Every once in a while, I transform my classroom. Classroom transformations have become big in the teacher instagram world. Look up #rockyourschool or #classroomtrasnformation and you'll find endless ideas for classroom transformations.
I do them once in a while because they cost a lot of money that I simply don't have to spend. This specific transformation came from a Donors Choose project that I got funded in the beginning of the school year. As a pull-out teacher, it is important that my space and time with students is meaningful. Classroom transformations can easily become instagram photoshoots and nothing more. This is how I made sure my classroom transformation was meaningful and increased engagement. I chose a camping theme because it lended itself well to literature circles and book groups. Sitting around the campfire and talking sounds a lot less painful than discussing books using text evidence, but that's precisely what my students did! Materials: -Sets of books for book clubs -Camping decor -A fake fire -Log cushions -Plants! -A comfy rug -Lanterns & flashlights -Checkered tablecloth After I gathered all the materials, I rearranged my classroom so it was conducive to sitting on the floor in a circle. My room is very small and snuggly fits eight students. Even though we were all squished on the carpet squares, my students were so excited to be there. A simple change in atmosphere can go a long way. I started with a book tasting. Where my students "tasted" all of their book options. I made this area look like a picnic bench and covered the table in a red checkered tablecloth. The students then chose their top two books and I arranged them in groups. Students, in groups, had to complete a book club contract. This puts the responsibility of learning in their hands. They were surprisingly excited to create their own contracts. Throughout the process, they kept each other accountable by referring to this contract. After the groups were established, they had to assign their own homework and number of pages. Each week, they would come to class prepared and ready to discuss around the campfire. In groups they completed a variety of activities. Two of my favorites were "Light the Way" and "Cook it Up". "Light the Way" involved students determining key words in their text. They used flashlights the to search for important words. Then they had to use context clues and their dictionary skills to define these words. The words became an anchor for them throughout the book club. They could always refer to their key words in discussions and other activities. "Cook it Up" required students to create their own literal and inferential comprehension questions. Students are rarely asked to create their own comprehension questions. This took explicit teaching. Once they got, they loved searching for questions to ask based on the text! You can find all of these resources in my Teachers Pay Teachers account.
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Ms. StargardterI am a gifted and talented teacher. Listen to my thoughts on social justice, global citizenship, gifted education, and diverse books. I'd love to hear yours as well! Archives
December 2018
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