I will be having 27-28 sixth graders (not small children!) in a portable. The portable has THREE doors (which limits wall space) and an AV cart (projector cart) in the middle of the classroom for TV, projector, etc. for the Smartboard. Those are the biggest limiting factors in my classroom. Last year, I only had 1 door so it wasn't quite as bad. The AV cart is a problem only because it takes up space where I could have student desks or groups.
Does anyone have any suggestions? I may choose to get rid of a few shelves, which will drastically cut back on storage space.
Oh yeah, I have like 23 backpack/coat hooks (that are too close together to hang a backpack on each one) and 27 students. Last year, I got pretty frustrated with tripping over backpacks and musical instruments (we are an Arts school, so...).
I would love to hear some feedback from those of you who have had to wrestle with similar issues in the past and hear about your thoughts and solutions!
Thanks!
There IS a method to this madness!
STEP ONE:
ReplyDeleteSo, my first step in tackling the new limited space problem, is to keep the files and notebooks for all of my math and social studies units (the two most easily organized subjects) at home. My plan is to take them to school as I start each unit, then return each one to my storage spot at home when I have tested on that unit.
I have my social studies divided into notebooks by unit - eight units, eight notebooks plus notebooks for the Pacing Guide as well as SOL reviews (for much later in the year). Ten notebooks...that requires a lot of space.
Math is 10 units, which I have decided, this year, I will put into 10 hanging file folders, subdividing into regular folders within each unit just because each unit has so much "stuff". Plus there is the SOL review material, so make that 11 hanging files. I do keep electronic copies of everything, but for some reason, I want to also be able to hold it in my hand to read it (I am the same way about important emails, instructions, etc...they are not effective unless I print them out). Don't ask about my reasoning, as I haven't quite figured that one out yet.
I will post pictures of my organization once I get it all finished. I am close to finishing, but I am also trying to enjoy the last few weeks of my summer!