Making it My Classroom

Well the organization of the classroom has begun!! It will be the Panda Bear Classroom as I once had at Central Church of God where the teaching fire was rekindled many years ago. I was greeted at the door of my classroom by my name on the nameplate next to the door. "MRS. JOHNSTON" I almost wept with joy (and probably would have except the janitor was standing there ready to unlock the door for me). As I walked into the classroom I had to just stand for a moment and let it actually soak in...This is MY classroom! I have worked so hard for this and it is here MY CLASSROOM.. a place where I can teach young children, touch lives and use the talents God gave me. I stood there for a few minutes and then realized that MY classroom was a MESS! Tables turned on their sides and pushed to one side of the room along with cabinets shelves and you name it. It was clean but a mess. So I began..It only took about an hour to realize I was getting no where fast. I sat down to take stock of the furniture itself and began again. I sketched out the room and then put specific centers on paper and then moved the furniture around once again. Mrs. Thomas the grade level chair stopped in and helped with some very important tips. She has already been an amazing support and is just a wonderful lady, as it seems are all of the Pre-K team!
After a couple of hours all was moved into their rightful place and I again looked at my classroom. I imagined children in each center. Would they be happy there? Will they be comfortable? Do they have room to move about but not enough to run? Will they learn there? Is my room child friendly? Is it an environment where ALL children can learn and feel as if it is THEIR classroom? If I were a child would I want to be here? If it were MY child who was to be in this classroom would I want them here?
When I was satisfied with the structure of the classroom I then began to look at the walls and knew I was no where near finished. I had much to do. But bone tired I reluctantly gathered my materials, took another satisfied look around, switched off the lights and closed the door on MY Panda Bear Classroom.