Showing posts with label Classroom 117. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Classroom 117. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Class Pics

Most people post pics of their classroom at the beginning of the school year, which seems like the logical thing to do...But seeing is how I'm FINALLY getting around to adding stuff to my walls, I thought I'd share what I've done so far (with three months remaining). This year my reading intervention room is in what is supposed to be the music room. I don't really have "bulletin boards," rather I have six large sound-proof boards...When I was a classroom teacher I would have KILLED for these boards, but this year am having a hard time coming up with boards that work for all my K-4 students AND getting things to not fall down is a super challenge.

I realize the pics aren't the greatest, but I'm going to blame Steve. He finally gave me back my camera...with an uncharged battery and no charger. Fail.


All of my kids LOVE to read non-fiction books, but most of them don't understand how to use the information appropriately to deepen their understanding. Each time we talk about a characteristic, we copy a page from the book we found it in and hang it up on the board with a "label". If you'd like to use the this template, you can download it here! (I just printed the pdf on cardstock, laminated, and cut them out).


I've realized that many of my 3-4 students don't understand why they are reading. I usually get the response, "Because my teacher makes me." I decided to back track a little and help out my K-2 students. Each week I select a short story to read aloud, and together, we determine the author's purpose. It's hard to see, but I stapled three pie pans to the board. Under each pie pan, there is a definition...After reading a book, I copy the title page and place it around "persuade, inform, or entertain". You can download them here!


Each year I've had to make new comprehension posters to fit in the classroom space I have...I am hoping this is the last time I will have to redo them...Everytime we talk about a strategy, we add words or pictures to represent what it means. For those of you who aren't familiar with Tanny McGregor's book, "Comprehension Connections," I highly suggest reading it...It's where I got most of my ideas for teaching comprehension. Download them here!

If you have any pics of boards in your room, please send me the links...I still have three more to go!

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Classroom 117

About a year ago I wrote a post about my new classroom. I was so super-pumped about my new lime-green room! I thought for sure this would be the room I'd settle in for a while, after all, I spent a couple pay checks purchasing furniture to fit my new space...


Well, this year I will be moving into a new room...yet again! I'm very excited to be moving into a new reading intervention position, but I find myself struggling to come up with my room design. Secretly, I heart coming up with new room designs. Instead of creating the typical meeting area, Daily Five and math learning stations, and group meeting space...I will be creating four areas for reading intervention. (I'll have 2-3 other teachers and support staff pulling groups at the same time). I feel like a first-year teacher thinking about the layout of my new space!


Today I came across The Make Room, a site (on Pinterest, of course) which allows you to design your own space. All you have to do is add in the dimensions. It's practically the most genius site of all time. Translation: I've spent 75% of my day using it! I don't have my room finished yet, but I'll throw some pics of my new space at you. I'll make updates as I progress...but I'd love to hear any suggestions you have for me!


There's all my stuff! Yikes.
Wishing the blank wall was storage cabinets!
The only storage cabinet...and yes, it's already loaded with my stuff!
More stuff...
...and more of my stuff. 
I've always wanted a bedroom with vaulted ceilings, but I'll settle for a classroom! 
The purple wall folds up and leads to the school's stage...Did I mention it's also magnetic? (Just might be my favorite part of this room!)
More to come!