Did It Really Work or Did It Just Look Good?

Happy Thursday!   Last week, I was surveying my domain, and felt a little bit like a fraud.  I realized that some things I had posted about were either not being used because they were a colossal FAIL, or because this group just wasn't ready for them. 

Over the summer, "we" tend to have these brilliant ideas about how our classrooms are going to magically look and run.  We spend hours "researching" on Pinterest or blogstalking.  We are green with envy as we look at the perfect room decor, organizational tips, and tips.  The adrenaline of the first few weeks blurs our perception, and then the reality of Winter sets in; what looked so wonderful and showed so much promise before those children invaded our perfect domain, is now dusty and unused. 

Well, in the spirit of transparency and honesty, I am going to come clean.  As promised, I am ready to run a few victory laps (well, walk really fast) because of my brilliance!  And I am ready to admit defeat and failure on a few other "brilliant" summer ideas:(.

Victory!
Yes, my closet still looks like this!  Every day I am so glad that I took the time to clean it out and reorganize it.  It is wonderful to have all my materials in one place.
The only things I forgot to leave a space for were the broom and dust pan, and the little table trashcans that I got over the summer.  They go on the floor, up against the wall, but I would like to have the floor totally clear.  I left a dedicated empty shelf to hold my purse.  This closet is the only place I can lock anything up.

Failure!

Aren't they pretty?  They are all color coordinated, with matching envelopes and plastic baggies.  The plastic baggies match!  They are still pretty, in a basket, on one of my bookcases, gathering dust.  My intention was to have the students check out sets of math flashcards.  
 
The first few weeks, I stood with my basket, patiently waiting for a student to come forward and ask to check out flashcards.  I guess that I imagined they would be motivated by the pretty matching plastic baggies.  One of my boys finally asked to check one set out.  I think he did it to make me feel useful.  He grimaced at the colored baggie as he tucked it in his backpack.  He is a good boy.
 
They are so pretty sitting on my shelf, in their little pink basket.  It will break my heart when I have to take them off the shelf and cannibalize them for parts.  A little review lesson on "just because they are pretty, doesn't mean that they will use them."

4 comments

  1. I am very impressed that your closet stayed so organized. Mine on the other hand does not look so nice. Have a great Friday!
    -Lisa
    Grade 4 Buzz

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  2. It is never a "fail" when you have colored baggies that match. Even if it just sat there, my heart would still be happy! And I'd have to put a chair in that closet for all of my admiring time... <3

    Kim
    Finding JOY in 6th Grade

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  3. I am the world's worst about wanting (and NEEDING) to get organized and just when I think I have figured it out, my 7th graders manage to tear apart the organization and I feel pretty defeated..... But it is always fun to find those ideas that DO work and DO bring beauty and organization to our lives.
    Amanda

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  4. Oh....I wish my closet looked like that! Impressive!
    Alison
    Rockin' and Lovin' Learnin'

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