I went to my classroom last Monday for the first time and worked for about five hours. I left feeling like I had accomplished a lot (and really, I did!), but I went by today and didn't quite remember the piles that remained. Who doesn't love a good before and after story, though?!?
I decided to re-purpose my teacher desk for my writing center this year. I rarely sat there, I didn't keep anything useful in the drawers, and it just took up too much space. This is my new teacher zone tucked into a corner and taking up a lot less space:
The drawers are very wide and I love the new storage already! In the top drawer, I have baskets with the typical desk supplies so they are handy. In the next three drawers, I will keep the copies and materials for upcoming lessons. This is especially nice for those long sentence strips or the oddly sized templates for craftivities (thank you, Abby, for that word!) The bottom drawer has those random teacher items: bulletin board sets, old nametags and die cuts, etc.
I will be using this area as my small group area. The shelves behind it will store my teacher binders and small group materials. Before and after school, I will have everything I need at my fingertips but I'm not sacrificing any room for kids with this set up.
You can see this unit in the corner of the picture above. It's stuck in a narrow spot between the two windows (that can't be blocked) and it fits perfectly. It has 15 trays on each side. The side closer to my teacher computer will house various extra materials labeled with my *free* classroom labels. The other side will house work station materials.
I already love this set up. Even though my teacher area is now *technically* an entire side of the room, it really opens things up and my "teacher fortress" is gone.
Do you have a teacher desk or did you give it up?
I'm so jealous of those who can get into their classrooms and start setting up already. It looks very organized! :)
ReplyDeleteNotJustChild'sPlay
Thanks! I did some work and now I'm headed out of town- so by the time I get back I'll probably be feeling behind. Still a work in progress- stay tuned for the after pics!
DeleteRebecca
I am loving your ideas! I have tried to do away with my teacher desk, but I have to have a table at the front of the room for the laptop that is hooked to the Smartbooard, and then another table at the back for my actual computer. Yes, I have to have booth since the district won't put the attendance or gradebook software on the laptop! But, they are both very small tables since I am trying to maximize kid-space!
ReplyDeleteI love your teacher area in the back, and the drawer unit! Was the furniture provided or did you buy it?
Jennifer @ Herding Kats In Kindergarten
Most of the furniture was provided, but some of the bookshelves are mine (the one on top of the big drawer unit and two smaller bookshelves by my small group table). We also have big cabinets on the other side of the room- so stay tuned to see my whole space when it's done in August.
DeleteGood luck setting your room up! I think the key is as long as you limit your teacher space, it makes the room feel bigger. I was definitely one of those teachers that used to have a whole corner of the room ;)
Rebecca
Hi Rebecca! My name is Molly Tuttle and I will be a new second grade teacher at your school this coming year. I have been at Old Town for 13 years. Sam Walker introduced me to your blog (we have been friends a long time) and I am enjoying all your ideas. I love a sneak peek at the classroom since I have no clue what the rooms look like. I always hate setting up a room each year, it seems to take FOREVER!!! Right now I am working on packing up my major teaching mess at OT. I look forward to meeting you in person soon!!!
ReplyDeleteMolly
Hi Molly! So glad to virtually meet you. Welcome! The second grade team is great- you will be welcomed with open arms :) The rooms are large and have big built in cabinets that are great for storage (sorry I didn't post more pics for ya!)
DeleteThanks for stopping by my blog. It's obviously new but it's been fun already. Follow along-- can't wait to meet you!
Rebecca
Looks great Rebecca! :)
ReplyDeleteI did away with my teacher desk when I taught 2nd grade (I had a kidney table for my teacher table to work with students) and loved it! It truly is liberating! Perhaps I'll try it again this year...I was just puzzled on what to do with my teacher desk instead to make it kid friendly. A writing area is a great idea. Thanks for sharing! Enjoy your vacation!