Before pictures and decorating plans

As some of you already know, I will be teaching first grade at the International Academy of Suriname in Paramaribo, Suriname this up coming school year. One of the teachers there sent me pictures of my classroom. The current teacher had already taken down everything. I have to admit, I was a bit nervous when I saw these photos. BUT, then, I got excited at the challenge of decorating this room and making it cute, welcoming, and comfortable.

First the pictures, then I will share some of my ideas. 

This looks like it might be a reading/library area. I am praying I can find a different piece of carpet somewhere for a reasonable price. If not, I'll make do.  Also hoping I can find some big pillows or cushions to line the wall. Hoping I can find some sort of baskets or bins to organize the library.

I bought some small white curtains to go over that window.  As you can see, it is a chalkboard! Which is fine. I am one of those who prefers a chalkboard over a dry erase board.   Student desks. Not sure how I am going to arrange those yet. 

A view of the room from the teachers desk. Yes, that material map will be coming down. Will try to find a different spot for it.  :) I can't wait to get there so I can see if I can do some rearranging. 

View of the teacher desk area. Those curtains are coming down! :) I've found some cute ones at Walmart, of all places. :) Pic posted below. 

Another view of the room.  I see a lot of potential! Here is my main dilemma. I can only take two suitcases at 50 pounds each. So, I am limited to how much school stuff I can bring with me. But, regardless, there are some things I have to take with me, as they are difficult to find there.  

I am not really a theme kinda girl. However, I usually have color schemes. I am thinking yellow and green with polka dots.  Here are some things I picked up today. (BTW, the Carson Dellosa items were 20% off)

LOVE these letters. AND they are already pre-cut. I am investing in a small personal laminator to take with me.  They weigh about 4 pounds, but I think it will be worth the sacrifice of an extra pair of shoes or two. :)

Pictured above are letters, name tags for the desks, name tags for the students, and some accents I will use in the room to label things. 

My bulletin board border. LOVE. :)  I was told the school does have bulletin board paper. I am hoping they have green and yellow. If not, I 'll just make do with whatever is available.

My alphabet boarder.

The curtains I found at Walmart. The picture is not very good. But they are green with white polka dots. I was excited to find these!

So, there you have it. I have got my work cut out for me. BUT I am up for the challenge. I think the hardest thing for me is not being able to get in my room now! I usually like to work on my room a little at a time all summer. This year, I have to wait until I get there. That is why I am trying to get my stuff together and get a plan of action so I can hit the ground running. 

PLEASE leave me a comment if you have any ideas or suggestions!