I wrote last about how this is the first year I get to teach at the same school two years in a row. And let me tell you, it is just as magical as I anticipated! Everything I thought would be true about the experience is, and it's been wonderful. Since I was super prepared before teachers went back to school, I was able to focus the week of inservice on putting together my classroom EXACTLY how I wanted it.
In the corner of the picture below is my desk area. I like an "L" shape so I have lots of room to organize all the papers I will accumulate. Everything needs to have a space and if I don't have at least two "teacher desk size areas" things pile up and I just can't handle it! Like, it makes my blood pressure rise. No joke. The other long table with all the crates is for my students. Each crate is labeled with a class and this is where they will keep their folders that they use everyday in class. One day I will explain this system in depth and why I'm using it this year!
This is the "student hub." This is where students go for practically anything they would need during my class. There are actually even more labels on the wall now, spelling out exactly what each thing is so students are not confused about the purpose of each tray, clipboard or basket. (One week into school and someone has already ignored the signs, but you can't blame me for trying! hopefully they'll get it eventually!) The gray trays are for students to turn in work. They won't actually turn in much work because I HATE paperwork, but somethings just can't be checked in class. Like tests, and essays. So it's important they know where to put those things. The black trays are for students to pick up handouts that we use in class. Rather than me taking time to pass everything out, each student grabs what is needed and class is ready to begin when the bell rings. The black basket has file folders for each class I teach (U.S. and World History). This is where extra copies of handouts are moved so that students who were absent can easily find what they need without having to consult me. I also have a textbook checkout sheet in case a student needs to take a book home for some reason (because I do not assign books to each student). The other clipboard is where students sign out when they need to leave the classroom to go to the bathroom, nurse, office, or another teacher. There is clearly no sheet in the picture, but I have put several there since school has officially started. All of the items on the shelf are for student use too: books, dictionaries, extra pencils, pencil sharpener, hole punch, stapler, kleenex, germ-x. Everything in the picture is for the students.
This is one view of my classroom that allows you to see how the desks are arranged. I HATE rows. I think they are the most boring an inefficient way to place students. I started with groups because I use basically all of the walls in my room for instruction at some point. The projector and screen is perpendicular to the chalkboard, both of which I use regularly, sometimes at the same time. On the wall opposite the chalkboard is a white board where I post weekly schedules for my students and maps that I reference from time to time. Furthermore, when I teach I walk around. And if I do choose to sit briefly, I sit on top of my desk which is opposite the projector. So it's important for students to be able to see every part of the room easily, and groups seem to accomplish this. I have also learned how to arrange them so that the opening in the desk is not blocked by anything so it's easy for students (regardless of size) to get in and out.
I tried zip-tying the inside legs together to further prevent them from moving. Warning to all other teachers who saw this seemingly brilliant idea on Pinterest, like I did: It doesn't actually work. Maybe if you could find super heavy duty zip ties they would hold. But after only ONE DAY of school, I already had desks coming apart. And I don't think anyone did it on purpose. I accidentally pulled them apart just trying to make a minor adjustment to one of the groups. But, since I have them arranged where it's easy to get in and out, no one has really moved them much. At least not yet. I suppose I'll see if this holds true as the year progresses and they all get more comfortable in my class.
So this is the gist of my room. I was finally able to get rid of everything the previous teacher left so there is no junk and no clutter. (which makes me happy!) My room is exactly how I would like it and it's all because I was able to be prepared. It's amazing what can be accomplish when there is a plan already in place! That's all for now, more to come!
Have a happy school year!
Lauren
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