Showing posts with label classroom design. Show all posts
Showing posts with label classroom design. Show all posts

Friday, August 5, 2011

Reading Tent!

I found a cute idea on Pinterest for making a simple A-Frame Tent with a couple pieces of wood, a dowel, and a twin bed sheet.  Of course I had to make it right away.  I simplified things a little bit - made it cheaper and easier.  It turned out awesome!  I know my kids will love to cozy up in this little tent during the Daily 5.

Here's the link for the original tutorial I found: A-Frame Tent

I didn't do ANY sewing just to make things easier. I cut the 48" dowel in half to make a shorter tent that will fit better in my classroom.  I bought a twin flat sheet at Wal-Mart and folded it in half the hot dog way.  Then I wrapped the edges around the legs and secured them with rubber bands.  It folds up easily if I ever need to get it out of the way. Also, I can easily remove the sheet and throw it in the wash if needed. To save money - look for the right size of wood in the lumber section rather than the area with the mouldings. It looks just fine and is cheaper to purchase. :)



Next project: Coordinating pillows!  I bought pillow cases that matched the sheet used for the tent.  I plan to put vinyl covers over them (to keep the classroom ickys out!) and then the pillow cases.  I'll put velcro on the opening to keep the pillow cases secure, but easy to remove when they need to be cleaned!  Here's a quick picture of the supplies:



Simple, cheap projects to add some comfy spaces for reading to your classroom!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Creating Cozy Spaces

Reflecting on last school year, one thing I noticed is there wasn't enough "comfy" spaces in my classroom for students to sit and read/write during the Daily 5.  I'm trying to think of some easy ways to give my classroom a boost with some alternative seating.

I do have a set of colorful cushions I bought with bonus points from Scholastic.  The kids seemed to like using those, but I want to have more options.  Our "meeting" rug has space for 2-3 kids sprawled out and I have four of those ever-popular "crate seats" I made last summer.

What does everyone else do to create cozy spaces for reading and writing in their classroom?

I just ordered these chairs... as my "I really don't need this but am going to buy it for my classroom anyway" purchase for the school year. I love them already!

Blue Kids Table and Chairs

I'd love to get this leaf canopy from Ikea, but you can't buy online and we don't have a store nearby. :(

I've also seen a few ideas on Pinterest that I want to try....


the A-frame tent tutorial

Any other great ideas out there??