True Life Confessions: My Classroom Isn't Cute

I've gone back to school, this is week three. Last Friday, my good friend, Jen Sykes, brought me lunch and played photographer while my kiddos were working on drawing  and labeling ant tunnels. 

I've decided to share a few candid shots of my classroom in hopes that those of you who, like me, did not inherit the "decorator" gene will feel more comfortable in blogland and, maybe, in in the world in general. My classroom is a real place, where we seriously "take chances, make mistakes, and get messy." (Thanks, Ms. Frizzle). Take a peek, and enjoy my commentary. 

My favorite part about this picture are my "curtains." They are made of yellow construction paper. They are new because the construction paper used to be purple. But, as it was 5 years old, it was quite faded. I would just take them down altogether, but the students at table 4 are always BLINDED by the light. My students seriously enjoy the yellow "glow" they create in the morning.

AND, As if being a second grader isn't already confusing enough, I have not one but TWO teacher desks. When I tell my students to put something "on my desk" pandomonium ensues. 

. . . Also, the table labeled my "Back" table is actually now a "Side" table, I moved it this year but haven't renamed it. 

I have two favorites here, one is my "Daily Schedule" which, at this time, consists of two post-it notes. The other is the box with the broken pencil sharpener. Until Jen took these photos I didn't even realize that it was still on my desk, 4 months later. 

So there you are, my crazy classroom in all its glory. And, as you are getting into the back to school cuteness frenzy, try not to be so hard on yourself. It's not what is hanging on your walls that matters, it is all in the planning and delivery. :)

P.S. If you were kid counting in the first photo, I wasn't blessed with a class of 12, there are 24 students in all as 3 tables are not pictured. :)