An organized classroom is essential to start a successful school year because it will show students that I am ready and prepared to be their teacher. Having the classroom prepared and ready to go will save time when I give directions and have students get out supplies. An organized classroom may help some students adjust to the new setting better because they will know there is a system in place that they should follow. Creating an organized classroom environment is a step toward creating a welcoming and safe setting for students to feel comfortable and welcome.
Classroom Materials
Desks, chairs
Tape dispenser and tape
Lined and blank paper
Stapler, staples, paper clips
Hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes
Tissues, paper towels
Lamps, standing and desk lamps
Bookshelves and lots of books!
Inspirational quotes for the walls
Harry Potter Memorabilia
Potted Plants that need little water
Border wall-board borders
Reading cushions, chairs, and couch
Colored pencils, Pens, Markers, Crayons
Rulers, scissors, colored paper, glue sticks
Band-Aids
Student Materials
Writing notebooks
Independent reading book
Chrome books
Folder
Binder
Pencils, Pens
Teacher Materials
staple remover
Pencils, pens, highlighters
Scissors
Clipboards
Paper weight rocks
Desk organizer
Paper trays
Desk calendar
Sticky notes, regular notepads
Whiteboard dry erase markers in assorted colors
Filing cabinet with dividers
Overhead projector and camera
Microphone
Lesson Plans
Substitute Binder with lesson plan
Emergency Binder
Medical Information Folder
Hole Punch
Computer with two screen monitors
Planner
This is a visual of what my classroom will look like. To deal with issues of visibility, distractibility, and accessibility, desks will be orientated toward the front of the room as best they can be. Students will have an initial seating chart, but may be moved if they are a distraction to others in their current seat.
When the information is available to me or at the pre-school year open-house, I will share with parents and students that I will be their teacher. I will have my email address available, as well as information on what supplies students will need.
Here is an example of the email I sent to parents for my Teacher Apprenticeship.
Substitute Teacher Plans
If I will be away for some reason from class, I will tell my students the day and send out an email reminder that there will be a substitute teacher. I will have hour by hour instructions, activities, and expectations for students. A copy of the bell schedule and lunch time will be included. I will thank the substitute teacher for being able to fill in for me. I will have a seating chart list with students' names and pictures. The directions for how to login to the computers and where they can find online materials will also be included. I will provide a sheet they can use to write notes and how the day went.
Here are links to some of the materials I have created.
Link to Essay Rubric
Link to 10 Point Revision Checklist