5 Ways to Use Classroom Window Space

If you are like me, you try to utilize every inch of your classroom.  I'm fortunate to have a room with an entire wall of windows, so I have some suggestions here on how to use them.

Here are 5 ways that you can use that valuable window real estate in your classroom

1) Learning Goals, Homework Assignments and General Announcements-  If you have a small about of board space, these items can take up a lot of much-needed instruction space.  Why not display these on the window using dry erase markers instead?

2) Problem Solving-  When I taught math, my students gained a lot from displaying their problem-solving skills on the board.  When students see their peers working, they can learn by example.  There was never enough space for each math pair to show their work for the class.  Maybe its because it feels a little rebellious, but kids LOVE to write math problems on the classroom windows!

As you can tell, the weather somewhat impacts how well you can read the writing.

3) Concept Mapping-  In science, using giant whiteboards has transformed my teaching.  When students can SEE what other students are recording, observing and thinking they tend to stay focused on the task at hand.  My windows are about the same size as my large whiteboards, so now I have even more room to display student ideas.

4) Essential Unit Questions-  I often break up our science units into big questions, which I display in my room and "check off" as we explore the content.  These usually take up space on my whiteboard, but why not post them on the window?

5)  Inspirational Quotes-  I love all the inspirational messages that I stumble across on Pinterest, and I've been known to share quite a few with my kids.  The window is a great place to share a weekly quote or message!

Now...for all you TYPE A people (which is pretty much every teacher I know)...

How does it clean off?  

1) Students can wipe the dry erase markers off the surface with a regular dry eraser.  It doesn't come perfectly clean, but it is good enough for correcting errors or erasing for the next class (if you have multiple classes like I do).

2) At the end of the day, clean the windows with any glass cleaner and a paper towel.  It comes off perfect with NO marker residue!

I hope you all have a wonderful start to your school year, and that you make use of every valuable inch of learning space you have in your classroom.

Thank you for stopping by my blog for some "Bright Idea" inspiration.  If you enjoyed this post, consider joining me on Facebook and Pinterest for future updates!

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Wishing you your best year yet!

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