Be sure to visit my store for the back to school sale on 8/20! All of my doodle notes (even already reduced ones) are on sale for 25% off! The code is BTSBONUS19
Name Tags
Yes, you need them and no they aren't "so elementary school." I have around 130 kids to get to know so I create bookmarks that double as name tags. Kids use them to mark the page they are on in their science journal and them prop them up on their desk during class so that I can see their name during the first weeks of school. Click my post here for more details.
Objective Board
I'm a firm believer that my students benefit from seeing the learning goal displayed Every. Single. Day. This is backed by some solid research, so it's worth taking the time and making a dedicated space in your classroom. When students know what the goal of class is, they are more likely to focus on achieving the it.
I post the homework right in the same area. Kids then have one place to look for information when they walk in the room! There are many creative ways to do this, but I ordered these large magnets online at Vista Print (using a Groupon) a few years ago and I LOVE how well they have held up!
Exit Ticket Board
Post-it exit tickets require zero prep and can provide you with meaningful information. In my class, each student gets a number and then sticks their post-it on the numbered square as they leave the room. (I picked a huge blackboard in my classroom that was otherwise wasted space.) and drew the squares using chalk markers.
A System for Returning and Collecting Papers
There are lots of ways to do this, but I like to keep this process as easy to maintain as possible. I keep a laminated folder for each class of papers that need to be returned. I assign a few students in each class to be in charge of checking the folder daily and returning any items inside. If students are absent their work stays in the folder and they can check for it when they return.
Classroom Motto
Doesn't this apply to pretty much everything? I found myself saying it so often with my students that I created a giant bulletin board that I could refer to regularly! We have specific school rules which are included in each student planner, so instead of adding a list of classroom rules I stick with this simple phrase...
An Organized Teacher Work Station
The first week of school is chaotic and there are lots of items to remember. Have a plan for making your "Notes to Self" and keeping them organized! If my desk is a mess I feel scatter-brained and less efficient during my planning time. I use sticky notes and then place them all on one page for easy reference. Here are some free printable calendar sheets that I made to store my reminders and notes each month. Click the image to download for free. (There is one for each month of the year.)
Student Resource Center
An organized location for extra copies, options for extra support and a class sign out for music lessons or lavatory use is a must! Here is what it looks like in my classroom:
- Extra classwork copies
- Extra homework copies
- Lav sign out binder
- Options for extra help (Learning center hours, my extra help times, Schoology info, Remind alert info...etc)
Long Term Bulletin Boards
I have had good intentions of changing my displays with every unit, but I've come to the conclusion that my planning time is best spent doing just that...planning. Now I try to create displays that work ALL year and can relate to all the topics that we are studying!
This display emphasizes thinking with a positive science mindset! (more details here)
Here is another LONG TERM bulletin board. This display is a great way to house student questions relating to the unit you are studying! (more details here).
Student Reminders
I've used similar icons on my objective board for a few years now so that kids know what to have out when class starts. This year, I created a set to post in the hall on my door frame so that kids can see from the hallway what supplies are needed for class. Click for more info about my reminder icons.
Sub Folder
I'm pretty sure that if my sub folder isn't ready to go from day one, I'm bound to get the flu the first week! This is a simple task that will be helpful when you are feeling at your worst, so be sure to get this done before the year starts.
Include:
Daily Teaching Schedule
Class lists
(Note emergency medical information about students)
(Consider including the names of a few student leaders who can assist the sub.)
Fire Evacuation and other Emergency Procedures (Simplify as much as possible for easy reading.)
Seating Charts
Note sheet for sub (see below).
Thank you note to the sub for working with your students in your absence
Here is a sheet that you can leave in your sub folder so that you can get details about how things went while you were out! Click the image to grab a free copy to use in your sub folder.
Here is a sheet that you can leave in your sub folder so that you can get details about how things went while you were out! Click the image to grab a free copy to use in your sub folder.
Classroom set-up is a lot of work, but I just love the optimism and excitement I have when I get things ready for a new group of students! I hope these 10 tips are helpful as you enter a new year of successful teaching and learning. Be sure to sign up below to get more freebies and tips for teaching in the upper grades.