Classroom Set Up and Scrapbooks

Works4Me presents weekly practical classroom tips from real experts -- your colleagues!

1. High School Learning Environment

From an English and speech teacher at Cobden Unit District #17 in Cobden, Illinois:

"I thought it difficult to set up an attractive learning environment for my high school students because their needs are different than in the younger grades. I now find that a few live plants on the windowsill, a few pictures of the authors and books they'll be reading, some handwritten quotes tacked up here and there, and believe it or not, coordinating color between my desk and the bulletin board help a lot. Literally, I used a big roll of seasonal wrapping paper to do the bulletin board background and my ugly tan desk. I add a touch of whimsy with my collection of Shrek toys behind my desk, and the kids like my family pictures as much as I do. These decorations hold us over between displayable projects."
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2. My Space Bulletin Board

From Bobbie:

"I label one of my bulletin boards, My Space Edu. I divide the board into as many spaces as I have students. I put each child's name and picture on each space of the board. I let them put up whatever work they choose and change it every week or two. The My Space board is easy to maintain since the space belongs to the students."
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3. Vacation Scrapbook

From Tammy:

"When I had a student leave for a two week vacation to the Grand Canyon area, I gave him a simple scrapbook, a few pages, and some fun pens. I also provided him with a notebook to use as his daily diary. I asked him to gather everything he could about his trip like pamphlets, postcards, ticket stubs, pictures, etc. Since he would be writing in his diary and putting together a story of his trip, I counted this assignment as his grade for English/language arts. The historical aspect was easy because of his destination and counted as social studies. I gave him math tailored to his trip using word problems based on time and distance. When he returned, he stood in front of my class to share his adventure using his scrapbook and diary. After grading, he and his family had a scrapbook and notebook full of memories to cherish. This assignment took the pressure off of the student to think he would need to try to make-up or keep up on the daily amount of schoolwork, and it allowed me to have a fun and fulfilling way to help him return with a project that was exciting for everyone!"
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4. Question of the Week: Test Preparation

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"It's getting to be that time of year when the snow melts, leaves come out on trees... and students take standardized tests! Whether you teach elementary, middle or high school, your students need a bit of coaching in order to do well. How do you help your students prepare to do their best on standardized tests?"
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5. Heard on the Message Board: Algebra Center

"I am a teacher in training who needs to develop an algebra learning center to be used in a classroom. It needs to be geared towards first grade. I've search high and low on the Internet for ideas with little luck. Does anyone have any ideas?"
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