Classroom Makeover, CC Assessments, & DIY Project

Does anyone out there love a good makeover as much as I do?  It doesn't matter what you're making over.... a person, a room, a house-- I LOVE MAKEOVERS!  Did anyone else out there used to watch "A Makeover Story" on TLC?  Oh, that show seems like forever ago!  Anyways, back to the topic at hand... I'm in the midst of an extreme classroom makeover!!  If you saw my post of classroom pictures at the beginning of the year, then you understand why a makeover is needed.  I was hired the Friday before school started so, needless to say, there was minimal time to set up.  My room has been driving me crazy since day one.  The mismatched border all over my room is enough to push me over the edge!

Of course, the first step to any good makeover is Pinterest-- that is where I began.  I hit the jackpot of all links with this one.  After looking at TONS of other classroom pictures and knowing what colors I'm working with in my classroom {furniture, carpet, etc.} I decided to go with red, bright green, and bright blue/teal as a starting point.  I'm going to use polka dots to help tie it together.  I was inspired most by Deanna Jump's old beach/pirate classroom.  {P.S. That woman is AMAZING!}  Here are some items I've bought to get my makeover started:

I think I have a calendar illness.... this is my 4th calendar set in 5 years of teaching.  I guess I like changing it up!  Thank you to my super duper amazing husband who drove over an hour {each way} to buy this for me.  :)

I was going to just plan out my makeover and do everything over the holiday break, but I can't help myself so I'm working on it a little bit at a time before and after school.  The kids are very excited and have told me we'll have a "very cool" classroom when I'm done!  Silly kids, but I do agree with them!  hehehe

I promise, classroom pictures will be posted as soon as it's ready!  I'm so E.X.C.I.T.E.D.

Ok, on to Common Core Assessments.  I've been searching for some assessments to use on my kids as quick checks on their understanding for the different standards.  I was also looking for a way for my whole grade level team to be on the same page.  I came across Mrs. Vanmeter from Primary Possibilities during my search.  In her TPT store she offers a ton of assessment freebies and some for sale.  You should definitely check it out if you're looking for Common Core Assessments!

Finally, my DIY project {in addition to my classroom makeover}.  I went to Lowe's last night to get materials to make this pirate ship, but I got completely distracted by the aisle of PVC pipe.  My kiddos are having a heck of time with the whole concept of whispering so I'm going to try whisper phones.  I really liked this post from Chalk Talk so that's what I followed to buy my materials.