Classroom Setup

[myelton]

I need to maximize my wall space next year for Writer's Workshop, student work, word walls, etc. I have four book shelves, cubbies, filing cabinets, and a small dresser against the walls now, and I can't really give any of that up. I also have five computers on a long table that cannot be moved because it is mounted to a wall. Does anyone have any suggestions, website or resources that could help?

[Boxcar]

Hmmm... Well, how old are your students? What areas do they access during the school day? Which of these storage spaces do you need regularly? Things like the file cabinets could have large standing panels placed before them. These panels take up little space and are great. You can get ones covered in cork that act as bullentin (sp?) boards.

[Brit]

I cut pool noodles and put them over the edges of shelves I use for teaching resource storage. Then you can tape/tack stuff to the pool noodles for more hanging space.

[dsmms]

Can you create cubicles with the book shelves and file cabinets? That would move them away from the wall which would open up those areas AND the sides of file cabinets can be used as additional "wall" space for magnetic letters or a flat surface for writing on butcher paper. Just a thought.

[lynn bambusch]

I've been known to actually use the ceiling. Students seemed to be looking up there anyway. And it does get their attention.

[Boxcar]

I love the idea of pool noodles. That is a neat one.

I'd like to use the ceiling, but the fire people won't let you. Check out the rules in your area.

[dsmms]

I had a parent paint a ceiling tile for winter. It was so cute. We just replaced the existing tile with the painted tile. When winter was over, we put it back. The kids loved it!

[luv2teachsped]

I too have a very small classroom I am in the process of building up! Putting shelves high up on the wall for storage so I have more precious floor space. I love the pool noodle and ceiling idea,Thanks!!

[llutze]

Definitely keep your computers aligned in a "lab" area. The bookshelves, case, etc. should stay against a wall. Your desk in the corner of the room. Student desks and chairs in the middle...tah dah.

[BHill]

What is the best setup for students desk? I have tried everything from groups of 3, 4, 5, 6, 8; rows of three; pairs and the list goes on. I really like the rows of three but my kids keep running into each other. I really need some great ideas for next year.:confused:

[split on splits]

I teach grade four this year and although it wasn't my first choice, I now see the value in seating the kids in rows, but as pairs. The kids actually like it because they have a desk buddy, and you have lots of room to move around between each row. You have the ability to have the kids turn their desks and make groups of four for cooperative learning activities, or the kids can work in partner pairs. When you need their eyes up front for overhead work or other instruction, their desks are all facing where they need to be.

It works for me.

[hweber]

I ended the year with an auditorium arrangement groups of 3 or 4 in a semi-circle facing the front of the room. Seems to be okay. I am starting out the year with that arrangement. We shall see!

[jsfowler]

I do all Readers/Writers Workshop mini-lessons on giant post-it paper...that way, I can layer similar lessons so as not to take up too much space, yet still be visible/reachable. This year, I am taking the hangers that come with pants to group/hang similar lessons. I bought a spring rod to go in between my filing cabinets on which to hang them. Students and I can access them at any time.

I try to categorize WW on one bulletin board by focus/purpose, idea development, organizations, sentence fluency, word choice, conventions. On the other bb, RW is categorized by reading strategies, literary elements, figures of speech, literary techniques, literary forms, and elements of research.

[jsfowler]

What is the best setup for students desk? I have tried everything from groups of 3, 4, 5, 6, 8; rows of three; pairs and the list goes on. I really like the rows of three but my kids keep running into each other. I really need some great ideas for next year.:confused:

What grade level and subject (of applicable)? I teach middle school language arts. To facilitate discussion, I have 4 rows of 3 desks in the back of the room facing forward. On each side of the room I have 3 rows of 2 desks facing inward. Everyone can see everyone; attention is focused in the center of the classroom...where a lot of great things take place :laugh:

[hweber]

jsfowler - we are beginning to do readers workshop/writer's workshop. Do you have any suggestions?

[jsfowler]

My number one suggestion is to do what works best for your students. At first, I tried to do it exactly like the books...I soon realized that didn't work.

I think the most important part of RWW is the Writer's Notebook and student choice in what to read and write. Remember, this is a work in proogress. This will be my fifth year and I am still adding, altering, deleting...

In preparing for RWW, I would recommend reading all you can by Ralph Fletcher and Aimee Buckner. I would also recommend the site http://www.learner.org/index.html ... it contains videos that discuss how to set up your own RWW.

Good luck...I love RWW. If you have any specific questions, I am happy to respond.

[hweber]

Thanks, I will check it out later today! I am excited but nervous about doing this.