Several weeks ago, I had the extreme privilege of visiting my childhood elementary school to check out the newest and best in classroom decorations! Despite their busy schedules - meetings and last minute preparations before school started the next day - the gracious teachers at Hartville Elementary welcomed me into their colorful and engaging world; a world in which they will spend countless hours the next 180 days, impacting the lives of the children in our community. I thank you all for dedicating your lives to helping our children grow, both as students and individuals. Here's to a brilliant school year, ladies and gents! {And thanks a million for allowing me the opportunity to visit your classrooms! I had a blast!}

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We promised pictures of Mrs. Nalepa's awesome elementary classroom and we won't disappoint! Seeing the awesome apple displays outside her classroom, we were expecting a continuation inside, but we were pleasantly surprised to find a fun Eric Carle theme!

Carle Themed Advice Board

It can be a little scary entering a new classroom. Mrs. Nalepa helps her kiddos feel more at home by having students from the previous year write letters containing advice and encouragement. This not only creates material for a cute welcome/advice board, but helps Karla test and assess her students' writing progress at the end of the year!

Eric Carle Inspired Reading Nook

Now this is by far our favorite part of the classroom - the fabulously fantastic Eric Carle inspired reading nook! Making use of the hook space previous used for backpacks and coats before metal lockers were installed, Karla hung fabric drapes, inspired by Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar, added stuffed animals, pillows, a carpet square and a small bookshelf to complete the nook. It turned out spectacularly!! We're sure Mrs. Nalepa's students are going to be lining up to use the space!

Classroom Photo

Supplies for this bulletin board...

Eric Carle Advice Board

• Sky blue bulletin board paper
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar straight border
• Construction paper in various colors

Reading Nook Display

• Yellow bulletin board paper
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar straight border
• Patterned bulletin board letters