Welcome to a new school year! (September 2015 to June 2016)

Hello and Welcome!

I've been busy setting up the classroom ready for a new group of students! Here is a sneak peak...

Desk groupings are in sets of four to enable cooperative group learning. Each desk has a name card, hundreds chart and an alphabet chart. As well, for some students, just having an inside to their own desk is kind of exciting. 

In the centre of the desk groupings is a round table. I often sit there when students need to work in groups with me on difficult tasks. Also, being in close proximity to working students really helps a teacher keep a close eye on students who may need a little extra help. There is nothing more frustrating for a student than doing a whole page wrong before finding out an issue. Better to find out early and be successful for the rest of the page!

Smartboard
Our classroom finally got a smartboard installed to the wall. This means that the smartboard won't need calibrated as much since it is fixed to the wall and not on a moving trolley. Trust me, this is a big help in Grade two! I enjoy using technology with my class but I expect the children to use it as much as myself. 

Underneath you will see a number line and a world map. Each have livescribe stickers that when used with a smartpen allow the students to record and hear information. I also have done this with the word wall. If you are interested, there is more information here:
Ms Fink (with a cold) explaining the word wall (video)

Book Centre
I have a big interest in reading myself. I enjoy buying books for my classroom as well. We have quite a large collection of books, organized by author and subject matter in the classroom. Can you see all the 'Back to School' books? As well, our class will have a Friday library visit this year where they can visit Mr. Cann and take out a book weekly! 

Here is my desk. Where I jokingly tell people...'this is where I place my morning coffee and it goes cold'. I rarely get to sit there unless I'm working with students. Can you see the semi-circular blue desk? This is a guided reading table where students can read to me and I can get close enough to hear them and help teach small group lessons. Our classroom is located on the upper floor with a wonderful view onto the playground and escarpment. Sometimes on a foggy or cloudy day the classroom appears to be floating in the clouds (or maybe I just have a good imagination). Regardless, there have been many wonderful views out that window. 

Organization
I think it is important for students to see the 'big picture'. On the left you will see a daily agenda where I put in what is happening in the day. The calendar pages give students an understanding of special dates and times throughout the year. A curriculum focus for Grade Two involves learning about Traditions and Celebrations. This area helps us keep track of when events are happening both in the school and worldwide. 

The orange pylons are for students who need to use the washroom. They simply place it on their desk and make eye contact with me and are able to go! This system takes a bit to implement but really allows students some independence. As well, I just need to glance at the student desks to know where they are at all times. 
                  So that is a sneak peak of our classroom.

Looking forward to a great year with your child at Florence Meares Public School!