I added this picture to my page, because it is a good representation of a bright, organized and inviting classroom to me. I hope to one day have the opportunity to design my own classroom but until then, I will gather all the information I can so that I have all the knowledge necessary to create it in the near future.
After doing some research in a field that is entirely new to me; "blogging"....I have come across some interesting sites and so for the purpose of this week's assignment have mentioned them below. There are four sites and despite their differences, there is a striking common trait that links them one to another...the dedication and passion of each teacher! What a great profession when your heart is in it and the success of your students is your goal and ultimate objective! :)
http://iteach16kids.blogspot.com/search/label/classroom%20organization
Being all new to the concept of blogging, I am really not too sure as to what to write or what others will write but I am open minded and so will give this assignment a go and see where it leads me.
I find this teacher's website to be very complete and I like the fact that she has created sections about all topics pertaining to teaching in general. Although she does not expand to great length on the organization and structure of her classroom, she does brush on it and has some good suggestions. She appears to be creative and experienced. Her classroom looks orderly and she comes up with original suggestions on organization and classroom management. She has a passion for teaching and her heart is really in the right place. Her ideas are sharp, her energy flows and her enthusiasm is striking. Her page is full of ideas, suggestions and up to date information. She believes in building centers around children's interests and in her classroom everything is labeled and organized. Colors are bright and stimulating. Daily schedule is easy to read and displayed conveniently on the board for all to see. Rules are clearly posted on walls, the room is busy but does not scream at you. It is orderly and imagination flows. This is another setting that is conducive to learning and in this environment children are sure to be given the best tools to excel and to have fun at the same time.
Thank you for letting me use your blog for the purpose of my assignment. I will revisit it again when I complete my Master's Degree in June 2015.
http://morethanabcand123.blogspot.com/search/label/Busy%20Box%20activities
This teacher's website is also quite original. She comes up with many different activities that seem very entertaining to the children. She is very creative and her educational expertise comes out in the activities that she plans and in the set up of her classroom. I like her style and her energy. I am able to pick up on her enthusiasm as I read her blog. She focuses each activity on a particular skill and children seem to stay on task and engaged during their entire work time, according to her. Using plastic buckets/bins for different activities is a great idea. It keeps things in one place, keeps things organized and is easy to move around. I like the tidiness of her centers. I noticed that her classroom is clean and that all things are neatly placed in different areas, there is order and I believe children thrive in an environment as such. There is no clutter and it is not overly crowded which could cause over stimulation and confusion. In an environment that creates positive stimulation, students will seek to engage more and more. Additionally, I believe that when a classroom is set up beautifully and is inviting to all, children will gravitate towards success and will build confidence and feel happier. Being a teacher is more than ABC and 123, this teacher is absolutely right. It takes skills and creativity, it takes patience and kindness, it takes dedication and drive, it is a very demanding profession but one that also reaps lots of rewards. We get back what we put out...This website appealed to me and I enjoyed looking over the activities and all pictures that illustrated them.
Thank you for letting me use your blog for the purpose of my assignment. I will revisit it again when I complete my Master's Degree in June 2015.
http://qualityearlylearning0to5.wordpress.com/2013/10/07/preschool-classroom-arrangement
I found this website to be very informative and useful. The teacher makes some very good points. I particularly thought it was clever to mention to put all posters and print material on walls at children's eye level. I had not thought of that, but if the purpose of those posters is to be encouraging and stimulating pre-literacy, then I suppose children would benefit more from them if they can see them....
I like how she designed her classroom so that there is a quiet time, but not necessarily for time out, but more for quiet time without it being punitive. I think children need some down time during the day. And here we are dealing with very small children so there will be a need for some down time and some restful times for sure. Children need that space to disconnect somewhat and to recharge batteries. I think that in k-3 classrooms, children are still adjusting to the transition of being a toddler to being a young child and having a quiet place is very necessary. I have also seen some first grade classes where there is a center for playing quietly with soft dolls and stuffed animals. It is a gentle corner to unwind and have a moment with oneself. I think the correct display of centers is very important, keeping the noisy with the noisy (discovering, exploring, playing), the wet with arts and crafts (sand and water tables, play dough) and the quiet with the applied centers (i.e. writing and reading centers). Limiting time as this teacher suggests and rotating centers is a good way to keep everyone engaged and to share the activities among all students.
Thank you for letting me use your blog for the purpose of my assignment. I will revisit it again when I complete my Master's Degree in June 2015.
http://ericabohrer.blogspot.com/2012/09/photos-of-my-first-grade-classroom
What an amazing website and remarkable classroom! This teacher is really on top of things, her classroom has it all and it looks so inviting and cheery. What imagination! I think that the polka dot theme attractive and the bright colors too. I like the organization and the fact that everything has its place and the classroom is orderly. I see that there is literacy posters and all sorts of prints on the walls that are appealing to the eye. The student mailboxes are very handy and is a good way to keep each student's papers and communication with parents separate and private. Children must quite like the idea of having their own mailbox too! The set up of her classroom is roomy and it seems fairly easy for all children to find their centers. Things and places are labeled which is always a good way to stimulate reading and to help children memorize letters and words. I like the student book baggies, I think it is very practical to have them see through so that children can quickly see the books they have in their bag. They are in bright and attractive colors which give a happy spin to reading....
Erica has gotten a lot of positive and lovely comments regarding her classroom. I am now seeing the benefits of blogging a little bit more. I think that I too will create another blog when I am a teacher and use it as a communication tool with other teachers, it is a great way to share, compare and exchange. I am quite happy to have discovered this new way of reaching out to other teachers so I can continue learning...
Thank you for letting me use your blog for the purpose of my assignment. I will revisit it again when I complete my Master's Degree in June 2015.
Picture was retrieved from the following site:
http://www.dishesandsocks.com/2011/06/16/teacher-classroom-organization-part-1/
