School doesn't start for another month, but I have been busy trying to find some of the physical things that can help me transform my classroom into a more boy-friendly space.
My classroom is not really big, and I am expecting 27 Grade 6 students in September, so I am really trying to be creative on how to set up the environment well. Does anyone have any suggestions? I have desks with connected chairs, and a large horseshoe table.
Here's what I have purchased so far.
Decoration
I went shopping for trim and bulletin board letters and I kept my boys in mind. I kept the trims simple to decrease distraction and made sure the colors would provide high-contrast.
I purchased two floor lamps from Target as well. I am hoping to turn off the florescent lights as often as possible and use natural lighting and these lights more often. I am still looking into different seating possibilities, but I thought I would see what the school might be able to help me with.
Water Bottle Holders
Pinterest turned out to have the solution for one of my personal frustrations: where to keep personal water bottles? I have always allowed water bottles in class, but they often became a distraction, or would be knocked off of students' desks very regularly. Here's the solution I was looking for! The bike bottle holders are on their way!
Voice Amplifier
I have been scouting for weeks and finally found the voice amplifier that I decided to purchase. I am very excited to finally get this product, as I have struggled with having a loud enough voice, without causing voice strain, for years. After reading Writing the Playbook and finding out that boys' hearing is significantly different than girls, I wanted to figure out a way to help my male students, without hurting my female students. I have found that I have to repeat myself quite often, and I am hoping this will decrease the frequency.
Gender Hearing Differences
My classroom is not really big, and I am expecting 27 Grade 6 students in September, so I am really trying to be creative on how to set up the environment well. Does anyone have any suggestions? I have desks with connected chairs, and a large horseshoe table.
Here's what I have purchased so far.
Decoration
I went shopping for trim and bulletin board letters and I kept my boys in mind. I kept the trims simple to decrease distraction and made sure the colors would provide high-contrast.
I purchased two floor lamps from Target as well. I am hoping to turn off the florescent lights as often as possible and use natural lighting and these lights more often. I am still looking into different seating possibilities, but I thought I would see what the school might be able to help me with.
Water Bottle Holders
Pinterest turned out to have the solution for one of my personal frustrations: where to keep personal water bottles? I have always allowed water bottles in class, but they often became a distraction, or would be knocked off of students' desks very regularly. Here's the solution I was looking for! The bike bottle holders are on their way!
Voice Amplifier
I have been scouting for weeks and finally found the voice amplifier that I decided to purchase. I am very excited to finally get this product, as I have struggled with having a loud enough voice, without causing voice strain, for years. After reading Writing the Playbook and finding out that boys' hearing is significantly different than girls, I wanted to figure out a way to help my male students, without hurting my female students. I have found that I have to repeat myself quite often, and I am hoping this will decrease the frequency.
Gender Hearing Differences
Hi Angela
ReplyDeleteDo you have room for a couple of beanbag chairs or stools that you can put at a back table for the children to use. The other thing I have used with kids successfully but again depends on space is a tent that children can sit in for a quiet space to unwind or read etc.
PS I love the idea for the water bottles.... are they just bike drink holders?
ReplyDeleteDenise, thanks for your suggestions, I wish I had more space!I purchased a couple ottomans and I am looking to get a cushion made for our window seat. I currently have a love seat in my room, but I think I will have to take it out, as we are crunched for space. I love the beanbag chairs and tent ideas, the kids would love them! I'll play with the space more next week.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the water bottle holders, they are just bike holders. I found some online for just over a dollar a piece, so I am quite excited.
Angela. Where did you get the voice amplifier?
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