Weekly chat for excited 1st grade teachers who love to learn and share ideas. Participants are interested in a variety of topics including literacy, math, technology, play, inquiry, and being the best educators they can be!
INTRO: I teach first in northeast Wisconsin (Door County) -- our 30 inches of snow (from last weekend) isn't all melted yet, BUT is significantly less compared to last weekend! #1stchat
I love when the weather starts to get warmer....flip flops!!! #1stchat -- I think this coming week (mid 50s predicted) will be perfect for bringing out the flip flops!
Q1: KonMari is about the "Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing" - what areas of your classroom do you feel need decluttering and/or organizing? Share pics/details! #1stchat@valruckes@lekadegroot
A1: My next areas for purging would be my teacher supplies (pens, pencils, staplers, post it notes, Vista Print items, glues, tapes, push pins, etc) and then HOPEFULLY school issued curriculum materials that are no longer used (need to get permission for that stuff). #1stchat
Q1: KonMari is about the "Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing" - what areas of your classroom do you feel need decluttering and/or organizing? Share pics/details! #1stchat@valruckes@lekadegroot
A1: 2 weeks ago, I got rid of my desk and started working at a skinny table in the back of my room. I have too many baskets of pens and markers to fit on the table. I need a better supply organization for next year. #1stchat
Hi from TN! Spring is in the air here...most days🙃 I need to organize papers, some supplies, and computer files...does that count?? #desktoptroubles#1stchat
A1: I have a tall cabinet full of files and ideas for every topic, I keep thinking I need it, but have opened it about 3 times this year, I think it's time to purge #1stchat
Q2: A central focus of KonMari is discarding items, not just tidying up or organizing. Do you have a hard time purging classroom things? How do you decide what can be purged and what needs to be kept? #1stchat@valruckes@lekadegroot
At the risk of sounding like I live on Pintrest, there are some really amazing ways to create flexible seating with storage area that can help with some of the storage issues that you run into after tossing out a desk. #1stchat
A2: Purging is easier for me now that I'm in my 21st year of teaching. My first few years of teaching I was in "Collect and Save ALL THE THINGS" mode, though. LOL #1stchat
A2: I do not have a problem getting rid of things I have. When I get something new, I toss the old or if I can't remember why I have it, it is usually gone. #1stchat
A2 I’m growing in this area but I still think that everything needs to be saved...after all...I may use it some day! (Forget it’s something I made back in college 😆) #1stchat
A2: When purging, I ask myself "Who uses this- Ss, Ts, or both? What is it used for? How often is it used in a year? Do I have something else that can take its place? Does another T have something similar that can be borrowed? #1stchat
A1: I have spent a lot of time working on creating storage areas because we have not had a filing cabinet. We have created these with milk crates and it is the best! We have eliminated most of the clutter so quickly! #1stchat
A3: I"m on a mission to end this year with things gone!! It's not easy though as I keep thinking - wait I need that, but I can always find and get what I need. I don't use worksheets much anyways, why do I save them? #1stchat
Currently my two 2-drawer filing cabinets hold colored copy paper and cardstock, extra 2-pocket folders, and teacher canvas bags. I want to get rid of them, and free of some real estate! #1stchat
OMG!! We just did also and have been piloting it this year. I really like it! We'll have lots of talk about at ISTE! #1stchat Are you using it this year?
We just ordered our materials. I'm S-C-A-R-E-D, as I've heard there's LOTS of prep and materials...! #1stchat -- glad I can chat your ear off on the way to ISTE and at ISTE! #1stchat
And I know you are a @SMART_Tech girl, so I have created SN files for every lesson. I'll share if you are interested!! #1stchat It is a bit of prep the first year.
Q2: We have a green (use any time), yellow (ask T), red (only T) system that helps a bit, as we know who uses the things that get tossed out, but I feel like the second I think I want to trow something out, is he moment I am going to need it again #1stchat
“Despite the clear & irrefutable problems in Koenig’s design, experts did admit that the ship’s giant laser cannon for shooting space monsters was the most awesome thing they had ever seen” https://t.co/fi4fSUm5Pc#scichat#1stchat 🚀
Q3: Let's talk #mindset - Have you had success in making decluttering, purging, and organizing a part of your mindset (routine)? #1stchat@valruckes@lekadegroot
A2. I loved the day when the file cabinets left the building. It was a sure sign that the drill and kill worksheets were at the end of their time. #1stchat
probably not as fancy or pretty as you do yours, but functional for sure and has helped me stay on track especially this first year with it being new. #1stchat
Q3: Let's talk #mindset - Have you had success in making decluttering, purging, and organizing a part of your mindset (routine)? #1stchat@valruckes@lekadegroot
DO you already have bins? I love the bin method and sorting by genre/topic and sometimes author. I like labeling the bins with numbers and adding a number sticker to the back of the books that belong in it. Helps Ss identify where they go! #1stchat
A3: The past few years I take time in the fall, during classroom set up, and in the spring, during classroom pack up, to PURGE and ORGANIZE. I haven't KonMarid my classroom completely. I'm taking baby steps. #1stchat
A3: I need to definitely work on this part. My Ss have gotten better at cleaning up things at the end of the day, most things have a place to go and that helps. #1stchat
Totally agree! Reminds me of the teachers who I assigned to new grade levels and they were very sad. Months later almost all came and thanked me. Changing grade levels is challenging! #1stchat
A3 I've been working hard to clear my small group table throughout the day. I used to have piles of stuff, which did not help me feel organized and ready to teach next groups. #1stchat
I had to learn as the years passed....it took a long time! I like the idea of tracking use and purpose. Then reflecting as you decide to have a purge session! #1stchat I don't think there's anything wrong with holding on, especially for newbie teachers.
A3: One of the areas I'm most pleased with in regard to KonMari-ing my classroom would be my classroom walls! No anchor charts. Went with Smartboard anchor charts. Still do a few spur-of-the-moment paper charts, but they don't get hung/displayed -- only when needed #1stchat
A3. Some people have a very difficult time not keeping everything. They do the same at home. Empathy goes a long way in these situations. If it is a building plan to have classrooms at their best for children it is easier. #1stchat
Q4: KonMari involves VISUALIZING -- imagining the life you want to live and why. Think about your classroom. What do you envision for your classroom environment and why? #1stchat@valruckes@lekadegroot
A3: I make sure the students are a part of the cleaning/organizing process. They know expectations during transitions/end of day. I also have to leave my whiteboard table clear at the end of every day. It gives me peace #1stchat
We have a clean up real quick between transition as I'm trying to teach Ss how to take care of their room, they each have responsibilities to keep it clean and things put where they belong. I need to keep my space better #1stchat
A4: I want to spend less time cleaning at the end of the day. I want less visual clutter. I want the ebb and flow of our days to be seamless. I want to {{{always}}} be in MASTERY and IMPACT mode (see image) <3 #1stchat
A3: I make sure the students are a part of the cleaning/organizing process. They know expectations during transitions/end of day. I also have to leave my whiteboard table clear at the end of every day. It gives me peace #1stchat
A4: I envision my classroom being a safe, calm place where Ss and I feel at home and can do our best work and love spending time together even when things are hard/difficult #1stchat
Smartboard! We still create a few on-the-fly charts using chart paper. They just aren't on the walls...but rather stay on our easel and used when needed. #1stchat
Q1: KonMari is about the "Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing" - what areas of your classroom do you feel need decluttering and/or organizing? Share pics/details! #1stchat@valruckes@lekadegroot
This is a huge thing for me and was kind of told that we need the paper versions. I often have Ss at SMART board doing other things so they wouldn't always be visible. Bridges Number Corner is a huge chunk of wall space that I've had to learn to live with. #1stchat
A4. Have any of you joined in with "Walls that Talk"? Visiting the classrooms of peers and sharing feedback on whether or not what is posted on the walls is a learning tool that students access? #1stchat
A4: My vision for my room is a class of first graders who help to pick up their things and take pride in our classroom. That is a challenge for me this year-I spend a lot of time working on organization. #1stchat
Yes...my Ss know how to toggle back and forth on the smartboard to files and pages that they need. We practice communicating our needs if another student is using the smartboard. #1stchat
A4. Holding staff meetings on a rotation schedule so teachers can see many different grade levels and how they organize rooms can be terrific! #1stchat
My friend painted some walls in her classroom black chalkboard paint, so instead of paper things on wall, she writes it or "crickuts" things on the wall-has taken away the clutter look. #1stchat
A4: I envision my classroom as a place where Ss thrive, dream, and lead each other. They are the drivers and I am the gas giving them the skills to reach the moon! #1stchat
LOL. I have table cleaner helpers, iPad chargers, tech helpers who are in charge of turning on and off the projector... They take care of be very well:) #1stchat
Q5: Time to chat about process -- what process do you use when tidying, purging, and organizing? Share your secrets and successes! #1stchat@valruckes@lekadegroot
I don't have a word wall this year because of various issues. Feelings??? Yea or Nay??? I am thinking of painting it on my ceiling tiles next year. #1stchat
A5: KonMari encourages organizing by CATEGORIES rather than by ROOMS (AREAS)-- I have not mastered this, yet! I think mostly because the things in my room are generally organized by category and stored/placed in one area, rather than several areas. #1stchat
I don't have one either, Ss have a spelling dictionary and on Monday's we add our sight words and spelling words for the week and they pull it out when writing as well. I have them learn to use it like a dictionary #1stchat
I don't have a word wall this year because of various issues. Feelings??? Yea or Nay??? I am thinking of painting it on my ceiling tiles next year. #1stchat
A5: I like to remove EVERYTHING and go item by item and ask my questions- "Who uses this- Ss, Ts, or both? What's it used for? How often is it used in a year? Do I have something else that can take its place? Does another T have something similar that can be borrowed? #1stchat
I can't seem to manage classroom jobs -- so everyone helps until I say the job is done! T - "make our classroom look postcard-perfect"
or "find ___ things to fix" #1stchat
We split our room by walls. So Ss know that one wall is all math and the next is all english so on. Each wall is only use for a subject or cat. It has its moments where it is hard and not for the faint of heart, but it has been really successful. #1stchat
Having worked in many different states and schools, I learned how different what is kept in classrooms is from place to place. When a school is 50 - 100 years old you wouldn't believe what is hiding in closets! :-) #1stchat
A5: I sort, then I throw, then I categorize, then I put away, then I label. I love the just cleaned and reorganized look. My problem begins when I don't put back after use-that's my downfall :) #1stchat
I start each year very organized and cleaned out, but as the pace picks up I don't take the time to put things back I just make piles or shove in the closet. #1stchat
Tough -- brings up another question I have for everyone -- do you ever store SCHOOL things at your HOME? I have a rule to not do that, personally. Thoughts anyone? #1stchat
That was how we accommodated for students personal libraries, they all have milk carte seats. Its the best choice I have made in my classroom when it comes to crafting. #1stchat
A6. Teachers have to work SO hard for the items they have it their classrooms - whether it is time creating them, their own money, seeking out grant $ - hard to let go of these things even past the time when they are useful. #1stchat
Since my kids are now gone, I did start bringing things that are seasonal or just decoration home in my extra closet space now. I love to theme my room each year so I have stuff #1stchat
Tough -- brings up another question I have for everyone -- do you ever store SCHOOL things at your HOME? I have a rule to not do that, personally. Thoughts anyone? #1stchat
A6: Teaching 21 first graders. Being exhausted at the end of the day. 21 first graders who haven't mastered the art of organization! I do love them, so I go until I can't stand it anymore, then I make myself clean. #1stchat
YES! When I moved from MN to WI I also changed grade levels from upper elementary to Kindergarten. I can't tell you how many years I SAT ON WONDERFUL literature books for Ss because of my emotions. #1stchat
A6. Sometimes teachers just need to have someone share with them, "yup, it is just great that you only need one small file cabinet - place the others one's out in the hallway to be removed." #1stchat
One day I asked myself....why am I keeping these? They NEED TO BE in the hands of Ss who can use them! #1stchat I felt liberated when I gave them away!
YES! When I moved from MN to WI I also changed grade levels from upper elementary to Kindergarten. I can't tell you how many years I SAT ON WONDERFUL literature books for Ss because of my emotions. #1stchat
I love S tables -- clipboards....floor space...etc! #flexibleseating BUT, if you do keep desks, I've seen neat anchor charts about what the insides of a Ss desk should look like! #1stchat
I made changing out desks to tables a priority in three schools. Oh my, some people were SO furious with me. They needed to be more involved in the decision rather than me just letting them know. Team work makes the dreams work! #1stchat
I'm just considering throwing away all the files in my cabinets. The truth is, I won't even miss 80% of them... I have to keep digital copies of 20%. #1stchat
Q7: Now that we've all HYPOTHETICALLY KonMari'd your classroom-- let's plan ahead. What would you do if someone GIFTS you with a pile of their old teaching materials? Keep all the things?
Politely refuse? Accept, but...?
#1stchat@valruckes@lekadegroot
One reason I like team tables and not assigned seats/flexible seating, they need to work as a team to pick up their table area before leaving. #1stchat
I see some on Pinterest, but truthfully, save yourself some time, find a student desk that is "ideal" and take a picture of it. If you have an IWB, post it on there when you want them to address desks...you can annotate it on the IWB too #1stchat
A7: I generally accept, but with the condition (I tell them) that I gift it to other Ts or Ss who could use it, if I am not able to put it to use. I then try to go through it right away so it doesn't just sit...! #1stchat
This may just be because I am young BUT... I think you say thank you, look through it, and then save what you want electronically and toss out the rest. Some times old materials have some really amazing projects and ideas in them. #1stchat
In reply to
@jessicameacham, @valruckes, @lekadegroot
This chat did get me thinking-I am eliminating trash helper from my job chart for next year and it is going to be a whole class expectation. I think that is my problem this year. They don't see it as their job. #1stchat
A7 In many schools teachers are asked to place it all on a table in the staff room (man, does it ever get to be a huge pile at the end of a year) so everyone can have a "look-see" Might be something you could suggest at a staff meeting? Easy for janitor to toss it too! #1stchat
As an elementary student I remember my teachers purging at the end of the year. I was in LOVE with what they gave me...I played school with my siblings -- we can give some stuff to our Ss #1stchat
In reply to
@lekadegroot, @mflicek1, @Woods1stgrade
