When you walk in, you'll be greeted by a bookshelf with our new text books nestled in. Once the kiddos arrive, each class will have their own shelf. Behind the bookshelf and flanked by another is our rug area where I'll hold number talks and some of our lessons. This area also houses our flexible seating options, which include cushioned crates, pillows, carpet squares, bean bag chairs, stability balls, and a rocking chair. I'm still working on the best way to avoid arguments over who gets what type of seating, but have put forth a "one cush per tush" rule.
On the back side of the rug area, you'll notice some stick-on whiteboard space, in addition to the larger whiteboard. There were enough spots for all students to work on the board last year. We have larger classes this year, but there is still a lot of VNPS (vertical, non-permanent surface) for students to work. You can just see the edge of the easel I'll use when jotting down student ideas. I have a nifty cart gifted to me by someone fabulous through the #clearthelist movement (THANK YOU), which holds all my instructional goodies for both rug time and working at the teacher table, pictured below. I've also applied some whiteboard surfaces to the tables.
The last picture above shows the supply center, which includes numbered scissors, glue sticks, highlighters, erasers, and sticky notes. Each student is assigned a number and may borrow supplies from the supply center. I used to put pencils in here, too, but they disappeared last year.
You may have noticed a little desk tucked in between the closet and the bookshelf. This is our in-class break space. It has some calming activities and a three minute timer for when students need a little break, but can remain in the classroom to take it. This is the first year I'll be rolling it out from day one, so fingers crossed!
On the outside wall, we have the "This is What a Mathematician Looks Like" board, as well as the "Fun Friday" board, scrap paper, teacher resources, Social Studies resources, a game shelf, decimal vocabulary, and cleaning caddies. The cleaning caddies are new this year and contain wipes, paper towels, and a small broom and dustpan to help students become proactive in keeping the classroom tidy.
On the opposite wall is our "What is Math?" board, complete with a basket holding sticky notes and pens. Anyone who enters is encouraged to share what Math is to them on stick it on the board. You can also spot the Resource Center where students can access important handouts, graphic organizers, etc. A little further down is some more VNPS. Our clothes line number line sits below this giant bulletin board. To the left is where I'm storing our pool noodle fraction bars, class turn in bins, and Standards for Mathematical Practice.
Student desks are numbered and grouped in 4's or 6's. Seats are randomly assigned by students drawing numbered ping pong balls for the first couple of weeks. The projector also has whiteboard space underneath. The daily agenda is projected with a Do Now each day when students enter. I'm fortunate enough to have a TON of whiteboard space!
I've got a few finishing touches to add, such as this awesome ice cream light, but I'm in great shape to welcome kiddos! I can't wait to see what this year has in store!
No comments:
Post a Comment