My classroom is very cramped for space. I have 3 large tables and 25 desks to accommodate 35 students per class period. We also allow backpacks, so I have to be careful walking around my room!
I have three giant white boards that are always full of words for our current story, movie talk, or novel.
(That cute girl in the picture is my daughter. She thinks she wants to be a Spanish teacher. TPRS/CI for the win!!)
I want my students to engage each other in conversation, so I have desks set up in pods. My administrator is not comfortable with going deskless (which I completely understand!) so he purchased tall café chairs and tables to help better use the space and to allow my classroom to have a more hip feel.
I have words everywhere. And Christmas lights! I originally brought in an extra light because I don’t have a window. Our lights are on motion sensors, so if I am sitting at my desk and not moving much, they will go off. When that happens, it is a complete blackout!
I have the same bulletin board up all year – question words. I had planned to take the English translations down mid-year of LAST year, but I still have a few (not many) glance up at it for help. I decided to keep it 100% comprehensible and keep them up until no one needs them.
¿Qué? and ¿Por qué? are partially covered up. I know that everyone knows those two by now.
I also have tissues and hand sanitizer placed conveniently all around the room. My students don’t have to ask permission to get a tissue. They are always close at hand and don’t have to go far to get one. On the front table, there is a roll of paper towels, a container of Clorox Wipes, extra paper, and pencils.
One classroom hack that I really like is my first aid drawer. I have bandaids, cough drops, triple antibiotic ointment, anti-itch cream, contact solution, and icy hot in my drawer. Students know that they have to check the drawer for their needs before I will allow them to go to the nurse. Such a time-saver! I even have students stop in between class periods to use my supplies. This means they aren’t missing other classes, either.
How is your classroom arranged? What is your favorite classroom/life hack?
