Friday, August 1, 2014

The Ultimate Classroom Tour

Welcome!

Here is the view of our first grade hallway at Wayland Bonds Elementary!  This year we decided to go with a camping theme.  We made our doorways look like log cabins by making logs out of butcher paper.  We all bought a pine tree from Mardels.  I also had my mom sew red and white checker curtains for each of our windows.  Each one of our doorways has our names on them out of the wooden letters you can purchase from Hobby Lobby or Michaels.
 

Here is the camping welcome sign as you enter the first grade hallway.



 
We each took laminated scrapbook paper and glued it to the wall with a cloths pin.  Now we can easily hang the student's work in the hallway without having to use a lot of tape!  This awesome idea came from my teammate Ms. Fleming!
 


 

My Classroom Pictures

Here is a look into my classroom!
 


 This is my teacher desk.  I got rid of the traditional desk I had in my classroom.  I never sat at it and it took up a lot of space.  I love using this table as my desk!  All my office supplies are stored in the drawers that are located behind my desk.  Pictures of the drawers are below.

 



 
 

 
 
 
 
I have each pod of desks labeled with group signs.

Click HERE to download my group signs from my TpT Store!
 
 
 

 

The baskets on the shelf are each student's individual book basket for their independent reading books.
 
 



 
I use this pocket chart to store the student's library and lunch cards.

 
Weekly Activities and Worksheets
 
 
 
This is how I organize the week's worksheets and activities.
 
Sharpened Pencils
 
When my students need a sharpened pencil they just come get one from the drawer.  This prevents the students from interrupting my lesson using the pencil sharpener.  To keep sharpened pencils always on hand I have my student helper help me at the end of the day sharpen all the pencils.  I found this storage container at Wal-Mart.



Need a Color/Found a Crayon

When there are crayons found on the floor, the students simply put them in the bin.  Then whenever someone needs a color they can just come to the bin and get the color they need.  This helps prevent a big interruption when a student needs a certain color crayon.  I purchased this storage container at Wal-Mart.


 
 
Click HERE to download my pencil and crayon system labels on my TpT store!
 

Centers

In order for the students to know what math or literacy centers they go to each day they look to the center wheels.  Each section of the wheel has 2 to 3 names written in it.  Each day the students go to the center that their name is located.  When that center rotation is over (about 20 minutes later), the students follow the arrows to their next center.  I have a total of eight centers.  The students do two centers each Monday through Thursday.  Then, Friday is used as a day to finish any unfinished work.  I found the storage containers that I put the worksheets and games in at Mardels.
 

 


Each center tub is labeled with a sign.

Click HERE to download my literacy and math center signs from TpT!

Each student has a math and literacy center folder that holds their center work for the week.  They take these folders to their centers each day.  All center work stays in these folders until it is due.  Anytime a student has extra time they are to check their center folders and finish any unfinished work.  These folders are stored in the pocket charts to prevent a desk full of folders and paper.
 

 
FREE Centers!
 
 
  


The writing center has many different supplies for the students to be creative in drawing, coloring, and making stories for their writing.  I have included stencils, colored pens, stickers, markers, stamps, shaped scissors, etc. for the students to use.  In the Science center I have scales, measuring tapes, magnifying glasses, etc. for the students to explore with.
 
 
Morning Work Drawers
 

 
Planning morning work can be so time consuming and also take a lot of copies - so I needed a new system.  My teammate Mrs. Fletcher from Fletchtastic in First came up with this awesome idea!  Each morning the students come in and get their morning work drawer for the day.  The students know which drawer to get for the day because they have a folder with a morning work calendar that is labeled specifically for them.  Each day on the calendar has the morning work drawer number they are to complete.  The drawers are filled with file folder games, worksheets, and activities.  Each activity is meaningful and reviews the skills that have been taught in class.  After morning work time is over, I go around and check each worksheet and activity the students completed for the morning.  If they missed any problems they get immediate feedback.  Also if they complete their morning work on time they receive a small sticker on their morning work calendar. I couldn't believe it when my first grade students learned the morning work system and got it down so quickly!  I bought the drawers from Michaels.  They were so much cheaper than the drawers Mardel's sells!
 
Click HERE to download the Morning Work Calendars and Teacher Planning Pages from my TpT Store!
 
 
Files

I have organized my math and literacy worksheets by skill.  This makes pulling a worksheet for a center or activity really easy.
 
 
Click HERE to download my Math File Folder Labels by Skill on my TpT store!
 
Click HERE to download my Language File Folder Labels by Skill on my TpT store!
 
 
I also use these boxes to store my files in.  I got them for free using my Scholastic points!
 
 


My themed worksheets and activities are stored in my unit binders.  Using these binders to store all my unit stuff makes it so much easier to find and pull the things you need.  I can't even imagine how many file cabinets and what a big mess of paperwork I would have if I didn't use these binders!
 





Click HERE to download my unit binder covers and spines from my TpT store!


Construction Paper/Fancy Paper

 

All my construction paper, writing paper, border paper, etc. is stored in my file cabinet in hanging folders.


Teaching Carpet Area

 Each of my students have an assigned square they come to each time we meet at the carpet.  This prevents many problems like students sitting by other students that they talk to, sitting far away, fighting over where they sit, etc. 






Cubby Boxes

Each student has their own cubby box.  I use these cubby boxes to place each students graded work in.  I placed it right behind my desk, so I can easily turn around and place their work in their cubby box!  I got these cubby boxes at Sam's.




Read Aloud Books

To keep the books I use as my read aloud books separate from my other books, I have organized them into these magazine holders.  Each holder is labeled with the unit or theme of the books.  I got these holders at Mardel's.
 
 

 

This holder has all my fall themed books that I use during my read aloud time.
 
Click HERE to download the labels I use for my book holders from my TpT Store!

Organizing Books

I have the books that the students read organized by reading level.  I am really particular that my students are reading books that are within their ZPD range.  By organizing my books by reading level it really helps the students be able to easily find and read books that are on their level.

 

 
 
Click HERE to download my leveled book bin labels from my TpT store!
 
 
Organizing Supplies

To prevent my students from playing with scissors, glue, etc. when they are not supposed to- I do not allow them to keep their supplies in their desk.  Instead many of the supplies are kept together in certain parts of the classroom.


 


Each one of the bins has the different supplies stored in them.  I bought these bins at Lakeshore and they came in a package of four.
 
Click HERE to download my supply labels from my TpT store!
 
 

 
Each one of these supply tubs are assigned to a certain group.  This has a group supply of red pens, glue bottles, scissors, etc. in them.  This is a fast way to pass out the supplies when needed!  I bought these tubs from Target for $3.00 each.
 
 
These numbered bags are used to place different student materials in that you might need in the middle of a lesson. Instead of having to pass out each of the supplies you can have what each student needs in their bag at all times. They just grab their bag and come to the carpet or to their desk. It makes things so easy! I bought these bags from Oriental Trading. I cut the numbers out of material and then had my mom sew them on.
 
 



 
Organizing Manipulatives

My manipulatives are stored in these storage containers I purchased from Mardels.  It is very nice having the storage containers with the lids.  It prevents the manipulatives from spilling out when bumped into.  I can easily pass out manipulatives or have the students come get what they need from the bins.
 
 
Click HERE to download my math manipulative labels from my TpT store!

 
Storing Games

I had my husband make this cabinet for me.  Inside the cabinet I have many storage boxes.  Each storage box is labeled with a specific math or language arts skill.  For example, one of my tubs is labeled rhyming.  All my rhyming activities and games are stored in that storage box.  I can easily find and pull out games for centers or activities since they are organized by skill. 





Keeping Desks Together

I was tired of my desks looking like a train hit them by the end of each day, so I found a great and cheap way to keep them together.  I use medium and large sized zip ties to keep them together.  I place the zip ties on multiple places on the desks.  It works really well!



Here is a look from under the desks where the large zip ties were placed.


I used the medium sized zip ties on the legs of the desks.  I bought these from Lowe's.


Here are the actual zip ties I used.



My husband is really good at fastening the zip ties really tight...so he's the one that puts them on the desks for me.  :)


 
I am getting to borrow these awesome table tops from one of my teammates that went on maternity leave this year.  She had them made to fit a group of six desks to hold them together.  I am not going to want to give them back next year!!
 
 
 
 I've had a lot of people ask how the table tops were made.  Unfortunately since I just borrowed them I don't know exactly how they were made.  I think they were made like a countertop.  Here is a picture of what they look like underneath.  Hopefully that will give you a better idea...
 
 
 
 
 
Keeping Items Organized Inside Cabinets

The best way to keep my things organized inside my large cabinets is by using baskets.  These baskets can be found at the Dollar Tree for $1.00!


Here is an example of some of the baskets I have.



Here are all my large books stored together.


Inside this cabinet I have my anchor charts hanging up.  See my blog post Storing Anchor Charts to see how I did this.


Here is a look at my other large cabinet.  I used more baskets, storage containers, and boxes to store my items.


Keeping Items Organized Inside Drawers

To keep my office supplies inside my drawers organized I used baskets and storage containers to keep the items grouped together.


Since I don't have a traditional desk in my classroom, I use these drawers to hold all my office supplies.





Inside Cabinets
 
This cabinet holds my monthly bulletin board bags. Each bag holds monthly supplies, decorations, activities, etc.




I have a free center and inside recess game cabinet.  This prevents me from having to pull from different places to get out games for the students to play.  My students can easily find and get out the games they want to play with during indoor recess or free center time.


Free center games and activities cabinet.


Inside recess game cabinet.


Bulletin Boards

Changing out bulletin boards during the school year can be very time consuming and expensive - so I came up with bulletin boards that I can keep the same during the school year and also ones that are good to have.  Here are pictures of my different boards.

Birthday Board



Each student receives a birthday certificate and bag full of goodies on their birthday.  This makes celebrating each student's birthday so much easier and a good way not to forget.


Classroom Rules Board



On the first day of school we sit down as a class and make our own classroom rules.  These rules are created during a discussion by the students, while being facilitated by me.   Surprisingly, student created rules are often the same as – or even tougher than – rules a teacher might create.   The rules the students create become the standard for expected behavior by which all students agree.   When students actively participate in establishing rules for the classroom and agree to them, they are more likely to follow the rules because they take ownership and know the importance of them.   In turn, this leads to a more conducive learning environment with fewer classroom disruptions. These classroom rules, also known as our Classroom Constitution are signed by the students and posted in our classroom for all to see!


Accelerated Reader Board



Visit my blog post on Accelerated Reader Rewards to see what I do to keep my students motivated to read and take AR tests!

Click HERE to download my AR Rewards from my TpT store!

Star of the Week Board



Each week one child in our class is chosen as the "Star of the Week." This is a special opportunity for that child to be highlighted throughout the week and share some important parts of his or her life with our class.  Each student will be asked to fill out some information and collect some special items to display on our "Star of the Week" bulletin board.

 
Calendar/Schedule/Behavior Management Board



This bulletin board used to have all my calendar stuff on it but I have now begun doing my calendar routine on the smartboard.  There are tons of great smartboard calendar lessons on the internet and on TpT that you can use!
 


Click HERE to download my Daily Schedule Cards from my TpT Store!
 
So instead this bulletin board has been changed to display many different useful tools that we use each day.  First, we have the calendar with important dates listed.  I also have our schedule posted for all the students to see.  I think it really helps the students when they can see what is planned for the day.  It also prevents questions like, "When is lunch?" or "Do we have PE today?". 

 
 

 
I have a tree made out of butcher paper.  This tree gets changed out each season to reflect what a tree really looks like during that season.




I also have our behavior management pocket chart posted here.

Restroom Break





This is a picture of the restroom break system I use. When the green sign is posted the students (one at a time) may move their number next to the restroom sign and take the pass and go. If the red sign is posted, then they may not leave the classroom to take a break. (Unless of course it is an emergency.) This prevents students from raising their hand and asking to go to the restroom in the middle of your lesson.  Eventually the students catch on to when is an appropriate and inappropriate time to leave the classroom.

Click HERE to download my restroom break signs from my TpT store!


Outlaw Word Wall

I don't have a traditional word wall.  The words that we post on our word wall are words that cannot be sounded out to spell.  That's why our word wall is called the "Outlaw Word Wall."  These words are outlaw words because they break the traditional spelling rules.



 
Anchor Chart Wall

I use many anchor charts during my lessons.  I found that I needed a place to display them so the students could refer to them if they needed to.  I hot glued clothes pins on my back wall.  It makes it so easy to hang and switch out the anchor charts when needed!


 


Numbered Chairs

Weeks into the school year the nameplates I place on each student's desk begins to take a turn for the worse.  So I eventually tear them up.  The students just rely on their numbered chair to find their seat. 


 
Click HERE to download my chair numbers from my TpT Store!

Keep checking back year to year as I continue to update and add more things to my classroom each year!
 

...

98 comments:

  1. Oh my word! Thank you sooo much for going into such thorough detail on your post! It gave me many organizational tips and I am thrilled to implement! Sometimes I struggle with an area of organization so I do nothing with it and get annoyed with the lack of a system. Your post gives me systems to go with and I love it! Thanks a million!

    www.growingfirsties.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think I am in love! This is what I strive for. I just LOVE organization. Thank you for sharing. Sometimes I feel like I will never get there but reading your post inspired me to go for it ever harder.

    M

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love your HALL Procedures poster, it's such a creative idea! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Gosh I wish we lived in Oklahoma. I'd love it if you were my son's teacher. You are SO organized!

    ReplyDelete
  5. This post is AMAZING!!! Thank you for going through all that work for us, as readers!!! Please visit at.... http://primarypossibilities.blogspot.com/. YOur follower, Stephanie

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow~!! Now that is organization~!! Loved your room.

    The Paper Maid

    ReplyDelete
  7. The MILLION DOLLAR Classroom!! I have seen a lot of AWESOME classrooms, but yours is definitely the MOST AMAZING...ORGANIZED....and stocked with MILLION DOLLAR resources. You also must teach in a new school. I hope you have a FANTASTIC school year...the kids will love it!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Amazing! I wish I could be as organized as you! I will definitely use these idea! Thank you for sharing!
    Ms kimura

    ReplyDelete
  9. I have never seen anyone as organized (as myself) as this! We must be related -smile smile:) Loved & enjoyed reading & peeking at this!
    Amy Howbert

    Little Miss Organized
    amyhowbert1@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you so much for taking the time to write out this blog post! So many great ideas - I especially like the sharpened/unsharpened pencil drawers, center wheels and how you've set up your bathroom permission area... fab!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. You have an amazing classroom! And so organized! I love your idea for STAR and how you hang your anchor charts - brilliant :) Thanks for sharing your classroom! I have enjoyed looking through your posts - you have wonderful ideas!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Your classroom is amazing! I really enjoyed looking at the pictures of your classroom. I feel a bit more inspired to get a better grip on my classroom organizational skills. You have certainly given me a few ideas. Thank you so much for sharing!

    ....my husband is a fireman too.
    Michele C.
    McAllen, TX

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oh my word.....your classroom has become my inspiration! I feel more confident with how to organise resources and make use of the space in the room! I'm from Australia and begin teaching year 1 for the first time in a few weeks having just graduated, and your blog has given me so many fantastic ideas!! Thank you all the way from OZ!

    Catherine, Western Australia

    ReplyDelete
  14. My desks have been driving me insane lately! I love your zip tie idea. I am going to try it ASAP! Thanks so much!
    Maribel
    Learning In Wonderland

    ReplyDelete
  15. Zip ties! You are my new favorite teacher! :) Thank you for the FANTASTIC idea!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow, you've done an amazing job! I was wondering where you hang your student work. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Would love to find out where you found the colorful book bins. Just what I'm looking for!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I purchased them from Lakeshore.

    Here is the link to them. :)

    http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/product/productDet.jsp?productItemID=1%2C689%2C949%2C371%2C897%2C749&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181113&bmUID=1361320906667

    ReplyDelete
  19. I recently saw your blog pinned on Pinterest and I love how neat and organized your room is. I don't have my own room yet but you def. gave me some great ideas for when I have my own. I am a little OCD and I see you are too. I just became a follower.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I noticed you did not have name tags on the desk. Love the idea of the ties but wondering what you do when you have to move kids.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Instead of putting name tags on each student’s desk – each student has their number on the back of their chair. If they need to move desks all I have them do is put all their supplies on their chair and they move their chair with their supplies to their new desk. I have some extra desks in my room for students who cannot sit with a group. :)

      Delete
  21. I love your classroom! I was wondering where you got the clear storage bags with the blue handles. Also, I was wondering how you fixed the clothes pins to the wall to hang your anchor charts. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thank you!! I hot glued the clothes pins to the wall to hang my anchor charts. You can find the storage bags at many teacher stores like Mardel, Lakeshore, or even online. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I can't wait to orde the bags and get organized. I think the clothes pins will be a great idea to try next year. Thanks, again! You are an inspiration for the ideal classroom!

      Delete
  23. I am a jr in college going into Elementary Ed. Your site is amazing. I wish I had a classroom so I could implement some of your ideas. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Love how detailed and thoroughly you explained your classroom layout. As a brand new teacher it is hard to know how to plan a classroom together that is organized and so well layed out. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Saw your ideas on pinterest. If you are still in Moore, OK, I am praying for you and your fellow teachers. I am a retired teacher in Decatur TX and still look for good teaching ideas after 32 years!
    Sandra

    ReplyDelete
  26. I'm sorry seeing kids as a number is insensitive. I'm more than a number. So are each of my children. I'd love to see you reconsider this. Place their photo with a name in movable pockets/labels.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sorry, but my kids' teachers used this system for years and no one EVER felt it was insensitive. Now that I teach, I use it, too. I have had up to 43 kids in my class, and I would never survive without a number system. And there's no way I would want to print up 43 photos. Also, kids in our district come and go a lot. My numbering system covers dozens of systems I use and just about all the teachers I know use numbers, also.

      Delete
  27. Amazing post! I was curious if your rug is actually carpet or if it is the foam puzzle pieces. If it's foam, does it hold up well? I've heard from others that it doesn't. Thank you so much for getting together such an awesome post!

    -Jennifer
    Teaching with Grace

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you!
      Yea, my carpet is the foam puzzle pieces. So far I have had it for 6 years...so mine has held up pretty well. :)

      Delete
  28. I have used some of your ideas. Thanks! I just wanted to tell you I hope that all of you are ok after the latest tornado! Prayers are with all of you in Oklahoma.

    ReplyDelete
  29. This is such a great post! I just have a quick question for you about your carpet area. I am very interested in purchasing foam mats for my carpet area as well. However, I'm concerned that students will be picking at the foam and taking the pieces apart. Has this ever been a problem for you, and if so, how did you tackle it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! I really don't have problems with students messing with the foam rug. I make it a point to teach the students procedures and rules for when they sit on the carpet starting the first day of school. I definitely make it a rule that they cannot pull up the rug pieces, write, or poke holes in the rug with their pencils. So far my foam rug has lasted over 6 years. :)

      Delete
  30. I love the thoughtfulness of your room. Everything has a place and is incredibly organized! You just became today's inspiration. Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I love the cabinet your husband made. I want one so I can organize my kindergarten centers. Did he have a plan? I would like to know the kind of wood, hardware etc needed to do this. Any advice you can provide will help. Thank you!! (I thought I posted earlier, but don't see it.)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, he didn't have any plan to go by. He just measured the space in my classroom and made the shelf fit the space. He used partial board for the wood. He cut it all to size and built it like a box. He added hindges and some trim to the doors. He also found some cheap knobs to put on the doors. The shelf really isn't anything fancy. Lol!

      Delete
  32. What a great post! I am so inspired to be more organized! Could you tell what size bags you got at Oriental Trading? They are still on my shopping list. Thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would also love to know which size you got, it's hard to tell on their website!

      Delete
    2. The bags that I used are 17" x 14".

      These bags on Oriental Trading are really similar to the bags I have:

      http://www.orientaltrading.com/bright-color-large-tote-bags-a2-14_801.fltr?prodCatId=551141

      Delete
  33. Thank you so much! You have been very helpful!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Thank you for all of the great ideas.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Even though I teach middle school, I'll definitely use some of your ideas. You should really consider being a professional classroom organizer. You would make a lot of money!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Your organization ideas are fantastic! I found you on Pinterest. I would love to know where you bought the colored containers with matching lids under your Literacy center sign. Thank you so much!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hi from France ! Waw ! Your class is awesome ! Thanks for these very good ideas !

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hi there! Your classroom is awesome and I love all the class management you are organized with! I was wondering where you purchased your star of the week bulletin board set???

    Thank you,
    Ashley

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hello! Your classroom looks amazing and I have now got lots of great ideas for my own classroom. Thanks! I would love to know where you got the theatre curtains and stage for your star of the week wall? I think my pupils would love this.

    Thank you,

    Lauren

    ReplyDelete
  40. As a new teacher I have found everything you have posted so very helpful! I truly appreciate you for posting all of your wonderful ideas and such for the world to see!

    ReplyDelete
  41. I really thank you for your wonderful and fantastic idea! They have been really helpful to me and I am so eager to enter the classroom and get started!! I am glad I found you on Pinterest!

    Thanks,
    Larry

    ReplyDelete
  42. Greetings from Finland. I´m first grade teacher too. You have such a colorful classroom. Here in Finland we don`t have so much things in our classrooms, but maybe we someday have. Can I ask, have you done these little people pictures yourself? http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0bOCLpNeayw/Ue6_RgS4QYI/AAAAAAAABg8/UjsB1SgKPPo/s400/7-23-2013+002.JPG

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, I bought those little people magnets from a store here in Oklahoma called Lakeshore Learning.

      Delete
  43. I love EVERYTHING about this!! Was wondering where you got your colorful center bins from! They look big enough to hold papers in them!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I got the colorful center bins from a teacher store here in Oklahoma called Mardel. Yes, they are big enough to hold papers, games, etc. :)http://www.mardel.com/education.aspx

      Delete
  44. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  45. You've got great ideas here. I'm so glad I found you on Pinterest. I was wondering about your Popsicle sticks that say "1's Warning." I would love to know what those are for and how you use them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I use the sticks as “warnings” for each of the students. If they break a rule, procedure, etc. they will owe me one of their warning sticks. After a student has lost all three of their warning sticks they have to change their color card from green to yellow and a note goes home to their parents about their negative behavior. I started the stick system because it helps me keep track of how many times I have to get onto a child each day. :)

      Delete
    2. Hi, I was just wondering about the warning sticks. So they get 3 warnings before they move to parent contact?? Do you sale labels on TpT? Thank you so much for your detailed post....

      Delete
    3. Yes, they get three warnings before they have to change their card from green to yellow. Also, a note goes home to their parents in their daily folder explaining their behavior. I don't currently have the warning labels on my TpT store. That is definitey something I can look into adding!

      Delete
  46. You are very organized! Thank you for sharing :)

    ReplyDelete
  47. Linda Moffitt-Dean/Wichita Falls,TexasJune 7, 2014 at 12:44 AM

    Amazing! I am not a teacher,but this gives me some great ideas for organizing my kiddos rooms and our school supply closet at home! Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  48. WOW. Just WOW. I am amazed at how organized you are and am already thinking about ways to change and tweak EVERYTHING for next year. Well done!!!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Could you please email me the file for the binders in order to make a few different ones? hsawyer124@gmail.com
    I asked about this before I purchased the product and you said you would send it after the purchase.
    All of your organizing is amazing! Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  50. So for your planning journals do you just 3 hole punch all the papers or put them in sheet protectors, or how do you keep them nicely in there?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I put everything in sheet protectors to store them nicely in the binders. :)

      Delete
  51. You are truly inspiring, Amanda! Thank you for sharing this again!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Love your website! What did the teacher use to make the desk table tops in different colors? Are they formica? Where did she have them made, Home Depot or Lowes?

    Many thanks! A new first grade teacher

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! Yes, the table tops are made out of Formica. I think she had them made from a countertop place. :)

      Delete
  53. Awesome room! Come check out my room, too! Seemswrite.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  54. Hi!

    Great ideas! I am starting with Daily 5 and literacy centers this year and am wondering what you put in each of the 8 bins?

    ReplyDelete
  55. Thanks!
    Center 1 = Listening Center
    Center 2 = Computer Games
    Center 3 = Writing
    Center 4 = Learning Puzzles
    Center 5 = iPad Games
    Center 6 = Read to Teacher
    Center 7 = Read to Self
    Center 8 = Spelling

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Amanda. When do you do your guided reading? I love your system and am trying to incorporate it into my room this year but as a new teacher, I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around all this. I was thinking:
      Center 1: Read to Self
      Center 2: Read to Others
      Center 3: Guided Reading
      Center 4: Listen to Reading
      Center 5: Work on Journal Writing
      Center 6: Poetry Book (I give the class a poetry unit with spelling, HF word exercises for the week..)
      Center 7: Writing Activity (Ex. Point of View writing, sentence stretching, etc.)
      Center 8:

      What do you think? Do you think this will work? Also, how do you suggest training the students to work independantly since I will be at the guided reading table? Will this 8 center station work with 4 GR groups?
      We are a small school and have IPADS, but they must be kept in the library, so I'm not sure computer/Ipad games would work. :( Also, what websites would you recommend?

      Thank you so much in advance!!! :)

      Delete
    2. I do guided reading groups/centers every Monday-Thursday during the morning time. The students do two centers a day. It takes about an hour for guided reading groups/centers those days. I think what you have so far for your centers is great! That is very similar to what I do. For your center 8 you could do some type of game center. You could always find great games on TpT. For my iPad/iPhone center I collected many old iPhones. I deleted all the content off of them and just put learning games on them. The phones don’t even need WiFi for them to work with the games I downloaded.

      I would definitely train the students on working independently and what they should do if they need to talk to you during guiding reading/literacy center time. I also teach each center one by one at first to make sure the students know and understand my expectations when they are at those centers.

      Here is a link to my school webpage that has all the websites I let the students play on:
      http://www.mooreschools.com/Page/27472

      Delete
  56. WOW! You have an amazing classroom! I love the idea of not having a desk! It would definitely save space! Thank you for sharing all of the photos of your classroom!

    ~Shelly
    Promoting Success Blog

    ReplyDelete
  57. I absolutely LOOOOOVE your classroom and how organized you are ! Could I e-mail privately with questions pertaining to the classroom? if so, my email address is hui.karen13@yahoo.com woudl love to find out more about how you do it!

    THANKS!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  58. The whole room is lovely. I wonder how long you have taught and how much this all cost. But what I really would like to know is how the desk table tops were made. That and the zip ties are brilliant. I will be studying your organization and making changes in my room. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  59. I love your room! I know you said you borrowed the table toppers, but can you tell me what material was used? Do you know of any directions on how to make them on another blog? Thanks so much!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry I really don't know how the table tops were made. She got them professionally made by a person that makes countertops. I think they are made pretty much like a countertop but they just fit over desks. I will take a picture of what they look like from underneath. That might give you a better idea. Thanks!

      Delete
  60. I LOVE the table tops for the desks... how are they made?

    ReplyDelete
  61. I LOVE ALL OF THESE!!!
    and yes the caps lock was needed!!

    ReplyDelete
  62. Amanda,
    I was just looking at your amazing classroom. Did you ever find out how the table tops were made? I love them!

    ReplyDelete
  63. Do you know what the colored boxes that you got from Scholastic are called? I'm looking on their website and can't find them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't remember what the boxes are called to search on the Scholastic website. Here is a link to the boxes on another teacher website.

      http://www.mardel.com/Education/Storage-%26-Organization/Classroom-Decoration-Storage/Classroom-Keepers%C2%AE-Storage-Tote-Assortment-6-pk/p/2894780

      Delete
  64. I love your blue bookshelves! Where did you find them? I've been looking everywhere for bookshelves exactly like that!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Thanks! My husband made them for me. :)

    ReplyDelete
  66. Your organization is so awesome. I love that type of structure and thanks for the ideas.

    ReplyDelete
  67. The cabinet your husband made is great! What are the measurements, what kind of wood, and how eactly did he put it together? I'm thinking I could put my husband to work! :)

    ReplyDelete
  68. Ms. Terhune, I see you have your desks in pods as I do. I wanted to know what you have over the top of them to make it look like a table (colors)?

    ReplyDelete
  69. Love the zip tie idea to keep the desks together! Brilliant!

    ReplyDelete
  70. Amazing work!!!LOVE your organization skills!what a great classroom!

    ReplyDelete
  71. Amazing work!!!LOVE your organization skills!what a great classroom!

    ReplyDelete
  72. Replies
    1. My students go to music class and learn from the music teacher. :)

      Delete
  73. Sorry if you have already explained this somewhere, but I want to know more about your math and literacy centers. I'm guessing they do the literacy centers in the morning when the other reading instruction is done. When do they do the math centers? And are the math centers, for the most part, the same 8 as the literacy centers?

    ReplyDelete
  74. Where did you get your classroom constitution sign? I teach US History at the High School level and would love to have this in my classroom. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Here is a link to one you can get at Staples. 😊https://m.staples.com/Royal-Brites-Designer-Printed-Scroll-Poster-Board-22-x-28/product_893513

      Delete