An opportunity arose to transfer to a school closer to my home so I've decided to go for it.
Before the boxing began I took a few pics of my classroom. . .
I have been informed I will have desks at my new school instead of tables. Sad, sad, story! I feel I have SO much more space, flexibility, and community building/cooperative learning opportunities with tables. I will work with desks, but switching them out for tables will be high on my wishlist.
Before the boxing began I took a few pics of my classroom. . .
calendar corner
teaching area
small group teaching area
Daily 5 Book Bins. These are ice cube bins I bought at Target.
Library corner tucked behind my teaching area. The kids love to get cozy with a book in here.
picture books galore
I am leaving great friends, great families, and an amazing Principal. Am I crazy?
But I love the thought of teaching closer to home so I can do a better job of
balancing working life and Mom life.
Let the adventure begin!
But I love the thought of teaching closer to home so I can do a better job of
balancing working life and Mom life.
Let the adventure begin!
Thanks for posting the pics. I love the idea of using ice cube bins for book boxes. I've used bags for the past three years and am thinking about switching over to boxes for next year. Good luck with your new adventure! :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck in your new adventure! I just finished my first year of teaching, and I am trying to decide if I want to get rid of my desks and switch to tables. I am not sure if I can handle the idea of all their stuff being out in the room rather that in their desks. But on the other hand, it drives me crazy when they just shove things in their desks. I also like the idea of being able to move around alot more freely. Any cons to having tables? Please let me know what you think! And thanks for sharing your pictures. I love looking at other first grade classrooms. :)
ReplyDeleteMrs. Thompson
http://adventures-inteaching.blogspot.com
Mrs Thompson. . .no cons once I worked through the kinks. Lots of pros though. I love the extra space, I love kids working with different kids every day, and I really love that there are no hands fiddling in desks or accumulated messes. All of our supplies are on a supply shelf and the kids just take what they need when they leave the carpet (where I conduct all lessons and give instructions). I know some teachers with tables put small supply caddies on the tables, but it didn't work as well for me. The kids do have assigned "writing spots" in various spaces around the room, so if they need their own space or quiet work time they use their writing spots. Otherwise, they can choose any workspace. The only rule is, unless they are working alone, their workspace has to be balanced: both boys & girls and different people than those they sat by the last time. We practice making "balanced tables" and a "balanced carpet" at the beginning of the year so that they have the freedom to choose what works for them. One con I did have to sort out early on was congestion. I had the kids keep their journals, notebooks & writing folders on a cubby-style shelf. I didn't like how backed up the line of students would get. Now we store the notebooks in bins. When it is time to use a specific book I can quickly spread them onto tables so the kids can quickly identify theirs, grab, and go.
ReplyDelete