Ready for more school? I'm sure some (if not most) of you are so bored with this...but sorry, I'm not done yet.
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| This could possibly be one of my favorite parts of the room. It's definitely one of the most improved. |
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| I made the bottom 4 "event" cards myself. I have fallen in love with ThistleGirl Designs clip art. Too stinkin' cute. |
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| Not really readable (and kind of plain/lame looking right now), but these are the "classroom expectations" (a.k.a. rules). I didn't want to call them rules because I believe that all students are responsible for their behavior. So I "expect" them to do the things on our list - like learn something new everyday, learn from mistakes, respect each other, etc. |
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| Loved by students (and me) - the birthday chart. Again, I used clip art from ThistleGirl Designs. I chose clip art that looks like each student. They love it. So I've used their characters in other ways in class. |
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| Classroom helpers - a.k.a. class jobs. Confession: I always forget the pledge of allegiance. My bad. So I made it a job. lol. I used the kids' clip art pictures here as well. The cut in half envelope at the bottom holds the kids who don't have jobs. |
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| Clearance pencil cups from IKEA - love it. Dull pencils/sharp pencils. We only sharpen during recess - and it's one person's job for the week. No more noisy pencil sharpener interrupting my teaching. =] |
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| Workshop - something my site teacher used last year. Students do workshop while I work with small groups for leveled reading. I'm going to add more to it in January. Everything included in workshop has a purpose and aligns with the curriculum. It is not just busy work. I don't believe in busy work. |
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| First order of business when I began teaching -- all art supplies and everything else goes in the cubbies. The only thing in their desks are the books they need every day and one pencil. Everything else went home if it didn't belong at school (such as toys, binders, etc.) or in the cubby. |
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| Labeled workshop paper boxes. |
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| I got this idea from Ladybug's Teacher Files. I made this sign myself, but she has one available to download for free on her blog. It's a reminder for the kids to put their name and number on their paper before turning it in. The bin is from the Dollar Tree. Perfect size for an inbox! |
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| Best idea ever - a sign/list for things to do when students finish all of their work. Everything on the list aligns with curriculum and enhances what we're learning in class. Examples: make a map, write in your journal, study math facts with a friend, write your spelling words 3x each, etc. |
More tomorrow. I'm exhausted. Today I received the WHOLE curriculum set for the language arts program we use (Story Town). It came in about 15 big boxes. And of course, I
had to take it all out and put it all away before leaving. I'm nuts, I know.
P.S. - I have been hassled enough about the DIY magazine files that I created earlier this year - through comments and more recently through emails. I deleted the post. Yeah, I know. I shouldn't give in to the people who hated it, but I'm not dealing with the crap I was getting from them all anymore. So if you loved that post, I'm sorry, but it's gone. It was so popular, and half of the reason my blog has boomed. I'm sad, but I'll get over it. I have the real thing in my home. =]
Way to go on the organization!! That's a whole lot of stuff to be organized. It mus have taken so much work. And poo to the people sending nasty emails about your magazine files. I'm not sure I've ever read that post but shame on people who go out of their way to spread their hate.
ReplyDeleteWas also wondering you had announced the winners for the Erin Condren giveaway in regards to filling out the survey about your blog. I couldn't find the winners posted though I'm sure you probably drew them. Thanks!
I'm not a teacher, nor will I really ever be one (except for my kids one day), but I had fun looking at your pictures, organization ideas, activities, etc. You are very dedicated to teaching, and that's fabulous and inspiring! I'm sure your students will thrive in that classroom!
ReplyDeleteNow I'm really curious about those magazine racks. I haven't had time to go through all your website yet, and now I'm sad there's one of your great ideas I'll never see (if I haven't already, but don't recall...).
Looks awesome. I LOVE organizing. I can't wait to tackle the art center for my kids in my craft room at home. I'm always looking for great ideas (except lots of people use IKEA and I don't have one where I live)
ReplyDeleteDon't let the negative comments bother you. In my experience those people are like that because they're unhappy with their own lives and are maybe even a bit jealous.
I LOVE what you've done! The birthday chart is awesome! Great job!
ReplyDeleteI'm a pre-service teacher (in my second year of college) and I find this post so inspiring! Just a few more years to push through and I will have a classroom all to myself! Yay!
ReplyDeleteI taught for a couple of years (also in SLC) before going back to school for a Master's. Anyway, at the work turn-in bin, I attached a highlighter, and the students had to highlight their name before putting the paper in the bin. Most of them loved using the highlighter, and it reminded those who hadn't written their names to do so. Anyway, thought you might like that. I love your blog!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving all the pictures of your classroom. you're doing a fabulous job!!!
ReplyDeleteI want to be a student in your classroom! It looks so peaceful & organized!
ReplyDeletefound a broken link through pintrest for the self-made magazine holders you are referencing... I WANNA SEE EM! lol...there's still a photo out there, just so you're aware. and obviously interested parties.... Maybe consider reposting stating "use a box" with these rough measurements.... I've been making a filer from HoneyComb boxes from a tutorial that was on the side of their box found at http://www.gobigfortheplanet.com/RecyclingRack/ anyhoo...if you'd like to share, I'm all ears (or eyes, as it might be in this situation ;) )
ReplyDeleteLove your organization and the cheerful open look of your classroom! As a cpulsive organizer and a teacher I completely get it. I wanted to share a few fun things that I do. On the jobs chart( LOVE the kids pics) I label the envelope with names of the jobless as"vacation". Class rules are called. Norms , a word that implies that we all agree that this is expected behaviors. Also it's a word you can use for other pursuits like science or group work.I can ask "what are the norms for group work?" before we start to get everyone focused. Keep up the great job!
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