The Importance of Classroom Preparation and
Organization/Physical Arrangement
In order to reduce student distraction and increase learning in the classroom, it is important to have a well organized classroom. This requires taking time to prepare the perfect layout for students. Any furniture, small group areas, reading nook, sensory area, and materials must be strategically placed in order to diminish any disturbances. Another important factor to consider is the traffic flow that is created in the classroom. According to Julia G. Thompson, traffic flow is more important than many novice teachers realize. For example, if you place paper collector at the front of the room, a stapler in the back, and the trash can by the door, students will be walking all around the classroom just to complete these tasks. To minimize this, one must carefully consider the routine activities that are present in the classroom. Next, students will need to know where to sit in the classroom on the first day. Personally, I believe that student desks should be set up in a way to allow for collaboration. Below is an example of how I may arrange my students desks. In addition to student desks, I have carefully placed spaces around the room for flexible seating, such as a reading spot, carpet, and many other locations that would aid in movement throughout the school day. As far as organization, students are encouraged to stay organized and will have many opportunities to clean out their desks.
classroom materials |
Getting to know students |
Classroom materials can be expensive for both students and teachers. It is important to prepare for anything by having as many materials and resources accessible at all times. Depending on the type of materials, some will be stored within baskets, bins, filing cabinets, and shelves. Another important item to have in the classroom is an emergency substitute binder. This binder includes classroom expectations, class roaster, lunch calendar, daily schedule, and feedback sheets. All materials will have to be organized in a manner where they are accessible for all students. However, knowing that materials can be pricy for students, I will try my best to supply materials for all students in order to save families money. Although this list is only an example of what I want each student to have throughout the school year, I am hoping to remove items off the list as I collect a class set. Here is an example of materials my students should have within the first week of school and an example of the emergency substitute binder...
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Here are the steps I will be following to get to know my students...
Following these steps, students will have a chance to get to know one another and the teacher by participating in community building activities. |
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I will be sending out a Welcome Letter to each of the guardians about two or three weeks before school starts. The goal of for the school year is create a meaningful relationships with each of the students guardians. Attached with the letter will be an "All About Your Child" sheet. Here is an example of my Welcome Letter and child interest form...
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Below is a list of my priorities for the first day of school...
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