I don't really think cute organization is important, but clean is important to me. This has been tough for me for a while because I have a hard time throwing away anything. My advice--throw things away. If you didn't use it last year, you probably won't use it this year. With more space, you will be more productive.
So, here's my cabinet. It is simply organized.
Kid supplies- I hate messy kid desks. I really believe being organized leads to success in school.
Kids need lots of structure to achieve this. Especially kids who struggle!
Here's my plan:
In kid desks everyone has the same thing. At the beginning of the year, I do not let the kids keep all of the supplies. I put some away, and we practice using part.
We begin with:
-independent art boxes that hold crayons, markers, etc.
-individual math boxes with math manipulatives
(Neither of these go in desks. While that would be convenient, they take up space and distract kids.)
-In desks:
-A work folder (this houses Homework and classwork)
-A graded work folder
-A journal (spiral notebook)
-Independent reading book
That's it!
I give out mini note-booklets for each subject and teach organized note taking etc.These notes go in the work folder. I take up the notes at the end of each unit and put them with the graded work.
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Starting Out
There are so many teaching ideas floating around, and I love to peruse them! But all the ideas can be so overwhelming. One of the most difficult jobs of a teacher is prioritizing! There are so many ideas and responsibilities and so little time. Frankly, sometimes "cuteness" can overwhelm substance, and classroom decor can distract from preparing in more substantive ways for a productive school year.
Since I moved from being a middle school teacher to an elementary school teacher, I was intimidated by the culture of a classroom's appearance being viewed as a representative of a teacher's worth. Each year, I have to remind myself that matching baskets from Lake Shore Learning don't enhance learning. A positive learning environment and organization, however, are important. This is a struggle for me too, since organization is not my forte. I am always struggling to be more organized, so I teach this important skill to students and so I can be more effective.
I find that I can do more better when I focus on a few important things. So, in case you are like me, here are my necessities:
A job chart- Mine is small. Kids usually remember their jobs. It doesn't need to take up valuable wall space.
An editing check list and revision check list that will grow, so I just add a title.
A word wall- Store Bought letters work great.
Rules Posted Clearly
A behavior chart with magnets, and a portable one too.
A crate for graded work to be stored by student- I do this because I want a quick reference when I need to meet with parents or an A-Team.
A crate for handouts for each day of the week.
Birthday presents for the kids (not a birthday chart...again--I want the wall space for anchor charts)
A detailed Power Point with class procedures.
An organized classroom library
Supplies organized in some way (See Supply Post)
Some baskets for organizing (late work, office papers and money)
A shelf behind teacher desk for supplies
Student organization
Since I moved from being a middle school teacher to an elementary school teacher, I was intimidated by the culture of a classroom's appearance being viewed as a representative of a teacher's worth. Each year, I have to remind myself that matching baskets from Lake Shore Learning don't enhance learning. A positive learning environment and organization, however, are important. This is a struggle for me too, since organization is not my forte. I am always struggling to be more organized, so I teach this important skill to students and so I can be more effective.
I find that I can do more better when I focus on a few important things. So, in case you are like me, here are my necessities:
A job chart- Mine is small. Kids usually remember their jobs. It doesn't need to take up valuable wall space.
An editing check list and revision check list that will grow, so I just add a title.
A word wall- Store Bought letters work great.
Rules Posted Clearly
A behavior chart with magnets, and a portable one too.
A crate for graded work to be stored by student- I do this because I want a quick reference when I need to meet with parents or an A-Team.
A crate for handouts for each day of the week.
Birthday presents for the kids (not a birthday chart...again--I want the wall space for anchor charts)
A detailed Power Point with class procedures.
An organized classroom library
Supplies organized in some way (See Supply Post)
Some baskets for organizing (late work, office papers and money)
A shelf behind teacher desk for supplies
Student organization
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