top of page

Organizational Tips and Classroom Tools

What to Put on the Walls: 

  • SIght word wall

    • I like how the odd and even numbers are colour coded​

  • Alphabet and number lines ​​

    • I like how the odd and even numbers are colour coded​ 

    • I think having visual ​cues are great for students, especially those who struggle with the alphabet

  • Student work 

    • It's always great for students to see their work displayed ​like an important artifact - I think it adds a sense of purpose and belonging 

    • Parents love this too! 

Daily Carpet Time Essentials: 

  • Exciting calendar 

    • Students love routine, so it's helpful for them to see the month at a glance to see when holidays and PD days are ​

  • Days of the week/month of the year 

    • Important words students should know​

    • The more they see them, the better they will understand and use them 

  • Community circle/attendance questions 

    • These questions are a great way to get to know students and for the students to get to know their classmates ​

  • Analog clock 

    • Telling time is another important skill to learn​

    • Many students will be used to digital clocks, so an analog is a great change 

  • Counting system (days of school) 

    • Popsicle sticks work great! ​

    • Group sticks according to place value 

Bins and Bins, and More Bins: ​

  • General supplies 

    • Crayons, pencil crayons, pencils, markers erasers, glue sticks, scissors 

    • As a teacher, you can never have enough writing and crafting utensils, so important you are stocked up at all times! 

  • Toys and manipulatives 

    • Legos  ​

    • Water table 

    • Tinker toys 

    • Recess bin - balls, jump ropes 

    • These objects are great for kinesthetic learners and often get high engagement 

  • Books, Books, Books!

    • There are usually about 1500 books in a classroom library (​you build up to the 1500 throughout your career) 

    • It's important to have a varying levels, and topics in your books to apeal to all readers

Bins Instead of Full Desks: 

  • Each student has their own bin where they keep their work (will use desks without storage space)

  • Desks without a storage space are easier to move 

    • Circle tables/rectangle group tables is another great seating arrangement that promotes collaboration ​

Comy/Alternative Seating: 

  • Great for silent reading time 

  • Helps wiggly students stay in one place (especially a rocking chair) 

No Teacher Desk: 

  • Resources/supplies go on a shelf instead 

  • Frees up some class room space

  • Potentially less clutter as a teacher 

  •  Add a curved table instead  

    • Great for working with multiple students at a time 

    • Ideal for reading centers 

bottom of page