects.  I use old sheets to cover up the bins on counters and cover up movable bookcases with paper.  I want more reading nooks in my room for Daily Five.  I still want to get a few bean bags, a rocking chair or two, and maybe a sling chair.

3.  Keep a Back to School Folder.  I work summer camp for three weeks and I try to get my copying done then.  I will bring the folder home and organize it as a summer project.  I keep all my opening activities, housekeeping sheets and first units in my subjects.

4.  Draw a layout or take pictures of your room before you pack up.  I put my pictures on the front board so the custodians put my furniture back in place.  It isn't always perfect but it helps.

5.  Get your September bulletin boards ready now.  Cover them up for the summer with paper.  I love fadeless black paper and it lasts forever!!! (I only change it when needed)  I use boards that don't change much during the year; calendar, CAFE, reading themes, Postcards from United States and a Science Board.

6.  Create a List of Summer Projects and write them down!  I have started gathering materials and books that I will need this summer.  I put them in a bin so they will make it home.  I actually joined this Linky Party to get me started.

7.  Pile up your Summer Reading!  I try to balance the professional resources and some books for my personal pleasure.

What do you do to close up your room 

that will help out in the Fall?