Monday, April 22, 2013

My 3 favorite areas of my classroom!

Latoya has another great topic for her "Let's Get Acquainted" linky this week.  Share your 3 favorite areas of your classroom! 


I love looking at (and drooling over) pictures of everyone's classrooms. My room isn't very big and my building is pretty old so I get jealous over a lot of the pictures! But, it's my classroom and we've made it "home!"  So here goes--Yikes, this is scary!  I hope I cleaned good before taking the pictures!  It's just like having company over . . . .
 
Favorite spot #1: Carpet/Smartboard area
This is where my whole class instruction, morning meetings, and read alouds take place.  I use my Smartboard ALL THE TIME (and if you follow my blog and read about my technical issues, YES the Smartboard is fixed!).  Also, notice my Daily 5 board is here.  At this point in the year, we barely even remember it's there, but boy, oh boy, did we refer to that board a lot when we were getting those routines going.  And I also have my easel and chart paper here. We use Wilson Fundations (which I LOVE!) so my easel board is set up with the letter cards most of the time.
 
Favorite spot #2: Guided Reading Table
  

 
This is where the real action takes place!  I love sitting here with my kiddos working in small groups.  It's when I can really get down to the nitty gritty with each and every one of them.  It also keeps me orgainzed to a point because by the end of the day, you can hardly see it because it is my "catch all" area throughout the day.  The fact that I'll need it again in the morning for reading groups forces me to deal with the mess every night before I leave!
 
Favorite spot #3: Behavior Clip Chart

OK, so maybe this doesn't count as an area, but it's definitely one of my favorite parts of my classroom.  It keeps me sane.  My kids live and die by what color their clip is on.  When most are being noisy, but I can find those one or two kiddos that are doing the right thing and tell them to go move their clips up, it's so powerful.  Suddenly, the rest of them are getting their act together and sitting quietly, too!  I love that it not only is a way to punish those who misbehave, but also to reward those who are making good choices!
 
Well, there you have it!  My 3 favorite spots in my classroom.  Now head over to Latoya's blog and link up so you can sneak a peek at everyone else's fave spaces.  I can't wait to go snoop!
 

7 comments:

  1. Hi. Thanks for stopping by. I love my apple tv. But, I do not have a smart board in my class. And yes, brainpop jr. is totally worth it. So many topics science, social studies, math, phonics, and on and on.
    I really like your behavior chart. Being able to move up on the chart is important.

    School Is a Happy Place

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  2. I chuckled at your opening comment on how taking your photos and cleaning is just like having a guest over. So funny, but true! I always notice how everything is always so in it's place in others' classroom photos and wonder how a classroom of kids can actually be that clean. LOL!
    My behavior chart is also one of my favorite areas too!

    ~Traci
    The Bender Bunch

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  3. I have a behavior chart that looks similar to that. The kids to do love their "wow" days for sure. Thanks for stopping by my blog! I'm your newest follower as well!
    Elizabeth
    Kickin’ it in Kindergarten

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  4. Hi Lisa! Thanks for visiting my blog :) My kiddos can "buy" little things like cool erasers and bouncy balls, or they can choose from a bunch of behavior coupons like, "switch jobs with someone!"
    ❤Teri
    A Cupcake for the Teacher

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    1. Thanks! I'm going to give the tickets a try for next year!

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  5. Thanks for sharing your classroom. Where did you find that multicoloured carpet? I have to use duck tape to make a grid on my carpet. I'm so glad I found your blog. Thanks for letting us peek into your classroom.
    Sandra
    www.savvyteachingtips.blogspot.com

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    1. I love that rug because there is no arguing over where to sit and personal space! Our school bought us each one because we all have tiled floors so I'm really not sure where it came from! Sorry I can't help!

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