the classroom environment
How do I maximize space in a small classroom?
*
Try storing puzzles and games in large resealable plastic bags. For each puzzle or
game, simply cut out the box cover, put it in a bag, and add the corresponding pieces.
After sealing the bags, stack them in a plastic tub or shoebox. Not only will you store
more games and puzzles in a much smaller space, but the plastic bags are also more
durable than the boxes these items typically come in.
*
To store classroom posters, attach
a self-sticking hook onto one of
your classroom walls. Then use
clothespins to clip your posters to a
metal hanger. Place the hanger on the
hook to keep the posters organized
and out of the way.
F\m\aZHcF[TcXf
Choose a question. Write the number and a detailed response.
$ What is symmetry? Name four or more shapes shown that have symmetry.
% Are the circles on the octopus congruent? How do you know?
& Which plane shapes do you see? Choose two. Tell how they are alike and
how they are different.
' Which solid figures do you see? What plane shapes make each solid figure?
( Are any polygons shown? Tell how you know.
JbeW5Ta^
circle
hexagon
rectangle
square
triangle
cone
cube
cylinder
pyramid
rectangular prism
sphere
®
The MAILBOX Magic
®
®
FOLD
PERF
©The Mailbox ® • TEC43058 • Dec./Jan. 2011–12
corner
edge
face
side
vertex
*
If you’re lacking a separate table for working with small groups, try this!
Arrange your desks in groups and select a group of desks to use as your smallgroup area. When you want to meet with a small group, have them join you at
the area and direct students normally seated there to take their belongings to a
vacated seat.
*
Maximize display space by adding a bulletin board to your classroom. On a classroom
wall, mount several inexpensive ceiling tiles. Then use masking tape to secure the
perimeter of the shape. Cover the surface with bulletin board paper and add a border.
Presto—instant bulletin board!
16
The Ultimate Classroom Solutions • ©The Mailbox® Books • TEC61335
curriculum and lesson planning
How do I make the most of my
planning period?
*
Small tasks can quickly use up your planning time. To avoid this, use times other than
your planning period to accomplish these tasks. For example, check your mailbox
before or after school. Choose one or two days a week to do all your photocopying.
Make parent phone calls after school when you will have more time to focus on the
conversation. Completing these tasks at other times allows you to use your planning
time to focus on just that—planning your lessons!
*
Hang a sign, like the one shown, outside
your classroom or on your door. Not only
will it limit interruptions, but it shows
coworkers how much you value your
planning time!
*
To make sure you accomplish all the tasks
you need to get done during your planning
period, create a weekly rotation of duties. For
example, schedule one day each week for
grading assignments, another for planning
lessons, a third for changing classroom
displays, a day for filing student papers, and
one for changing centers.
46
The Ultimate Classroom Solutions • ©The Mailbox® Books • TEC61335
Planning
in
Progress
(Making Third Grade
Even Better!)
Please come back
after 2:30.
Planning Sche
dule
Monday: plan
less
ons
Tuesday: chan
ge displays
Wednesday: gr
ad
e papers
Thursday: file
papers
Friday: change
centers