Think about your classroom. It’s all packed up in boxes right now.
One of the best things about being a teacher is that all things come to an end and then all things start over again. Who else gets a complete restart?
Let’s take advantage of it.
SUMMER RETHINK: What’s working?
Does the flow of the classroom work for you and your students. Can they get around effortlessly?
Can they reach all their materials?
Students should know the classroom inside and out. If we want independent learners, we need to set up the classroom to make this a reality.
Think about it before you start moving tables.
I’m not saying you’ll only move furniture once, but it might help.
SUMMER RETHINK: What’s Not Working?
Do you like the common areas?
Can all your students sit comfortably?
Can they all see the board?
What about your classroom library?
Is it organized?
Making sure these areas are easily accessible and manageable will make your life easier.
SUMMER RETHINK: Student Materials
Doesn’t it make you a little crazy when a student can’t find their poetry folder?
OR you have to pass out 20 journals every morning?
Consider file boxes.
I requested file boxes from our parents for student supplies.
Of course, I had extras in the class (from thrift stores).
Students kept their Morning, Journal, Poetry Folder, Math Journal, Reading Response Journal, and Bag of Books (ziploc bag with their small group instruction books) in their file box. They carried their file box to center spots with them AND they had a shelf spot, so materials were always handy.
Rethink…
Using our End-Of-The-Year packing and August unpacking ritual as a rethink…we can make sure our classrooms our classrooms offer the best benefit for everyone.
Here’s a checklist to make you rethink your room.
If you would like the Classroom Makeover Checklist, click the link.
