Then and Now: Our Classroom Cubby Area

Then and Now: Our Classroom Cubby Area




Here is a first glance of our environmental changes!

The cubby area now showcases the students' creations and art materials.  The white frames will be filled with each student's self-portrait that they will complete in pastel.

Share your thoughts :

  1. Wow. Found my way over here somehow through Pinterest, and just had to comment...what an incredible transformation!

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  2. have to agree! I know 'primary' colors are all over elementary classrooms, but I find it sooo busy and overwhelming (for me! let alone for the little ones!) Love what you've done!

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  3. Thank you!!! I've been trying to find a sight to help me visualize the switch from cutsy, typical to a more Reggio approach! LOVE IT!

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  4. Thank you so much for all three comments! I'm glad you are enjoying the blog and the ideas that are being offered within it!

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  5. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!! I teach preschool and in the now 6 years that I've been doing it, have changed my view drastically of the environment, much due to the more time I've spent viewing Reggio inspired programs. I absolutely love the changes you've made. The Before and After photos document the process so well. The first program I worked in (as an assistant) was complete with all wood furniture, shelving, and the like. When I became a teacher and moved to a different district, I loved/love having my own room, but did have to adjust to the environment as I was placed in a room with lots of different colors of furniture, shelving inserts, chairs, etc. I've changed all that I can to bring in the natural lighting, natural textures and fibers, plants, and natural elements and hope to some day be able to change the big dollar items, as well. Feel free to check out my blog at www.msbarbarasblog.blogspot.com and my blog's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/For-the-Children/170943436350531 The Facebook page has lots of photos I've taken in Reggio Inspired programs I've had the privilege to visit. So glad to have discovered your blog. I'm going to share your blog on my page to send others your way to see what you've done. Ms. Barbara from For the Children

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  7. The transformation is quite impressive. I like the way you replaced all that colour to nature based tones, while introducing materials and objects that both compliment and serve a purpose in their own exploratory play. The Centres are warm and inviting, encouraging students to be creative in making (his/her) learning meaningful. This is truly refreshing and inspiring on so many levels.

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  8. Thank you to you both!

    I'm so pleased that the blog is inspirational! That was indeed our hope!!

    Mrs. Barbara, I can't wait to visit your blog and Facebook page.

    Thank you kindly for your positive words, and for sending more people our way!!!

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    Replies
    1. Where do students keep their loose materials now that the cubby spaces are filled?

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  9. What do you mean by loose materials?

    Their personal belongings are in their backpacks, within their mail area, or hanging on their writing hook. Extra clothes stay in a large ziplock bag and are stored behind the photo frames.

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  10. Hello,
    What did you use to cover your tables? The material looks thick and strong! Beautiful room!!! - Love this blog :)

    Oh- one more quick question: What type of paper did you use to cover your bulletin boards...and if it was butcher paper, how did you hang it so that it wasn't full of wrinkles and air pockets!?

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  11. Thanks so much!!

    I bought table cloth material (plastic finish) from Fabricland.

    The paper that covers our bulletin boards is mural paper in the neutral tone. Since it comes in a roll, it has no wrinkles or air pockets! Just be sure to have someone help you, so that you can staple it on straight.

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  12. So glad to see a fellow Canadian doing this. I'm a huge Reggio fan and just finished a play area for my kids in the basement. I love getting inspiration from others like you. :)

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  13. Thanks so much!!

    I agree that there are so many inspiring online sites that we can learn from.

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  14. very impressive use of varied material with an equally amazing technique to incorporate it in the classroom! Keep up the good work, the kids love what you are doing.
    A.S.

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  15. Thank you to A.S.'s family for posting such a motivating comment!

    We love having your son in our class too!

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  16. this is a great wealth of inspiration !!!!!

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  17. Thank you!

    Here's to another year of inspiration!

    Happy New Year!

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  18. Congrats on your journey and transformation! You are an inspiration to our profession. I am opening a learning center in Miami Florida inspired in the Reggio Emilia Philosophy using the Project Approach with a focus in creating a culture of thinking using visible thinking strategies from Harvard's Project Zero. I was looking at your environment to get some ideas.
    Thank you, Sylvia

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  19. Sylvia thank you!

    That is one of the nicest comments I've ever read!

    Please stay in touch and let us know how your program goes!

    Thank you for visiting!

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  20. Joanne,
    I had the privilege to come and visit in your classroom recently. I was not only inspired by your classroom but also by you. The room is inviting, warm, intriguing and clearly a comfortable learning environment for the children. I got so many ideas and plan to explore how to create that in my future classrooms. You were obviously in your element; I don't think I've ever met anybody who seems as enthusiastic about teaching as you. Well done and keep blogging! We will follow :)

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  21. Hi Joanne,

    I learned about your blog from my new DECE. She follows you religiously and I can definitely see why! :) This September will be my 2nd year of teaching Kindergarten but 1st time teaching FDK. After taking the Kindergarten part 1 AQ this summer and exploring your blog, I am so inspired and intrigued by the play-based and inquiry-based learning in the Reggio Emilia environment clearly evident in your class. :) Thank you so so much for sharing your journey and transformation with us. Your classroom transformation has motivated me to transform my class own as well!

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