Ideas for Improving the Classroom

• Keep a clipboard with you at all times for informal assessments – use sticky notes with each child’s name.
• Keep a mailbox on your desk so that students can write notes to you – no more tattlers!
• Color code!
• Use vocab words when teaching a lesson and then add them to the word wall.
• Build a simple puppet stand for shows.
• Have students create hand-made signs for areas in the classroom.
• Use a story telling apron made out of flannel board felt.
• Purchase transparent Highlighter Tape!
• Make boxes out of 2 milk cartons – make one side name, arrow up for I understand, arrow down for I don’t understand, green light/red light for answering questions.
• Use a thinkmark – This allows students to write their thoughts as they read a book.
• Journals – split into color folders and collect a different color every day to write back.
• Hedgehog desk – “I need space” place for children to choose to go to instead of getting into a fight.
• Color code baskets for each subject for assignments.
• Read books aloud on tape for the library.

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