Classroom Preparations!

Well, the 2014-2015 school-year is inching closer and closer, and I decided to get a head-start on purging, reorganizing, and start setting up my classroom.  I have had several conversations this summer about themes, and I have stated several times that I had no intention of switching mine out.  I like to focus my energies elsewhere, and let's face it, revamping decor can get expensive.  However, after walking into my classroom, I am now singing another tune.  I just can't take the zebra print anymore.  It looked like zebra print threw up all over my room, and all of my once vibrant poms that were hanging from my ceiling looked faded and sad. I have decided that I just want to simplify.  I did an ocean theme for several years... then I did a jungle-esque theme... and as I enter my ninth year of teaching... I am just frankly OVER themes.  I don't want to keep buying thematic bits and bobs.  So, I am not.  Ever again. (Well, that's the plan anyway!)   I just want to make my classroom feel like home, so I am simplifying, and I can't wait to share my streamlined space with you once it's complete. In the meantime, here are a few snapshots to whet your appetite!  I have a long road ahead of me, but I am looking forward to creating a  home away from home. 

I am trying to create a more refined space, but I still will have pops of patterns and color... mostly teal and black though  :)

I always keep extra resources handy... and this is how I will be storing them instead of keeping them in cupboards!

Other than working in my classroom, I am trying to organizing materials for the new year.  I am seriously so excited to whip out my Stop, Collaborate, & Listen: Speaking and Listening Like Rockstars pack.  I think it's going to be loads of fun... and foster critical thinking... and of course collaborations as well!  Yay!  Here's a little sampling of a few of the activities I've been cutting and organizing!

What Ifs: Prompt discussions with “What Ifs”. Have students work in cooperative groups to discuss each scenario. Have each group share out the conclusions that they drew through their discussions. Briefly discuss scenarios as a class. Teach the strategy, then have your students create their own “what ifs” and discuss! Great for book discussions too!

Questioning: The Wonder Workshop is a partner activity. Students will choose two cards from the pile, and each student will ask their partner to generate questions about the topic on their card. For example, if I pulled the card with an illustration of a tape dispenser, I would ask my partner what they wonder about tape. I would record the answers manually, or I could video tape or tape record the interview and dictate the responses later. You could have your students create news clips about their interviews and the interesting questions posed by their subjects then share the multimedia clips with the class, or you could simply opt for a group discussion to share new learnings.

Set Descriptions to Music: Students choose an item to write a song or rap about. The song or rap must be descriptive. They can either perform it live, create a music video, or they can create a song clip using software like Garage Band (that comes with all Macs.)

Garage Band Instructions: 1. Click on GarageBand. 2. Choose “New Project”. 3. Choose “Voice”. 4. Name the file. 5. Click “create”. 6. Press the red button to record. 7. Press it again When complete. 8. Save again. 9. Bring the red line to the beginning of the track, and Press play when ready to listen.

SCAMPER: Each of the letters in the acronym SCAMPER stands for a stage in the process. Students will find alternate uses for everyday items, and then share out their innovations!

S- Substitute
C- Combine
A- Adapt
M- Modify
P- Put to other uses
E- Eliminate/Elaborate
R- Reverse/Rearrange

Research Corner: Looking for an independent study component to reinforce speaking and listening skills? Create a mentor corner where your students can conduct research to answer questions posed by “younger students”. Your students will ultimately createa quick video to present their research. You could upload videos to a private YouTube channel, use the Reflector app to automatically reflect the movie and share it, or have your students send the file to you via email/other
means. I swear by Reflector for i-Pads and Macs.

Debates: Elementary students are perfectly capable of having debates. Debating is a great way for students to practice considering two sides of a scenario or argument, polish oral language skills, research, support their claims with evidence, and synthesize information.

Have you checked out my newest freebie, by the way?!  I created a quick little icebreaker to get to know your students' learning preferences!  You'll definitely want to snag that HERE!

In other news,  the TpT sale is underway, and it's the perfect time to stock up.  If you've been eye-balling anything in my shop, now is the time to buy.  :)   Have a great week, friends!