Since I won't have a classroom to prepare for the 2009-2010 school year, I thought it would be helpful to share some tips to my fellow colleagues as the new school year kicks off!
Yes, some of you have experienced many "first days", but you all know that every year is different than the last, and you always have something you want to change.
Below are a few things to consider as you prepare your classroom, office, or work space to kick off the 2009-2010 school year!
Classroom Layout...- think about the previous year...was there something you didn't like about your the classroom layout? why? draw out your classroom before you get there. Make sure to allow for traffic flow, even in small spaces
- your desk is an important place. Set it up so that you have access to all your things near your desk...you should be able to "roll" around and get to what you need. Have a laptop? leave a space for it on your desk also! bring an extension cord just in case
- create a place for students to put their things when they walk in...remember cubbies in PreK? giving students "cubbies" helps them stay organized
- although it's your classroom, you want to make the students feel at home too. Make sure to give them a place to store their materials. Did you have trouble managing the pencil sharpener and "I need paper!" mid day? set up a rule...bell rings, 9am...whatever suits your schedule...after that, no more materials!
- label it...even older students need to learn what the spaces are and where the things are. put labels everywhere "textbooks" teachers things" paper" ..the more they know the faster the routine will flow..and you don't have to keep telling them where to get things, they can read it!
Paperwork- Just like at home, you need to figure out how to keep, store, and organize all your papers! create folders for the various topics - grade level, testing, county, technology. Color code them!
- Create files on your computer. MDCPS employees have an H: drive...create a folder for every subject, store lesson plans and other things in the appropriate folders. Clean out those folders mid and end of year
Parent Communication- if you like technology, store it all on your electronic gradebook! remember you can keep things private or allow parents to see it. either way it's a click away from printing when needed! before the school year starts set up each student's tab with a "note" for parent communication
Last tip....it will get done! I know you all want to have your classroom up and perfect for day 1...but leave some things stored away for day 6! Students will enjoy walking in on the 2nd week of school and seeing some new things up on the walls, or hearing about some new things you expect from them!!!
Whatever you are planning for this new year, remember...only you know that it didn't work last year! Don't give up on a new strategy or method because it failed the previous year. A new group of students brings new possibilities...set the tone from the first day you meet them, and carry it on each day!
