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7. Have clear and safe traffic paths no matter how your room is arranged
collaborative learning
collaborative learning is a situation in which two or more individuals attempt to learn something together. students can develop higher learning thinking skills, develop oral communication and social interactive skills and most importantly, it creates an environment of active, involved, exploratory learning. fortunately in the classroom, there are plenty of ways to incorporate collaborative learning in lesson plans.
Ideas for reading comprehension:
group students into groups of 4. have the students read a chapter from a book you are working on together (one paragraph at a time). after each paragraph, students should collaboratively agree on what they feel is the main idea of the paragraph. it would be ideal to group stronger readers with struggling readers – that way, they are able to model the stronger readers.
think-pair-share: teacher poses a question/problem and students are paired with a partner to think of ideas, solutions, answers to the posed question/problem. students can share their answers in a whole group or write their answers for a teacher to collect. either way, the teacher is able to assess the students’ learning/understanding.
sample social studies lesson:
transitions
there are many ways teachers use transitions in a school day. these can be when lining up to leave the classroom, changing from one subject to the next, and getting the class' attention in general.
with transitions:
1. have a signal
2. give specific directions
4. tap each child on the shoulder to get their attention
helpful resources/websites/references
under "transitions"
-
- a to teacher stuff
- the teacher's guide
for educators
utah
utah staff development network
http://www.gdrc.org/kmgmt/c-learn/methods.html
http://www.gdrc.org/kmgmt/c-learn/methods.html - several the classroom
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3749683&fullbreadcrumb=%3ca+href%3d%22http%3a%2f%2fwww2.scholastic.com%2fbrowse%2fsearch%2f%3fquery%3dtime%2520management%26ntt%3dtime%2bmanagement%26ntk%3dschl30_si%26ntx%3dmode%2bmatchallpartial%26n%3d0%26_n%3dfff%22+class%3d%22endecaall%22%3eall+results%3c%2fa%3e
http://drwilliampmartin.tripod.com/reallybest.htm
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/classroom_organization.htm-
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3749683&fullbreadcrumb=%3ca+href%3d%22http%3a%2f%2fwww2.scholastic.com%2fbrowse%2fsearch%2f%3fquery%3dtime%2520management%26ntt%3dtime%2bmanagement%26ntk%3dschl30_si%26ntx%3dmode%2bmatchallpartial%26n%3d0%26_n%3dfff%22+class%3d%22endecaall%22%3eall+results%3c%2fa%3e
http://drwilliampmartin.tripod.com/reallybest.htm
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/classroom_organization.htm- classroom organization resources
http://classroom.4teachers.org/-
http://classroom.4teachers.org/- classroom architect
http://teacher.scholastic.com/tools/class_setup/-
http://teacher.scholastic.com/tools/class_setup/- class set-up tool
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/311-
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/311- ideas on classroom space
http://classroom-organization.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_plan_a_classroom_seating_arrangement-
http://classroom-organization.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_plan_a_classroom_seating_arrangement- classroom seating arrangements
http://www.gems-for-the-teacher.com/id14.html-
http://www.gems-for-the-teacher.com/id14.html- classroom design
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/tv/printables/086586263x_42.pdf-
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/tv/printables/086586263x_42.pdf- classroom arrangement checklist
http://www.ehow.com/how_2116605_classroom-ready-first-day-school.html-
http://www.ehow.com/how_2116605_classroom-ready-first-day-school.html- first day of school
alabama
alabama department of from http://web.utk.edu/~mccay/apdm/classmgt/classmgt_b.htm
university of nebraska-lincoln. organization and management of the classroom. retrieved march 22, 2010 from http://para.unl.edu/legacy/organization/lesson2.php

- a to z teacher stuff
- the teacher's guide
[[http://www.youtube.com- time|http://www.youtube.com- ]]http://www.youtube.com- time management
utah staff development network
http://www.gdrc.org/kmgmt/c-learn/methods.html - several ideas on incorporating collaborative learning in the classroom
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3749683&fullbreadcrumb=%3ca+href%3d%22http%3a%2f%2fwww2.scholastic.com%2fbrowse%2fsearch%2f%3fquery%3dtime%2520management%26ntt%3dtime%2bmanagement%26ntk%3dschl30_si%26ntx%3dmode%2bmatchallpartial%26n%3d0%26_n%3dfff%22+class%3d%22endecaall%22%3eall+results%3c%2fa%3e
http://drwilliampmartin.tripod.com/reallybest.htm
organization resources
http://classroom.4teachers.org/-
http://classroom.4teachers.org/- classroom architect
http://teacher.scholastic.com/tools/class_setup/- class set-up tool
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/311- ideas on using classroom space
http://classroom-organization.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_plan_a_classroom_seating_arrangement- classroom seating arrangements
classroom design
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/tv/printables/086586263x_42.pdf-
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/tv/printables/086586263x_42.pdf- classroom arrangement checklist
http://www.ehow.com/how_2116605_classroom-ready-first-day-school.html- first day of school
from http://web.utk.edu/~mccay/apdm/classmgt/classmgt_b.htm
university
university of nebraska-lincoln. from http://para.unl.edu/legacy/organization/lesson2.php

there are many ways teachers use transitions in a school day. these can be when lining up to leave the classroom, changing from one subject to the next, and getting the class' attention in general.
here are some basics with transitions:
a signal
2.
2. give specific directions
3.
3. follow up ensure understanding
4.
4. model when necessary
5. say "go"; let the students know its okay to start
here are a few different transition signals:
a horn
2.
2. say "count next activity.
3.
3. playing music
4.
4. tap each their attention
helpful resources/websites/references
under "transitions"
-
- a to teacher stuff
- the teacher's guide
utube-time[[http://www.youtube.com- time|http://www.youtube.com- ]] time management for educators
utah
utah staff development network
www.gdrc.org/kmgmt/c-learn/methods.html]]
http://www.gdrc.org/kmgmt/c-learn/methods.html - several the classroom
www.gdrc.org/kmgmt/c-learn/methods.html- //hints for better learning groups//
www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3749683&fullbreadcrumb=%3ca+href%3d%22http%3a%2f%2fwww2.scholastic.com%2fbrowse%2fsearch%2f%3fquery%3dtime%2520management%26ntt%3dtime%2bmanagement%26ntk%3dschl30_si%26ntx%3dmode%2bmatchallpartial%26n%3d0%26_n%3dfff%22+class%3d%22endecaall%22%3eall+results%3c%2fa%3e
www.managemytimenow.com/freetimemanagementcourse
www.timemanagement-for-teaching.com/
http://drwilliampmartin.tripod.com/reallybest.htm
alabama
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3749683&fullbreadcrumb=%3ca+href%3d%22http%3a%2f%2fwww2.scholastic.com%2fbrowse%2fsearch%2f%3fquery%3dtime%2520management%26ntt%3dtime%2bmanagement%26ntk%3dschl30_si%26ntx%3dmode%2bmatchallpartial%26n%3d0%26_n%3dfff%22+class%3d%22endecaall%22%3eall+results%3c%2fa%3e
http://drwilliampmartin.tripod.com/reallybest.htm
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/classroom_organization.htm- classroom organization resources
http://classroom.4teachers.org/- classroom architect
http://teacher.scholastic.com/tools/class_setup/- class set-up tool
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/311- ideas on using classroom space
http://classroom-organization.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_plan_a_classroom_seating_arrangement- classroom seating arrangements
http://www.gems-for-the-teacher.com/id14.html- classroom design
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/tv/printables/086586263x_42.pdf- classroom arrangement checklist
http://www.ehow.com/how_2116605_classroom-ready-first-day-school.html- first day of school
alabama department of from http://web.utk.edu/~mccay/apdm/classmgt/classmgt_b.htm
university of nebraska-lincoln. organization and management of the classroom. retrieved march 22, 2010 from http://para.unl.edu/legacy/organization/lesson2.php

develop supplementary materials (backup materials should be available for activities that finish early or are ineffective). supplementary materials might include alternative instructional activities, personalized activity sheets, extra worksheets and learning materials, or relevant instructional games.
the following examples provide some ideas for organizing student materials. student work may be stored and organized in various ways. it is important to teach students early the importance of organization and make them responsible for as much of their organization as possible. granted, no matter how hard teachers may try, some students are not good organizers.
may include:
student folders arranged by subject stored in their cubbies or in a file in a certain place in the room that is accessible to students.
tubs or containers labeled with student names for them to store their work in when it is in progress.
supplies such as scissors, glue, crayons, etc. can be kept in labeled bins. storing materials in these bins keeps them organized for when you need to use them.
room arrangement
learning needs.
Jon
Jon Saphier and space guidelines:
1.
1. Materials students and accessible
2.
2. There should illegitimate activity
3.
3. Arrange the blind spots)
4.
4. Use vertical learning enrichments
5.
5. Keep active quiet spaces
6.
6. Keep two and interference
7. Have clear and safe traffic paths no matter how your room is arranged
collaborative learning
collaborative learning is a situation in which two or more individuals attempt to learn something together. students can develop higher learning thinking skills, develop oral communication and social interactive skills and most importantly, it creates an environment of active, involved, exploratory learning. fortunately in the classroom, there are plenty of ways to incorporate collaborative learning in lesson plans.
Ideas for reading comprehension:
group students into groups of 4. have the students read a chapter from a book you are working on together (one paragraph at a time). after each paragraph, students should collaboratively agree on what they feel is the main idea of the paragraph. it would be ideal to group stronger readers with struggling readers – that way, they are able to model the stronger readers.
think-pair-share: teacher poses a question/problem and students are paired with a partner to think of ideas, solutions, answers to the posed question/problem. students can share their answers in a whole group or write their answers for a teacher to collect. either way, the teacher is able to assess the students’ learning/understanding.
sample social studies lesson:
teacher prepares wall for a match game. using velcro and index cards, one side of the board will contain facts/events about an individual on each index card and the other side/half of the board will have the names of historical figures listed on the index cards (on name per index cards). students will be divided into teams to match the name of the individuals to the names on the index cards to the event that happened in their lives. –the teacher can have several boards with facts/individuals so that students are teamed up and can race to a finish, or a few students can work collaboratively on one board. (this can also be used solving math facts/problems)
transitions
there are many ways teachers use transitions in a school day. these can be when lining up to leave the classroom, changing from one subject to the next, and getting the class' attention in general.
here are some basics with transitions:
3. playing music
4. tap each child on the shoulder to get their attention
5. say "hands on head, hands on shoulders, hands on desks..." this
helpful resources/websites/references
found on dr. carr's website under "transitions"
utube-time management for educators
utah staff development network
/C:\Users\Kharima Wilson\Documents\www.gdrc.org\kmgmt\c-learn\methods.html|www.gdrc.org/kmgmt/c-learn/methods.html]]www.gdrc.org/kmgmt/c-learn/methods.html]] - several
www.gdrc.org/kmgmt/c-learn/methods.html- //hints for better learning groups//
www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3749683&fullbreadcrumb=%3ca+href%3d%22http%3a%2f%2fwww2.scholastic.com%2fbrowse%2fsearch%2f%3fquery%3dtime%2520management%26ntt%3dtime%2bmanagement%26ntk%3dschl30_si%26ntx%3dmode%2bmatchallpartial%26n%3d0%26_n%3dfff%22+class%3d%22endecaall%22%3eall+results%3c%2fa%3e
www.managemytimenow.com/freetimemanagementcourse
www.timemanagement-for-teaching.com/
http://drwilliampmartin.tripod.com/reallybest.htm
retrieved
alabama department of education. (2003). classroom organization. retrieved march 22, from http://web.utk.edu/~mccay/apdm/classmgt/classmgt_b.htm
http://para.unl.edu/legacy/organization/lesson2.php
university of nebraska-lincoln. organization and management of the classroom. retrieved march 22, 2010 from http://para.unl.edu/legacy/organization/lesson2.php

10. make a to do list
11. pick and choose assignments; try not to rush and keep at a steady pace
for everything
distribution of materials
organization and management of the classroom is the key to quality instructional time. the handling and distribution of materials in the classroom can take a significant amount of time; therefore it is important to develop a systematic approach to storing and retrieving classroom materials. the following are suggestions for establishing strategies for making the distribution of materials more efficient:
establish and practice procedures for handing out and picking up learning materials and student papers. for example, one student from each row might be assigned to pick up materials and distribute them to the other students in the row. this causes less traffic and confusion than all students going at once to pick up materials and uses less time than having the teacher distribute all materials. it is important that the student be taught to follow this procedure and have ample opportunity to practice carrying it out correctly.
develop supplementary materials (backup materials should be available for activities that finish early or are ineffective). supplementary materials might include alternative instructional activities, personalized activity sheets, extra worksheets and learning materials, or relevant instructional games.
good organizers.
ideas
ideas to help may include:
student folders arranged by subject stored in their cubbies or in a file in a certain place in the room that is accessible to students.
tubs or containers labeled with student names for them to store their work in when it is in progress.
supplies such as scissors, glue, crayons, etc. can be kept in labeled bins. storing materials in these bins keeps them organized for when you need to use them.
room arrangement
learning needs.
Jon
Jon Saphier and space guidelines:
Materials
1. Materials students use and accessible
There
2. There should be illegitimate activity
Arrange
3. Arrange the room blind spots)
Use
4. Use vertical space learning enrichments
Keep
5. Keep active areas quiet spaces
Keep
6. Keep two active and interference
Have
7. Have clear and
collaborative learning
collaborative
collaborative learning is lesson plans.
Ideas
Ideas for reading comprehension:
group
group students into stronger readers.
think-pair-share: teacher poses a question/problem and students are paired with a partner to think of ideas, solutions, answers to the posed question/problem. students can share their answers in a whole group or write their answers for a teacher to collect. either way, the teacher is able to assess the students’ learning/understanding.
sample social studies lesson:
there are many ways teachers use transitions in a school day. these can be when lining up to leave the classroom, changing from one subject to the next, and getting the class' attention in general.
here are some basics with transitions:
a signal
2.
2. give specific directions
3.
3. follow up ensure understanding
4.
4. model when necessary
5. say "go"; let the students know its okay to start
here are a few different transition signals:
a horn
2.
2. say "count next activity.
3.
3. playing music
4.
4. tap each their attention
5.
5. say "hands desks..." this gives you a good idea of who is listening; often the whole class does not participate at first. they will see the others doing the actions and then realize what is going on and join in.
helpful resources/websites/references
found on dr. carr's website under "transitions"
utube-time management for educators
utah staff development network
the classroom
www.gdrc.org/kmgmt/c-learn/methods.html- //hints for better learning groups//
www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3749683&fullbreadcrumb=%3ca+href%3d%22http%3a%2f%2fwww2.scholastic.com%2fbrowse%2fsearch%2f%3fquery%3dtime%2520management%26ntt%3dtime%2bmanagement%26ntk%3dschl30_si%26ntx%3dmode%2bmatchallpartial%26n%3d0%26_n%3dfff%22+class%3d%22endecaall%22%3eall+results%3c%2fa%3e
www.timemanagement-for-teaching.com/
http://drwilliampmartin.tripod.com/reallybest.htm
www.internet4classrooms.com/classroom_organization.htm- classroom organization resources
http://classroom.4teachers.org/- classroom architect
http://teacher.scholastic.com/tools/class_setup/- class set-up tool
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/311- ideas on using classroom space
http://classroom-organization.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_plan_a_classroom_seating_arrangement- classroom seating arrangements
www.gems-for-the-teacher.com/id14.html- classroom design
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/tv/printables/086586263x_42.pdf- classroom arrangement checklist
http://www.ehow.com/how_2116605_classroom-ready-first-day-school.html- first day of school
alabama department of education. (2003). classroom organization.retrievedretrieved march 22, from http://web.utk.edu/~mccay/apdm/classmgt/classmgt_b.htm
university of nebraska-lincoln. organization and management of the classroom//. retrieved march 22, 2010 from http://para.unl.edu/legacy/organization/lesson2.php
http://para.unl.edu/legacy/organization/lesson2.php

managing the learning environment
as a teacher, managing the learning environment will set the tone for your students success. It will affect everything you do in the classroom, from the first day of school until the last. In order to manage the learning environment effectively, the following should be considered…
time management
the classroom:
1.
1. use an is left
2.
2. try to or centers
3.
3. whistle or get attention
4.
4. have teacher help you
5.
5. have a right away
6.
6. keep a is next
7.
7. make sure when possible
8.
8. be clear given task
9.
9. don’t let you down
10.
10. make a do list
11.
11. pick and steady pace
12. each child should have a color, number, for everything
of materials
organization and management of the classroom is the key to quality instructional time. the handling and distribution of materials in the classroom can take a significant amount of time; therefore it is important to develop a systematic approach to storing and retrieving classroom materials. the following are suggestions for establishing strategies for making the distribution of materials more efficient:
prepare materials ahead of time.
establish and practice procedures for handing out and picking up learning materials and student papers. for example, one student from each row might be assigned to pick up materials and distribute them to the other students in the row. this causes less traffic and confusion than all students going at once to pick up materials and uses less time than having the teacher distribute all materials. it is important that the student be taught to follow this procedure and have ample opportunity to practice carrying it out correctly.
develop supplementary materials (backup materials should be available for activities that finish early or are ineffective). supplementary materials might include alternative instructional activities, personalized activity sheets, extra worksheets and learning materials, or relevant instructional games.
good organizers.
ideas
ideas to help may include:
student
student folders arranged to students.
tubs
tubs or containers in progress.
trays
trays for turning been completed.
supplies
supplies such as use them.
room arrangement
learning needs.
Jon
Jon Saphier and space guidelines:
Materials students use should be visibly stored and accessible
illegitimate activity
Arrange
Arrange the room blind spots)
Use
Use vertical space learning enrichments
Keep
Keep active areas quiet spaces
Keep two active areas distinctly separate to avoid distraction and interference
is arranged
collaborative
collaborative learning
collaborative
collaborative learning is lesson plans.
Ideas for reading comprehension:
stronger readers.
think-pair-share: teacher poses a question/problem and students are paired with a partner to think of ideas, solutions, answers to the posed question/problem. students can share their answers in a whole group or write their answers for a teacher to collect. either way, the teacher is able to assess the students’ learning/understanding.
sample social studies lesson:
there are many ways teachers use transitions in a school day. these can be when lining up to leave the classroom, changing from one subject to the next, and getting the class' attention in general.
here are some basics with transitions:
a signal
2.
2. give specific directions
3.
3. follow up ensure understanding
4.
4. model when necessary
5. say "go"; let the students know its okay to start
here are a few different transition signals:
a horn
2.
2. say "count next activity.
3.
3. playing music
4.
4. tap each their attention
5. say "hands on head, hands on shoulders, hands on desks..." this gives you a good idea of who is listening; often the whole class does not participate at first. they will see the others doing the actions and then realize what is going on and join in.
helpful resources/websites/references
under "transitions"
-
- a to teacher stuff
-
- the teacher's guide
utube-time
utube-time management for educators
utah
utah staff development network
[[file:/C:\Users\Kharima
/C:\Users\Kharima Wilson\Documents\www.gdrc.org\kmgmt\c-learn\methods.html|www.gdrc.org/kmgmt/c-learn/methods.html]] - learning groups//
www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3749683&fullbreadcrumb=%3ca+href%3d%22http%3a%2f%2fwww2.scholastic.com%2fbrowse%2fsearch%2f%3fquery%3dtime%2520management%26ntt%3dtime%2bmanagement%26ntk%3dschl30_si%26ntx%3dmode%2bmatchallpartial%26n%3d0%26_n%3dfff%22+class%3d%22endecaall%22%3eall+results%3c%2fa%3e
www.managemytimenow.com/freetimemanagementcourse
www.timemanagement-for-teaching.com/
www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3749683&fullbreadcrumb=%3ca+href%3d%22http%3a%2f%2fwww2.scholastic.com%2fbrowse%2fsearch%2f%3fquery%3dtime%2520management%26ntt%3dtime%2bmanagement%26ntk%3dschl30_si%26ntx%3dmode%2bmatchallpartial%26n%3d0%26_n%3dfff%22+class%3d%22endecaall%22%3eall+results%3c%2fa%3e
www.managemytimenow.com/freetimemanagementcourse
www.timemanagement-for-teaching.com/
http://drwilliampmartin.tripod.com/reallybest.htm
organization resources
http://classroom.4teachers.org/-
http://classroom.4teachers.org/- classroom architect
http://teacher.scholastic.com/tools/class_setup/-
http://teacher.scholastic.com/tools/class_setup/- class set-up tool
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/311-
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/311- ideas on classroom space
http://classroom-organization.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_plan_a_classroom_seating_arrangement-
http://classroom-organization.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_plan_a_classroom_seating_arrangement- classroom seating arrangements
www.gems-for-the-teacher.com/id14.html-
www.gems-for-the-teacher.com/id14.html- classroom design
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/tv/printables/086586263x_42.pdf-
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/tv/printables/086586263x_42.pdf- classroom arrangement checklist
http://www.ehow.com/how_2116605_classroom-ready-first-day-school.html-
http://www.ehow.com/how_2116605_classroom-ready-first-day-school.html- first day of school
alabama
alabama department of (2003). classroom organization. retrievedorganization.retrieved march 22, from http://web.utk.edu/~mccay/apdm/classmgt/classmgt_b.htm
university
university of nebraska-lincoln. from http://para.unl.edu/legacy/organization/lesson2.php

Group 5
managing the learning environment
as a teacher, managing the learning environment will set the tone for your students success. It will affect everything you do in the classroom, from the first day of school until the last. In order to manage the learning environment effectively, the following should be considered…
time management
ideas for managing time in the classroom:
1. use an egg timer on over head to help students know how much time is left
2. try to find age appropriate songs in between lessons or centers
3. whistle or something comparable to get attention
4. have teacher spring cleaning to get rid of things that are no longer used and use the students to sometimes help you
5. have a file cabinet and file everything in cabinet right away
6. keep a daily schedule on the board or somewhere visible to help you and the students know what is next
7. make sure you always keep hard and computer copy of everything, when possible
8. be clear with directions and how much time is allotted for a given task
9. don’t let everything get you down
10. make a to do list
11. pick and choose assignments; try not to rush and keep at a steady pace
12. each child should have a color, number, for everything
distribution of materials
organization and management of the classroom is the key to quality instructional time. the handling and distribution of materials in the classroom can take a significant amount of time; therefore it is important to develop a systematic approach to storing and retrieving classroom materials. the following are suggestions for establishing strategies for making the distribution of materials more efficient:
prepare materials ahead of time.
develop places for convenient storage of frequently used materials.
materials for student use should be in a location accessible to all students and movement to and from this area should be clear and unobstructed. the teacher may have a designated area or container where materials for the day's class or subject are placed prior to class, if the students are to pick up the materials themselves.
establish and practice procedures for handing out and picking up learning materials and student papers. for example, one student from each row might be assigned to pick up materials and distribute them to the other students in the row. this causes less traffic and confusion than all students going at once to pick up materials and uses less time than having the teacher distribute all materials. it is important that the student be taught to follow this procedure and have ample opportunity to practice carrying it out correctly.
develop supplementary materials (backup materials should be available for activities that finish early or are ineffective). supplementary materials might include alternative instructional activities, personalized activity sheets, extra worksheets and learning materials, or relevant instructional games.
the following examples provide some ideas for organizing student materials. student work may be stored and organized in various ways. it is important to teach students early the importance of organization and make them responsible for as much of their organization as possible. granted, no matter how hard teachers may try, some students are not good organizers.
ideas to help students may include:
student folders arranged by subject stored in their cubbies or in a file in a certain place in the room that is accessible to students.
tubs or containers labeled with student names for them to store their work in when it is in progress.
trays for turning work in to the teacher are important for students to use when an assignment has been completed.
supplies such as scissors, glue, crayons, etc. can be kept in labeled bins. storing materials in these bins keeps them organized for when you need to use them.
room arrangement
classrooms should be an encouraging environment for students. the classroom environment must be conducive to learning. this requires good planning and proper use of space. the arrangement of furniture, accessibility of learning materials, and labeling of areas provide organization and structure in room arrangement. flexibility of arrangement is crucial so that the room can vary according to the type of learning activity adopted at the time. to encourage collaborative work, desks and chairs ought to be arranged in groups rather than in straight lines. desk grouping can also be used in various sizes according to students’ different abilities and learning needs.
Jon Saphier and Robert Gower provide these basic space guidelines:
Materials students use should be visibly stored and accessible
There should be no dead space which promotes random or illegitimate activity
Arrange the room so that the teacher can monitor quickly and easily (no blind spots)
Use vertical space for display and learning enrichments
Keep active areas distinctly separate from quiet spaces
Keep two active areas distinctly separate to avoid distraction and interference
Have clear and safe traffic paths no matter how your room is arranged
collaborative learning
collaborative learning is a situation in which two or more individuals attempt to learn something together. students can develop higher learning thinking skills, develop oral communication and social interactive skills and most importantly, it creates an environment of active, involved, exploratory learning. fortunately in the classroom, there are plenty of ways to incorporate collaborative learning in lesson plans.
Ideas for reading comprehension:
group students into groups of 4. have the students read a chapter from a book you are working on together (one paragraph at a time). after each paragraph, students should collaboratively agree on what they feel is the main idea of the paragraph. it would be ideal to group stronger readers with struggling readers – that way, they are able to model the stronger readers.
think-pair-share: teacher poses a question/problem and students are paired with a partner to think of ideas, solutions, answers to the posed question/problem. students can share their answers in a whole group or write their answers for a teacher to collect. either way, the teacher is able to assess the students’ learning/understanding.
sample social studies lesson:
teacher prepares wall for a match game. using velcro and index cards, one side of the board will contain facts/events about an individual on each index card and the other side/half of the board will have the names of historical figures listed on the index cards (on name per index cards). students will be divided into teams to match the name of the individuals to the names on the index cards to the event that happened in their lives. –the teacher can have several boards with facts/individuals so that students are teamed up and can race to a finish, or a few students can work collaboratively on one board. (this can also be used solving math facts/problems)
transitions
there are many ways teachers use transitions in a school day. these can be when lining up to leave the classroom, changing from one subject to the next, and getting the class' attention in general.
here are some basics with transitions:
1. have a signal
2. give specific directions
3. follow up to ensure understanding
4. model when necessary
5. say "go"; let the students know its okay to start
here are a few different transition signals:
1. ring a bell/ honk a horn
2. say "count down to a ...". often you can say "clean desk", "quiet", etc. and then start the count down at 10 or 5. this gives the kids a better timeframe of getting ready for the next activity.
3. playing music
4. tap each child on the shoulder to get their attention
5. say "hands on head, hands on shoulders, hands on desks..." this gives you a good idea of who is listening; often the whole class does not participate at first. they will see the others doing the actions and then realize what is going on and join in.
helpful resources/websites/references
found on dr. carr's website under "transitions"
- a to z teacher stuff
- the teacher's guide
utube-time management for educators
utah staff development network
[[file:/C:\Users\Kharima Wilson\Documents\www.gdrc.org\kmgmt\c-learn\methods.html|www.gdrc.org/kmgmt/c-learn/methods.html]] - Managingseveral ideas on incorporating collaborative learning in the classroom
www.gdrc.org/kmgmt/c-learn/methods.html- //hints for better learning groups//
www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3749683&fullbreadcrumb=%3ca+href%3d%22http%3a%2f%2fwww2.scholastic.com%2fbrowse%2fsearch%2f%3fquery%3dtime%2520management%26ntt%3dtime%2bmanagement%26ntk%3dschl30_si%26ntx%3dmode%2bmatchallpartial%26n%3d0%26_n%3dfff%22+class%3d%22endecaall%22%3eall+results%3c%2fa%3e
www.managemytimenow.com/freetimemanagementcourse
www.timemanagement-for-teaching.com/
http://drwilliampmartin.tripod.com/reallybest.htm
www.internet4classrooms.com/classroom_organization.htm- classroom organization resources
http://classroom.4teachers.org/- classroom architect
http://teacher.scholastic.com/tools/class_setup/- class set-up tool
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/311- ideas on using classroom space
http://classroom-organization.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_plan_a_classroom_seating_arrangement- classroom seating arrangements
www.gems-for-the-teacher.com/id14.html- classroom design
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/tv/printables/086586263x_42.pdf- classroom arrangement checklist
http://www.ehow.com/how_2116605_classroom-ready-first-day-school.html- first day of school
alabama department of education. (2003). classroom organization. retrieved march 22, 2010 from http://web.utk.edu/~mccay/apdm/classmgt/classmgt_b.htm
university of nebraska-lincoln. organization and management of the Learning Environmentclassroom//. retrieved march 22, 2010 from http://para.unl.edu/legacy/organization/lesson2.php

Provide quality after-school programs.
Community Involvement Hints
Good Neighbor
Community involvement “involves” you. You must be a good member of your community. Shop there. Use the local library. When you can, shop near the school wearing your name badge. Introduce yourself to the manager when you are not wanting anything from the store but to shop. Do not wait until you need something. Lay the groundwork for getting community support by supporting the community. If the community is not strong, then it will not be able to help as much. Be a good neighbor.
Never talk or think badly of a business if they can not help now. One day they may be the best support you ever will have. Many businesses are hurting and may not be able to do what they would like to do. Remember, you are not the only one who needs help. A lot of people ask for help. Also, you are not the only teacher or request they will hear this month. Businesses get a lot of requests.
3. Use homework time do parent “homework” alongside your child – set a good example. Write in a journal, pay bills, or write a letter to a relative. Let your kids see you work alongside them to set the tone for good work habits.
4. Frequently offer your child something nice immediately after finishing homework – After a long day of school, the last thing that students want to do is homework. Rewarding your child for working hard will motivate them to continue good behavior. Letting your child play with a special toy, have extra TV time, or a small tasty snack are nice ways to reward good study habits.
Parental Involvement
Many schools have websites that can be helpful encouraging parents to be active in their children's education. An example website is available from Corley Elementary School in Lawrenceville, Georgia. A school's website can be use for information as well as for helping children to learn. It also can help parents be more active in the school. If your school does not have a website, you may have your parents use another school's website for lessons. Also, there are great websites available to the public like PBS kids, authors' sites like Dr. Seuss and many others, NASA, US Mint and others.
An Example: Teaching Writing Conventions Using Goo Games
Mrs. Cassidy recorded important activities that happened in the classroom, she took picture of students’ achievement, videotaped key lessons and upload them to her blog. From her blog we can find anything in her classroom and I think the parents will thank her for capturing their children’s moment at school. Either students or their parents will view those blog entries and write a comment about it. From one entry, we can easily the students were showing their works from their weather lesson. She also posted home works as well as announcement to her blog. Students are also able to post their entries to this blog which will enhance their reading and writing skills. This blog has brought closer with students, parents and the teacher.
Using Skype in the classroom:
is Skype?
Skype is a software application that allows users to make free video and voice calls over the Internet. Teachers can use Skype to open up their classroom and their students to a world way beyond their campus. With Skype, students can learn from other students, connect with other cultures, and expand their knowledge in amazing ways. Skype is an excellent tool teachers can use to involve parents and the community in the classroom.
Ways you can use Skype in the classroom to promote community involvement: