I teach 5th grade in a small rural school in a beautiful town in North Idaho. I typically have a large class size. I average between 25 and 30 students per year. Teaching 5th grade has been the highlight of my career, it is what I was meant to do. I enjoy each and every one of my amazing students.
I strive to create a classroom that is more like a home.
It is important that students feel welcome and have predictability every day. The students spend so much time here. They should have a calm and beautiful space to learn.
My Project
I truly believe in creating a clean and organized classroom for my students. According to Handbook for Qualities of Effective Teachers by James H. Stronge, Pamela D. Tucker and Jennifer L. Hindman, "Classroom Organization focuses on the physical environment. Effective teachers organize a safe classroom environment (Educational Review Office, 1998). They strategically place furniture, learning centers, and materials in order to optimize student learning and reduce distractions."
My students work towards their student led conferences throughout the year.
They save work samples weekly, they also graph their progress and set both academic and behavior goals. The students are very proud of the work they do. They also know that by focusing on ways to improve, they can make that change and do better.
I am requesting materials that will help us be organized. Since students file work samples every week, we need a better system. I have a very large class every year. Currently, we utilize 2 small file crates on the floor for portfolios. It is very inefficient and time consuming for all the kids to get their materials into the boxes. The "mail box" I requested would allow the kids to quickly add their papers into the slot in a quick and efficient manner.
The other requested organizational materials are to help me to organize my classroom library. I would like to set it up be genre. The book bins will enable me to do that.
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