How do you think your families, children and other visitors feel when they walk into your classroom for the first time? How do you feel in the morning when you are in your own classroom? Setting a positive tone for your classroom is essential in the early weeks of the early education experience. The environment can make or break you when it comes to classroom management overall. A classroom that is disorganized, with no flow or appropriate materials will lead to bored children and possible negative climate. Reviewing Opening Classroom Literacy/Numeracy checklists and Opening Classroom Environmental as a Classroom Coach has given me some great inspirations to share this week! This process allows the Teacher to gain a good sense of what is needed for a successful opening day! Here is a list of some essentials for your room environment.
*Classroom Management System
*areas and materials designated for specific use
*Children's names visible in multiple areas
*Diversity of books, toys and manipulatives
*Variety of writing materials throughout the room
*Letters, language and numeracy displayed throughout the room
*Developmentally appropriate classroom arrangement
*Adaptations for individual needs
*General overall appearance is organized, clean, comfortable and attractive
Some great ideas were visible during the Opening Checklist reviews! Notice in several pictures the use of hand cutouts for children to recognize the activities they must wash their hands for in able to participate. What a great visual cue reminder for the children! Thanks to Kathy M! Also there are some great room arrangements happening this year in the program. Great traffic flow and phenomenal use of difficult spaces. Way to go!
Keep up the great work to all of our Teachers, Assistant Teachers and Family Service Workers involved in our Early Learning Programs!
Angela
"One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child." -- Carl Jung
