Thursday, August 2, 2012

A Classroom Glimpse

Yesterday was the first day I ventured back into my classroom. I love the whole process of getting the room ready for the new school year. Everything looks so clean and fresh. It's my hope that each year I improve upon the last one. Trying out new ideas and materials . . . keeping those that are useful and effective. Reflecting on past practices and trying new ones.

Everything is quite bare right now, but I thought it would be fun to share glimpses as my classroom transforms and is ready for the first day of school.

The Word Wall

I will take these words off the wall before the first day of school. I put words up as students begin to learn them. As they no longer need the support of having specific words on the board, I take them down. New ones are added throughout the year. They're color-coded and laminated. The print is large enough to be seen from across the room.

Focus Wall

I have a Focus Wall that's next to my Word Wall. I use it primarily for our language arts activities: theme, comprehension strategies and skills, weekly sight words and vocabulary, and our academic vocabulary word for the week.

Teaching Wall

These are the white boards that run across the front of my room. The white boards slide across and more white boards are behind them. I love this feature, because I can save things on the boards and move them behind others I'm currently using. A strip of cork is along the top for hanging charts. An abundance of cupboards sit below the ledge. Not sure if you can see, but each cupboard has a lock, too, for safe storage. 

Behind the sliding white boards are top to bottom bookcases. This is where I keep my professional books, binders, and textbooks. The books are hidden from view. This is another feature I just love. It really helps with organization.

This is just a glimpse, but I will share more as I prepare and progress. I'd love to see what features of your classroom help your organization.


11 comments:

  1. You look so organized! I hope I can be this organized when I get back to school which will be Aug. 13. I will probably go back next week and get started. I am getting that overwhelmed feeling thinking about all I want to get done.

    Teresa
    2nd Grade Pig Pen


    2nd Grade Pig Pen

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    1. Hi Teresa,

      I know what you mean about getting overwhelmed. So much needs to be done before the beginning of the school year. Enjoy these couple of weeks before you go back.

      Mona

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  2. Looks like you have a wonderful amount of storage in your room! I would love to have that!
    Lori
    Conversations in Literacy

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  3. That whiteboard is cool! One of my professors had a chalkboard version when I was in college.

    Sara :)
    Smiling In Second Grade

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  4. I LOVE the whiteboard! The academic vocabulary board is a good idea too. Can't wait to see more. I can finally get in next Wednesday and can't wait!

    Tammy
    The Resourceful Apple

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  5. I can't wait to see more of your room! If you have time stop by my blog and join my "Classroom Tours Linky Party"! I would love to see it when you are complete! :)

    Brigid

    Brigid's Daily Lesson Log

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  6. I found you via your comment on Doodle Bugs blog! So glad I did...your blog is wonderful! KPM Doodles is one of my very favorite clipart artists:) I love your ''Cookie's Week" response freebie! That is one I enjoy sharing during those first days, too!!
    Synonym Rolls & Antonym Moments

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  7. That white board is from heaven! So useful! Thanks for the google docs advice!!

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  8. That white board is from heaven! I love the focus wall idea. I need to do that as well. Thanks for the google docs advice! Hope you have a great school year!

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  9. Your room is looking good! I found your blog on a Linky Party. It's cute! I'm your newest follower. When you get a chance, hop on over and check out my new blog.
    Christy :)
    Mrs. Christy's Leaping Loopers

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  10. Love, love, love your classroom features, especially the Word Wall. Looking forward to seeing more as you progress :]

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