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Why is classroom organization crucial?
Why is classroom organization crucial?
Classroom organization is crucial to a successful learning environment because it promotes routine, helps students feel a sense of control, and limits unnecessary distractions. Whether they know it or not, students thrive when in a place of comfort and familiarity. By having routines, you're allowing them to come into the classroom and not be surprised by what's expected of them. In a world where some students may not know where they'll sleep that night, having this comfortable routine can be so refreshing. When life can feel out of control, it's important to make our classes feel the exact opposite. And this is why it's also vital to limit distractions. As a teacher, I want to elicit student input on this and ask what helps or deters from their learning within a classroom space. See Rules & Procedures for further discussion on these topics.
What materials will I need for my classroom?
What materials will I need for my classroom?
Need is a very strong word, but there are plenty of things that I will want for my classroom aside from the bare necessities. Speaking of which, those necessary items are also listed on the brief PowerPoint to the left. Some of the items that I would love are the following: a stocked classroom library, comfortable chairs, academic posters, arts & crafts materials, and fidget toys. Once again, a full list of wants can be found on the left. Keep in mind this is an ever-growing list that I'm sure will be regularly updated as I start my educational career.
Why is the physical organization of a classroom important?
Why is the physical organization of a classroom important?
The physical organization of a classroom is important because it aids in cooperative work, overseeing student progress, and creating a welcoming environment. It's vital for a teacher to organize their desks in a way that promotes all three of these points. We must allow students to work together to learn, to be able to get quick help when needed, and to feel like they're wanted in the classroom. Not only should the seating arrangements showcase this, but also the decor around the room. The physical organization of a classroom must walk a fine line of doing all of this while also not being too distracting.
How would I organize my future classroom?
How would I organize my future classroom?
Unfortunately, I've never been blessed with an eye for interior design. Thankfully, I have been blessed with a sister who is a preschool teacher and excels at decorating classrooms. We already have an agreement that once I get my own room, she is going to come in and help me put it together. In my defense, I do know how I'd like to arrange tables and put things like books in the classroom. Found above is a very rough idea of what my class may look like in the future. Notice how the tables are in a circle that is great for Socratic seminars, discussions, and/or fishbowls.
Why are the first days of school so important?
Why are the first days of school so important?
The first days of school are so important because they set the tone for the entire school year. Within the first days, students should (and will) know the type of teacher that you are. These days portray what you expect out of them, how you're going to care about them as individuals, and what they'll be getting out of your class. If you start off on the wrong foot, it will be that much harder for your students to buy in to you as a teacher down the road. It's imperative we make good first impressions in all facets of our classrooms to avoid this pitfall.
What are my priorities for the first days of school?
What are my priorities for the first days of school?
I have three main priorities for the first days of school: create a welcoming climate, make students aware of expectations, and teach common procedures. Creating a welcoming climate is an entire umbrella of itself that consists of reaching out to parents, learning names quickly, and building the classroom community. See Community Building Activities and the parent letter below for more details. Making students aware of expectations means the things expected of them both behaviorally and academically. This will most likely be seen through drafting a class contract and providing students a syllabus. During this discussion, common procedures will also be brought up; I want there to be no surprises in my classroom. See Rules & Procedures for more information.
Why is establishing contact with parents & guardians so important?
Why is establishing contact with parents & guardians so important?
Establishing contact with parents/guardians is imperative because teaching their children is a combined effort between them, me, and the students themselves. Without having at least a minimal professional relationship with them, I'm doing everyone a disservice. Contact also needs to happen as soon as possible. Not only is it a good precedent to set, but it also allows for a sturdy foundation for later conversations (whether they be positive or negative). Guardians should be aware of what is being taught to and who is molding the mind of their child. See the left for a tentative introductory parent letter.
How will I be prepared for substitute teachers?
How will I be prepared for substitute teachers?
Using an idea directly borrowed from my mentor teacher, I will eventually be creating a substitute binder with everything needed to be successful that day included. The following items will be addressed: emergency procedures, daily procedures, our classroom contract, the daily lesson plan, and a class roster. The document to the left is a hypothetical sub letter that I would leave if I missed a day. Notice how included are directions to review the binder, to keep track of stand-out and challenging students, and to write a small note for how each class went.
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