Teachers Network
Translate Translate English to Chinese Translate English to French
  Translate English to German Translate English to Italian Translate English to Japan
  Translate English to Korean Russian Translate English to Spanish
Lesson Plan Search
Our Lesson Plans
TeachNet Curriculum Units
Classroom Specials
Popular Teacher Designed Activities
TeachNet NYC Directory of Lesson Plans TeachNet NYC Dirctory of Lesson Plans

VIDEOS FOR TEACHERS
RESOURCES
Teachers Network Leadership Institute
How-To Articles
Videos About Teaching
Effective Teachers Website
Lesson Plans
TeachNet Curriculum Units
Classroom Specials
Teacher Research
For NYC Teachers
For New Teachers
HOW-TO ARTICLES
TEACHER RESEARCH
LINKS

GRANT WINNERS
TeachNet Grant:
Lesson Plans
2010
TeachNet Grant Winners
2009
TeachNet Grant Winners
Adaptor Grant Winners
2008
TeachNet Grant Winners
Adaptor Grant Winners
2007
TeachNet Grant Winners
Adaptor Grant Winners
Other Grant Winners
Power-to-Learn
Math and Science Learning
Ready-Set-Tech
Impact II
Grant Resources
Grant How-To's
Free Resources for Teachers
ABOUT
Our Mission
Funders
   Pacesetters
   Benefactors
   Donors
   Sponsors
   Contributors
   Friends
Press
   Articles
   Press Releases
Awards
   Cine
   Silver Reel
   2002 Educational Publishers Award

Sitemap

How-To: Get Started

Setting Up Your Elementary Classroom Lisa Kihn

Tables or Individual Desks
Using desks allows your students to have their own personal space. This is very important to many students. On the first day of school, or even before, if there is some kind of open house or "meet the teacher night" I allow students to choose their own seats. Many need the security of sitting close to a friend. However, I soon find that there are some combinations that can be disruptive to the class, so I only have them sit in that configuration for about a week until I can sort out the best seating arrangement. Then I assign new seats in table groups that respect their need to be near friends they are comfortable with and those with whom they can productively work.

Visuals or Posters
Students love looking at colorful, fun posters. I also feel that in elementary school your literacy program is better supported when you take the opportunity to put lots of writing and labels up for them to see. A large calendar is also important so that you can count the days of the month and teach about long term planning. Be sure your calendar is labeled with all the important events of the month. I also like to leave ample space to display students' work. This can even include hanging art projects or other pieces from the lights or the ceiling!

Extra Books
I don't think you can ever have too many books in the classroom to read for enjoyment. Include books that are at a variety of reading levels and writing styles and make them accessible to everyone. Use built in bookcases, if possible, or make your own using milk crates. One year I asked parents to donate any unused bookcases and I received an interesting variety.

Extra Furniture
I like to put a comfortable chair, small couch, cushions or beanbags in my classroom for students to use when they are reading silently. Even if you have only a small space in your classroom, it really makes for a nice retreat. Again, I have asked parents for donations and one year I even received a small rug to mark off our space. I also like to have a special chair that we call an author's chair for students to sit at when they are reading their stories in front of the class. This can be any kind of chair.

 

Come across an outdated link?
Please visit The Wayback Machine to find what you are looking for.

 

Journey Back to the Great Before