Next Year Room Prep

[@kaypluslee]

you can use white Christmas lights around the room.

[@natalie3104]

That teacher chair slip cover is adorable! I didn't know that was a thing but now I need it haha. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@MrsBryon]

I'm so glad your son's predicament wasn't as serious as it could have been; hope he's healing quickly. I agree the color of your classroom walls is a bit hideous and the gray is a beautiful neutral background. If I had the choice, I'd either get a plain gray colored paper or paint the walls. Maybe just do the walls that don't already have the stone paper on them. The new softer palette is so calming. I'm thinking of using a farmhouse palette myself; muted grays and wood tones with pops of white and soft blues and greens.

[@tammimarie]

You should get a mini rock water fountain to go with your new serene environment.

[@ashleymonzon37]

tammimarie that's such a good idea!

[@natalie3104]

Those Sterilite containers spray painted pink are gorgeous 😍

[@crmwilliams5116]

Love the new classroom design colors. Tina, you are brilliant. Thank you for sharing all your teacher life experiences! You are such an inspirational teacher. What a comfort to know all teachers juggle real life, too!

[@christinemontroy9281]

My son and I are fans, and we are glad you are back blogging and AJ is on the mend. We think the stone is a little dark and heavy looking. You can't really appreciate the pastel pink with the stone. Maybe if you want to keep the stone, you could soften it with more silk flowers and fake greenery, creating a Secret Garden in your classroom. That would lend itself to stone walls and would be soothing and pretty.

[@MsEnglishcorner]

In case of teaching first graders, I wouldnt have the stone wallpaper. I would put another wallpaper up. Some pastel colour would suit your classroom just fine. However, the stone is always better than the plain peach.

[@julianadifelice7792]

Next year, can you make a classroom set up day 1 and a final classroom tour

[@tinabietler]

I sure can!

[@beckysmith2834]

I thought for sure you were going to say your decision was easy because it looked so much better without the stone. If you're going for less distracting, the bare walls are so much nicer.

[@kylepost4]

I know in a previous video you painted the trim and doors in your classroom. If your Principal and bank account allow you, maybe look into painting your room because I find the stone to have a negative connotation with dungeons (which isnt what you're going for). But painting your room a solid gray or getting gray paper would make the pink pop more.

[@acain9001]

Kyle Post I agree. The stone has always drawn my attention in a negative way. It is very busy and would take my attention away from my learning. I would suggest painting a solid color - even ivory. I like white a lot though. I have found the white to be calming.

[@zelmaa5736]

We're about a third of the way through our school year, but you have got me motivated to change my colour scheme. The colours you have chosen look gorgeous. I love the pink colour of your drawers. I am glad AJ is doing well now.

[@canicks1]

You should definitely look into the fluorescent light covers! They are on amazon and yes, they are blue, but I have seen such a difference in my students and it definitely brings down the harsh lighting!

[@carson2594]

I loved the stone with the HP theme but I don't think it really goes with your new theme. I do prefer the wall covered though. Amazon has a cloud design that I think would look awesome with your pink & white. If you search wispy clouds paper it should be the first result, made by Pacon. And it isn't too expensive!

[@JenuineLife]

Hey you changed your YT handle name. I like it :) With the wallpaper, would it be possible to change to a solid colour? The stone is intense in my opinion. You're right that it pops better with your pastel colour palette but I think a solid colour would be even better and more 'simplistic' for the eye

[@metheajam]

Jenuine Life I agree with you on getting a solid paper background. A solid grey might be nice

[@planreadteach5512]

Loving the new color scheme and I like the stone wall paper. I agree that it the pink doesn't pop as much, the stone seems to have the opposite effect since you have black boards on the camera. I wonder if you could find one that looks like shiplap or a rustic wood planks? Our rooms are our homes away from home, so if it works for you- keep it!

[@MrAlvaradosClass]

The story you told about your son had me on the edge of my seat! Glad it all worked out!

[@virshonebrinkleysproles5411]

MrAlvaradosClass Me too! I was right there thru the parental emotional roller coaster! Glad for the good outcome!

[@virshonebrinkleysproles5411]

Yay! I have always loved the stone! Gives it character! It does look better than paint!

[@firstfirework]

Love the new colors. You can do a secret garden theme classroom

[@willenaraines4596]

Totally painting my sterilite containers that ballet slipper color! Super cute!

[@iamdannyd79]

I really love the pink and white decor... You have me thinking about what I what to change in my room. 🍎

[@tinaherrera4284]

Glad your son is better. I agree with the solid color. The stone gives me anxiety! LOL But, in the scheme of it all you are the one that has to look at it daily. If you love it, keep it!!! I absolutely LOVE the pink and white borders. I agreed with your comment about how bright the red is now compared to the new colors. I really loved those colors when you decorated, but I am loving your new look!!!

[@virshonebrinkleysproles5411]

Love your new color scheme! Can't wait to see it all up next year!!! I'm in PreK and planning to do Under the Sea/ Ocean as my theme for next year...and now I'm thinking of how I can "cozy" up my ocean themed decor!!!

[@MichelleGayscienceteacher]

I use the light filter covers to the lights and it makes a big difference. I love your new name. Praise God A. Jay is ok and the doctors figured out what is wrong. Have bless summer!

[@janaegreen9085]

I had a cyst on my tailbone as well and had surgery to remove it. Hint: lavender oil helps heal it the fastest. It only took me five months where it normally takes a year or more. Just in case your son has to have surgery that's my advice.

[@georgejones2891]

Keep the stone! It's really unique and the walls look so boring and tired without it. I'd suggest doing that small bit above your maths board and the small bits near your door and science table, just so it all comes together and doesn't look odd. Also if the kids like it then surely that's the right decision as its them who know what kind of environment they like to learn in. Love the idea of floor lights as well.

[@yadsia0426]

All of the decorations are so adorable! Please leave the wallpaper up! The stone is a good contrast to the daintyness of the pink flowers.

[@SimplySteph99]

Continuous prayers for your son. Glad it wasn't more serious. Loving the new class decor. I'm personally not that girly but there's just something about that shade of pink with the grey and white. It's very lovely and I'm sure the bpys will be fine with it. TFS!

[@nancyfenton7463]

Love the new classroom look! I taught second grade and changed my room decor one year to "Home Sweet Home". Rocking chair, soft lighting, braided rug, cross-stitch pictures (homemade to be definitions of noun, verb, adj, etc....) I found the kids to be much calmer and quieter in general. It def made an impact on their ability to focus. I also believe the calmer atmosphere gave the shyer children a bit more courage to be bolder. Personally I think the stone wall is in too much of a contrast with the softer theme you are aiming for. Maybe faux wood paneling, or different solid color paper? Just a personal opinion. Love your videos! Glad your son is doing better! Been down that heart-attack road of hits and misses with my kids. Takes 10 years off your life for sure!!!

[@iluvdaizeys]

I love love love the pink! My class (first grade) is peach, gray, aqua, and yellow and it looks girly.. very girly... the boys are fine... completely fine... in fact... they love that it looks like something their mom would do.

[@AAB-intheATL]

Once again, your video is great inspiration! My principal has changed my teaching assignment this year (I'm not thrilled) so I am trying to psych myself up for the challenge. Have a great end of the year!

[@lauralou2605]

A AB I love when that happens (insert sarcasm here). I asked to change grade levels. I currently teach 5th, but my heart and background lay in 2nd/3rd. Principal said I was definitely going down in the grade level. Got my assignment the other day 3/4 combo class. 😏

[@ashleymonzon37]

I love the new handle name..suits you so well. :) my classroom colors are black, white, and yellow. I use a flat bed sheet for my bulletin boards. It doesn't fade and if you staple it on tight, no wrinkles!! Just a suggestion :) and the book bins!! Ahh they make my heart happy hehe

[@danelleyoung7988]

You can also use some Christmas lights to bring another source of light. I use just the white ones in my class.

[@iluvdaizeys]

If you change classrooms the fadeless wood paper would look awesome with the pink and gray

[@DamelzaJane]

Phew! Sooo glad AJ is okay. Poor guy! What a drama. I'm really glad he's not got anything else to follow through on hospital-wise. I'm loving your new colour theme, Tina. I'm all for hygge. I'd like a change too but I backed all of my display boards with red plastic bought by the metre 2 years ago so I WOULDN'T have to change it! It does go well with the blue carpet and yellow sofa area. I'd only be making major work for myself as I'm lucky enough to have a huge class room. By the way, well done for helping the fur baby! So kind and caring. Also, thank you for mentioning the Manchester terrorist attack. It was a huge shock and of course, so heartbreaking. You're a sweetheart. Best wishes from the UK.

[@rlfambam8491]

Have you seen the rustic wood plank paper? I think that would look awesome with the pink and white and blank. It's rustic and very muted. Just a thought!

[@teachlearnlife2014]

I would take down the stone. I would look at a solid lighter color. Maybe a light gray. My partner teacher used sheets this year since she doesn't have cork boards in her room. Just an idea!!!

[@kelsibradley4800]

I would leave the stone wallpaper up!! I love it!!

[@mjjfans4life3]

I think the wallpaper looks great with the new design!

[@nancycox270]

Keep the stone! It looks great with the pink. Glad to hear that AJ is OK. It

[@kiarajones1290]

Keep the stone and plaster it over every piece of the peach coloured wall! It looks lovely 😊

[@opallea]

I really like the new color scheme and the students were right the stone wall paper is better. With just the peach paint color the room felt almost too subtle, the gray stone really helps to pull your eye to the charts and posters you want you children to read. I'm so glad to hear AJ is on the mend, I know how it feels to have a sick or injured child. Our world comes to stop and you can only focus on making your child feel better.

[@pricilla2076]

I love those book boxes. I'm wondering if they had the colors of your next year's theme so that they'd blend in and not stand out so much..some of those colors are a bit bright.

[@emilylightsey6374]

First, I'm glad to hear that AJ is going to be okay. Second, we have a shortage of subs in my state too! We have to "plan b" a lot in which the teacher that is absent has to split their class up amongst the rest in the grade level. Third, I like the stone wall better than the peach painted wall. It kind of gives me a secret garden type feel. However, I also understand if you think it may be too much for firsties. Are you allowed to paint your walls? Or maybe go with a solid color paper than better coordinates with your chosen colors? Last, I'm excited for your possible move to first grade! I can't wait to find out if you're changing for sure!

[@amysmith8248]

Just a suggestion- to clean those draws with the math manipulates in them COMET, cleans great. I have those in my classroom and they almost look brand new. Just a scrub brush, water and COMET. Awesome. Love your videos. Even if I have watched a thousand times, it gets me in the teaching mood again from bad weeks, crazy weeks ect. Thanks again. Amy.j

[@malissac7966]

I love your blogs, your classroom is looking great. I don't hate the stone, but don't love it either. I do agree the peach doesn't work either.

[@jenniferhugar5352]

In PA, we have a sub shortage too. Our specials teachers are getting pulled to be in classrooms. They passed a law saying that education students in good standing from colleges can become subs. So far I've not seen that, but I'm tired of losing my specials also. At this point in the year when they expect us to get so much finished, it's very frustrating.

[@kristieking15]

I love the picture frame. Did you say hobby lobby? I need to purchase a few. Loving the new idea for decor next year. Inspiring me to try some new things for next year. I also love how honest you are.

[@vivianyee9766]

So glad that your son is okay. How scary that must have been...in Canada, students don't add and subtract fractions until grade seven. I love the cozy classroom theme by the way!

[@BlackRoze29]

The stone is neutral enough that you could do your whole room in it if you wanted to. I think it'll be more than fine keeping kids calm and feel cozy.

[@dhines3804]

I think it will look better without the paper...maybe add a solid color. Glad to hear everything worked out with your son too!

[@julianadifelice7792]

I think you should take down the stone paper. You should get a pink pastel wallpaper

[@winstonhopkins1938]

I like the stone. It reminds me of the Secret Garden!

[@KaliCarter01]

Love the new channel name! I agree with most of the comments, I think the stone is a little much with how it's done right now. Maybe you could keep the stone as an accent wall for the word wall, and do something different for the rest of the room? Either way, I'm sure whatever you decide will look great as always!

[@kaypluslee]

I think the stone looks nice but idk if it is too overwhelming. maybe wait until you know if you're moving before deciding

[@PoliteChoice]

I really like the stone wallpaper. I think it would look great if you could complete the other wall with it to make it more cohesive.

[@mintamorrison7120]

I love the stone with the pink and white. I think the peach walls take away from the borders.

[@elenaserda484]

Love the new theme. I guess a sub shortage is going on nation-wide. We can't seem to get subs in my district in Texas.

[@lianaayres6952]

I teach 6th grade.... my classroom in pink and black. Just 2 colors. I get lots of compliments and I was going for a 50s Diner theme. I use the sticky letters from the dollar tree and it goes great. My boys and girls seem to like it. It's not busy, which helps our ADHD Kiddos. However, during Open House I heard a parent refer to my classroom as the Victoria Secret Classroom...Oh My! Needless to say, I'm toning it down next year.

[@2001MrsP]

Great video- love the pink drawers! 💕🌸Also incredibly envious that you are starting to wrap up for the year. I teach in the uk and we don't finish until the end of July.

[@tracymil1]

Rachel Preston same for me but when do you all start back.

[@2001MrsP]

tracymil1 first week of September. 😊

[@tracymil1]

Rachel Preston us too. we are in the caribbean. thanks for answering.

[@ruchijadoun4695]

u r such an inspiration. keep up the good work

[@brittanyraeteaches7534]

I have a bright pink, shaggy rug in my classroom. The boys have never mentioned anything negative about it. They always ask to sit on the rug!

[@lisaloucee4233]

There is paper that looks like light wood grain .... it's soft and not over powering. Check it out ... yes more money but you have to look at it all year. Thanks for sharing your classroom with us .

[@jeaninelochen5104]

I am a retiring first grade teacher and I think the kids will love the stone and it gives the boys a little equality:)

[@SuperLuckyboo]

I would leave the stone, it definitely looks better than the wall color. Maybe once you hang the banners and poms, your room would have more of a garden look to it and the wall could mimic the stone walls and pathways you see in some gardens. It's just hard to see it now with some of the old decor still up. I am assuming you WILL stay in your room, since you've started putting bulletin boards up. You said at one point you weren't sure if you would be in the same room. Keep at it! It will all come together in the end!

[@crystalbond9394]

What about a solid gray paper in a shade close to the stone or lighter warm gray ... maybe the gray of the stone is what makes it so complimentary - the tones are nice together

[@amietedeschi3203]

I don't particularly care for the color of the painted walls, but I do like the fact that they are lighter. The stone wallpaper gives a darker, heavier impression. If it wouldn't involve so much extra work, I would suggest repainting the walls a misty gray or perhaps a light green. Or perhaps a wallpaper that looks weathered wood? Given how many responsibilities you are juggling, I think you should do what works for you. Keep it simple for your sake, too! 💜

[@destinpate9000]

Hi Tina! I'm a soon to be graduating senior ready to head to college to study being a teacher for grades 4th-8th! About you goal for a muted classroom, they make these things that cover your overhead lighting to make the light lighter! I'm not sure what they are called but my 6th grade teacher had them and I for sure plan to have them in my own classroom one day! See them all the time on pinterest too!

[@destinpate9000]

Also, Tapestries are an amazing way to add whatever kind of color you want! Society6.com has great ones!

[@destinpate9000]

I vote no to the stone, It's too busy

[@hayleyb1303]

wow!! Congrats on the 10K subscribers. I have been following your videos since some of your earliest ones, and to be honest was surprised that you have only just hit 10K - I thought you might have already had more (or that just reflects me being on your journey since the start!!). Either way, I think your vlogs are great. I'm a teacher in Australia so its always interesting to see the differences in the way things are done in another country! Keep up the good work!! :)

[@Harkamal55]

I think you should spray paint those blue drawer to pink it will look nice having everything look the same

[@aaronballance481]

I like the stone paper but I think you should take it down and get sum type of pink like a very light ink wallpaper that would look better in my opinion. love the new theme but the stone does not go with the colors.

[@ashleymitchell6106]

I really like the stone paper, but honestly with it left up your room doesn't look that much different even though you changed the borders. I think smaller children might find it over stimulating, and if you are trying to dial things back I think you might need to take it down.. but I'm with you t does make the borders pop more :/

[@elisalopez5424]

So... in 2013, when i was student teaching, I had the same symptoms your son had. I lost control of my functions with the lack of feeling below the waist. Doctors waited a whole week before realizing I needed emergency surgery. I had two more the following year. Because they waited so long for the surgery, I had severe nerve damage and impairment from the waist down. After a year and a half of physical therapy, I slowly but surely started to feel below the waist again. I don't have complete feeling, but it is getting there. It is definitely a scary feeling.

[@elisalopez5424]

PS. I love your videos!

[@Mimi11281]

Don't think the stone goes with the new theme. The peachy paint is more subtle and soothing.

[@DamelzaJane]

I'd (personally) take down the stone and just give the walls a quick lick of neutral paint. It'll be lighter so you won't need the overhead lighting on as much. Good idea to actually ask the kids though! Whatever you choose will look great. 😊

[@anabanana5009]

What do you do with all your decorations from this year? do you store them away or sell them? I love the way you have decorated your classrooms. I usually go with the same theme but you have inspired me to change things up a bit.

[@tinabietler]

I will keep a lot of it but also I usually give a lot away to new teachers who are just starting out and don't have much money.

[@bikergirl1052]

I know when we don't hear from you that something is usually wrong. Glad that all turned out fine in the end. It's good to see you again. The stone wall should remain up because otherwise it's really boring and the pink is lost on the peach paint. I also like the paper with the wood look. It reminds me of the beach. It's your dime and your sweat. You do you is what I say.

[@jennarink]

Hi, i would use a solid wallpaper without any pattern- but that is just my opinion - i am not a fan of the Stone wallpaper and i think the Pink-White would Look sooo cute with a solid wall :) btw i really liked this vlog - happy to hear, your son is ok! :)

[@Frick829]

Keep the stone wall paper!! The walls are just too bare without it. Love your room.

[@lomabrooks1070]

I also like the clam environment that you are planning. But what about a print rich environment? That is what I was told in my education classes.

[@NatalieBin11]

I think the stone allows the pink to pop but I wouldn't leave the stone. I would do maybe a grey background. To me, the stone is too busy!! Loved this vlog though. New teacher here and these videos have really been helping me out 😊❤️

[@markmccormick4461]

We have track lighting in our house art room/ home office

[@kylepost4]

If you have an Ikea around you, they have some pretty inexpensive (but nice) floor lamps in their Market Place that come apart easily for storage and moving them. They also sell them online at Ikea.com, I don't think they are on Amazon.

[@TheUrbanFamily1]

loved this video Tina, hope AJ is feeling much better by now! and I can imagine how stressed out you were. enjoy your glass on wine 😜..just wondered, even if you are teaching 1st grade next year, will you still be in the same classroom?

[@kassidyelizabeth2905]

Love the new decor, but I think the Harry Potter theme may be too over stimulating for the children. I like the idea of having one main theme instead of two.

[@WeirdlyOCD]

I don't think the stone wall and the new color scheme are a good match. The purpose of the stone wall was to go with the Harry Potter theme and since you're not doing that next year, I'd say it should be taken down. I also think you shouldn't have gotten multi-colored book bins, maybe two colors at the most. Hope you're teaching first next year, it'd be a nice change.

[@jcronian9806]

I like the stone. So if you end up moving to first grade, do you have to move rooms?

[@katrinajsanchez]

Hopefully you get 1st grade next year... I am currently a 1st grade teacher. I have subbed for 4th grade this year and for the most part it was a good experience but I'd definitely pick 1st!

[@pm-r6136]

Can you give me ideas on how you organize your basement with your teacher stuff?

[@jeanined8948]

Do you get compensated when you lose a prep?

[@Mana98ify]

Have you seen the fadeless Weathered Wood (56515) that may go more with your theme although it is more work and more money.

[@BerkeleyAdventures]

I love the stone walls haha

[@gatey555]

I personally would take down the wallpaper and then replace it with another neutral color. Perhaps a rich charcoal (you'd have to play with the shades to find the right one) so that you don't lose the uniqueness of your classroom but you gain a more minimalistic look - besides, you can always add things to the walls later but if you find the stone to be too stimulating, you will have wasted time and money replacing it.

[@jessicamccoy2734]

I too prefer the stone wallpaper rather than the plain painted wall.

[@annawheeler8390]

I do like the stone wallpaper on its own, but part of me thinks it looks a little cluttered. I think with the goal of toning down the room, in my opinion, it would probably be best to get rid of it - at least mostly! Maybe keep one wall with the stone wallpaper :) Also, my family is Danish so I'm loving the hygge theme!

[@annawheeler8390]

But I agree about not liking the plain wall... so I'm a little torn!

[@anock03]

I like the gray and pink..but not sure about the stone, could find a more subtle pattern in gray? I totally agree that the peach walls look gross..almost institutional. So my vote is stone or a more subtle gray print paper or paint.

[@amandagrosjean8755]

I put burlap up on my walls. You should try to grab some burlap looking or birch looking paper. I would get rid of the stone. I find it boggling to the eyes. Like I want to look for patterns and count them. Lol

[@amandagrosjean8755]

Plank looking paper.

[@carino1201]

definately take down the stone paper! im really surprised that you chose bright coloured book bins. i thought you'd opt for all black x

[@Julie40503]

I have to agree with the popular opinion. I love the pink and gold and the idea of a serene setting but the pattern itself within the stone paper is very busy and also darkens your room. You are competing with a lot of materials in your classroom already that I would go with a solid, lighter color wall. I think a lighter color would be more peaceful but also reflect more light. Decluttering and simplifying would be my plan. Love the pink and gold concept!!!

[@tinacalelston5740]

Are you going to do packing up my classroom vlog this year