Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Pristine Classroom vs. Environment for Independent Learning

I was looking back at the pictures I took of my classroom at the beginning of the school year. It was so pristine! Now that we have been in school for over 100 days it has a more lived-in look! Using the daily 5 and giving my students time for independent learning has allowed them to really USE the classroom. They have access to what they need when they need it.

Our Daily 5/CAFE board has been put to a lot of use since the first of the year...

Comprehension Strategies

Accuracy Strategies

Fluency Strategies

Vocabulary Strategies
Before: Conference table, math centers, book display

After: Added anchor charts and all the stuff we need to learn!
Before:  2 student computers
After: 3 student computers!
Before: A library full of good-fit books
After: more books and other learning materials







3 comments:

  1. I'm an education major and this is one thing that always bugs me when I go into a classroom because I'm like "how do the kids know where things are?" After talking to many teachers, I have figured out that classrooms are "organized chaos". As long as the kids are learning and have the opportunity to grow, you are doing your job:) Just thought I'd say that!

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    1. Yes, the idea is to start with a clean slate and then create the anchor charts together and introduce the learning materials a little at a time. By February it's pretty cluttered but everyone knows where everything is.

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  2. Before and after photos are always a good reminder of all the learning that is taking place. I struggle at the beginning of the year because I want my room to look inviting, but I also want to make the walls reflect the 'class'. I love how you how the Daily5 allows the children to 'use' the classroom too.

    Thanks for sharing!

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