My goal this week was to get into my classroom for only a couple of days and do a much set up as I could. I entered my classroom and tried to remember where I shoved everything 6 weeks ago. Let me tell you the older you get and the longer you teach the harder it is to remember where you shoved things for the summer break. Every closet is a surprise, Ha Ha. Then I see all of things I need to unload and put back in their places. Sooooo Fun! Not!!
My goal when I write here is to share experiences but also I like to share a tip or two that may save you time.
This year I was lucky no one used my room as in the past, so here's a great tip if you can do it: set up your room with your beginning of the year bulletin boards and charts/posters prior to leaving.
I have never been one to have every inch of my room decorated. Tip: it's O.K. to keep your room simple. Why? because, I have found it hard for the students to focus and settle down when a room is too busy with stuff everywhere. Kids only notice things for a while and then it gets ignored. So for my boys and girls basic charts/posters are up: numbers with number words, colors with color words, my poem of the week, homework chart, and behavior chart. These charts I've made and are scaffolds. I scale them to just words later in the year. Don't get me wrong as the year progresses I add things to our room environment we have created as a class, or relates to our theme. These seem to be more meaningful to all. Finally, my last tip don't be afraid to get rid of (put away) things your class won't be using anymore. It's O.K.
Well best of luck to those who are starting next week and if not continue to enjoy your summer break.
Thanks for reading and here's to saving time.
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