Teacher Talk Tuesday: Classroom Tour

Hello!

How was your Labor Day weekend? Ours was good. We had a mix of down time, busy time, friend/family time, pool time and more.

Now that I feel like I’m in the groove this school year, I thought I’d show you around my classroom.

I shared some back to school photos a few weeks ago, but today I’m honing in on my Top 10 things in my classroom.

I always want my classroom to feel warm and welcoming.

Since I do intervention, I actually don’t need this many tables, but students are able to spread out when they are in my room. Sometimes, I’m helping a couple of students and other times, I might have 12-15 students for small group instruction.

I like for the room to be colorful and cheery. The natural sunlight from the windows help brighten the room. Often times, I don’t even turn on the overhead lights because I have so much daylight thanks to the windows, and I have a few lamps around my classroom.

Whatever classroom I’ve been in, I always have a corner for my area…that way students know to stay in front of my desk. haha

My area is behind the desk, and they get the rest of the room.

The “Save Time …See it my way” poster I’ve had on my desk for all 22 years I’ve taught.

1. Desk

On my desk, I have a few pictures, my desk calendar, supplies and important folders.

2. Computer area

When I moved into this classroom a couple of years ago, I decided to use a table for my computer. In my former classroom, I had the computer on the desk, and I like to have more space this way.

I have two crates under this table that hold a few books and binders I need for reference as well as some extra school supplies.

I also have a stack of lesson plan books through the years. I never want to throw them away at the end of the year. Are there any other teachers reading this post that feel the same way?

3. Teacher planner

While I don’t need a planner to plan out my lessons like I used to, I still use one to pencil in which students I’m helping, which classrooms I need to visit as well as meetings. This is my third year using a Happy Planner, and I really love it.

4. Flat panel

I just got this flat panel at the end of last school year, so I’m still figuring it out. I did go to a professional development last week to learn a few tricks. Like with most technology, the kids can probably teach me quicker than me just messing around with it.

5. Posters

I have posters all throughout my room. Honestly, they don’t change much through the years.

I have fun quotes and motivational posters as well as a few literary ones.

As an English teacher, of course I have reading reminders and proofreading marks…

The three questions I’ve had posted in my room for years. They were shared at a PD years ago, and they are good reminders for students and myself when questioning students.

6. Supplies

Admittedly, I don’t need as many supplies as elementary school teachers do, and honestly, I probably have more than most high school teachers do.

I just re-stock when supplies are on sale in July and August, so I have mostly what students might need.

At the front of my room, I have highlighters, markers, scissors, glue sticks, index cards and more.

7. Pencil boxes

Quite a few years ago, I put one pencil box on every table. These boxes have a couple of pencils, a few highlighters, some markers, colored pencils and crayons.

That way, once students are seated, they have most of what they need right in front of them.

Honestly, this helped more when I had classes of over thirty students and wanted them to stay seated. That’s not as big of a deal now since I work with so few students at a time, but I still like for them to mostly have what they need right in front of them.

8. Books

I have a variety of reading materials and resources for students. I’ve used the Timed Reading books with all levels of learners. They provide good practice with reading comprehension.

The National Geographic books are good visuals for students and are shorter texts that aren’t overwhelming.

The Bluford series books are high interest books for struggling readers.

Through the years, I’ve read them with classes or let students read them individually.

9. My bookshelf

Over five years ago, my neighbor had this bookshelf sitting out on the curb, and I snagged it for my classroom.

On top, I have some family photos, a little plant, some teacher items given to me through the years, and my new candle warmer.

The top shelf holds the textbooks, both teacher and student editions, that I use daily as well as some extra supplies.

The bottom shelf holds a few more knick knacks, photos, and books.

10. Comfy chair

This comfy chair is a favorite spot for students. It’s just an extra spot to sit, but they have to be working or reading in order to sit in it. No phones allowed. It’s for learning, not lounging. 😃

I always feel better once my room is put back together after summer break. I love when students come in and say, “Ms. White, your room is so cute!”

I want it to be comfortable for the students but also for myself since I’m there seven hours a day.

Speaking of my classroom…off to school I go! At least it’s a four day week this week. Thanks for stopping by.