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WE GOT A TEPEE! That's in all caps because I think I love it as much (maybe more?) than my first graders do! Anyways, we got the tepee through a very generous donor who is a friend of mine. I babysat her daughter while I was in college and she donated money for my first year classroom-- she's a total saint, and she understands that kids benefit from re-arranging a learning space and from new and exciting additions!
I have class "jobs" in my classroom, but a few of them are more like privileges! Getting to sit in the tepee is one of those privileges, along with doing our student-led math calendar on the SMART board. We have a "Tepee #1" person, and a "Tepee #2" person. Obviously, #1 gets first choice of the tepee, but the #2 person can be in there if the first student is gone, at the teacher table, or if they lose their privilege.
I originally had my eyes on a chevron tepee, but I decided that might be a little much, so I went with this white canvas one! The reviews were good, and it shipped SUPER fast. Likewise, I knew I could figure out something to add to it to give it more color. You can find the exact tepee HERE on Amazon . It's currently listed at 89.99 and the colorful fabric triangle banner shown in the picture was included (I just haven't decided what to use it for yet)!
A closer look:
I got these pillow covers for $5 each at Hobby Lobby!
(You know I used that 40% off coupon)!
The 3 fabrics shown are also from Hobby Lobby! (They are always 30% off)! I just cut them into strips and looped them around grey rick rack-- it's super easy!
Another reason I chose this tepee is because I can always see students when they are inside (very important for the first grade rascals I round up every day)! There are ties to tie back the front flaps, and it also has a cute window and two pockets on the side. I've put two books in the pockets that I am recommending to my kiddos for Black History Month.
If you're interested in a tepee, but not brave enough to tackle white (I don't blame you), here are some other great reading spots you may consider for your classroom!!