The #2PencilChat is a weekly conversation about educational technology. As we enter a more student-centered age, let's talk about using all the tools in our toolboxes to be innovative and dynamic teachers.
Welcome to the #2PencilChat! Tonight, we're talking about starting a classroom from scratch. Whether you're brand spankin' new, or returning to the classroom (like me), or just wanting to really freshen things up, we're here for you! Introduce yourself and say hey!
Priscilla here. I'm starting my 18th year of teaching/ 11th year at the all Male juvenile detention facility in Maryland. I'm now the teacher who's been there the longest. #2PencilChat
Q1
Where do you even start? What's the best way to begin prepping for a new classroom? Are you more likely to start with your ideology, your curriculum, or your classroom's layout and look?
#2PencilChat
Hi! I’m Allison and this will be my very first year teaching...ever! I’ll be in kindergarten (my dream come true!) I’m so, so excited and can not wait to put my passion to work! #2PencilChat
Hello everyone! I'm Rachael Potter and I'm a first year teacher. I'm on the 5th grade team with @MagicPantsJones and I'll be teaching Science! #2PencilChat
A1: I think ideology and layout are hand in hand. I’m a. Fan of collaborative learning. Therefore my layout mimics that. Planning academics is not first. Setting kids up for success is first.
A1: This is going to sound terrible, but I’m never in the same classroom from year to year, so I focused more on ideology than layout. I think about my goals and how to create a welcoming environment. #2PencilChat
Q1
Where do you even start? What's the best way to begin prepping for a new classroom? Are you more likely to start with your ideology, your curriculum, or your classroom's layout and look?
#2PencilChat
A1: Classroom layout first ( my wife's specialty. :) ) But I would begin with a solid understanding of how the community and vibe will work. #2pencilchat
Late to #2PencilChat! Lauren from New York – currently on leave from teaching 6th grade English to write another book. This one is about integrating #SEL into academic learning.
#2PencilChat I am going minimalist for my design so that my students have a blank canvas day 1, I want them to design the classroom. I sent out a welcome letter yesterday about all things colliding with science (my class). For me I get the first unit updated and enhanced 2nd.
Q1
Where do you even start? What's the best way to begin prepping for a new classroom? Are you more likely to start with your ideology, your curriculum, or your classroom's layout and look?
#2PencilChat
A1 When you begin teaching, a great place to start is with your own values. What brought you to teaching in the first place? How can your classroom, your first day activity, and your first unit reflect those values? #2pencilchat
Welcome to the #2PencilChat! Tonight, we're talking about starting a classroom from scratch. Whether you're brand spankin' new, or returning to the classroom (like me), or just wanting to really freshen things up, we're here for you! Introduce yourself and say hey!
Welcome to the #2PencilChat! Tonight, we're talking about starting a classroom from scratch. Whether you're brand spankin' new, or returning to the classroom (like me), or just wanting to really freshen things up, we're here for you! Introduce yourself and say hey!
A1: Making it beautiful is something I can do before knowing the kids. As an ESL teacher, I can't write curriculum until I know exactly who I'm teaching, which languages they speak, whether they are beginners, etc. #2PencilChat
Q1
Where do you even start? What's the best way to begin prepping for a new classroom? Are you more likely to start with your ideology, your curriculum, or your classroom's layout and look?
#2PencilChat
A1 #2PencilChat I first start with my layout. I have to get it all laid out before I can even begin planning. It will hang over me knowing there are boxes to be unpacked. Ha! Then, plan.
Q1
Where do you even start? What's the best way to begin prepping for a new classroom? Are you more likely to start with your ideology, your curriculum, or your classroom's layout and look?
#2PencilChat
A1. I personally started with the layout of the classroom. I had to feel comfortable in my space & be able to move around w/o bumping into things. I understood that it was a work in progress, but the lessons & such will come when you know your layout works. #2PencilChat
my classroom also says a lot about me as a person/teacher ... gifts from former students ... Red Sox/Patriots stuff ... i also look at my room as my gift to my students #2pencilchat
A1 #2PencilChat In the past I spent days on design only to find out it felt more like me and less like a community space- so this year minimalist and student designed spaces
A1: I just don’t care that much about decorating. If I had one poster in the room, it is more than decorated for me. I know I’m weird like that. #2PencilChat
Q2
Let's make a short list of people in your building whom you should be chatting up and befriending right off the bat. Who do you need on your list*, and why?
#2PencilChat
Q1
Where do you even start? What's the best way to begin prepping for a new classroom? Are you more likely to start with your ideology, your curriculum, or your classroom's layout and look?
#2PencilChat
A2: Custodial staff, Secretary, grade level team... everything you need will come from these groups. Custodial staff will take care of you, if you take care of them (room cleanliness). #2PencilChat
A2: Everyone, but to be specific... IT because they will run over mid-lesson so you don't have to stop class to fix tech issues. Payroll secretary because they do everything. Counselors because you'll need them. Cafeteria workers because they feed your kids. Everyone #2pencilchat
Q2
Let's make a short list of people in your building whom you should be chatting up and befriending right off the bat. Who do you need on your list*, and why?
#2PencilChat
Q1: Being a first year teacher makes it very difficult to know where to start, but what I do know is that I want my Ss to walk into my classroom and get excited about learning! I will probably start with the layout of my room. #2pencilchat
Q2
Let's make a short list of people in your building whom you should be chatting up and befriending right off the bat. Who do you need on your list*, and why?
#2PencilChat
A1: I usually always start with classroom set up, leaving room for student input, followed by curriculum review and some general planning...key, at the start of the year, is getting to know my students! #2pencilchat
A2 Just always be kind. People work hard in a school, that includes the paraprofessional, janitors and secretary, school nurse. Usually they do it for little money and little thanks #2pencilchat
#2pencilchat 1-Librarian- they are amazing resources 2-Technology they will help you with technology issues 3- principals Assistant- they will answer major questions 4- counselors - they are everything student related 5- Special Education Educators - they are so important ❤️
Q2
Let's make a short list of people in your building whom you should be chatting up and befriending right off the bat. Who do you need on your list*, and why?
#2PencilChat
A2: Make friends with the secretary (that person usually knows everything), the janitorial staff (they work their tail off to keep your room clean), and the librarian (or Media Center because they are great ppl in general. #2PencilChat
A2.2 I’m going to respectfully disagree that you need to make friends with everyone. Obviously be kind to everyone, but make friends with colleagues who care about your growth and whose growth you care about. #2PencilChat
A2 Oops, left off the why 😂 They all help with everything you need to be successful everyday. Without any one of them things become much more challenging #2Pencilchat
A2: The people who help the school operate--custodian, cafeteria workers---the nuts and bolts of the school. These people know a lot about other teachers, students, parents,.... Plus, the custodian can help with bookshelves. #2pencilchat
Q2: 1. Principal and AP - I think that’s a given 2. Secretary and office staff - they are the unsung heroes that get things moving! 3. Custodian Staff - they are phenomenally helping fix furniture. 4. Your TEAM - they are your work family!! #SharingIsCaring#2PencilChat
A2: 1: custodians
2: team leaders
3: Adminstration
4: people who are willing to lend a hand
Avoid chatting too much so you can stay focused on the task. Don't visit classrooms that are done... That always gives me anxiety! 😁 #2PencilChat
Q2
Let's make a short list of people in your building whom you should be chatting up and befriending right off the bat. Who do you need on your list*, and why?
#2PencilChat
A2.2: I was so fortunate my first year to have the BEST parent as a advocate and helper. She was the head of the PTO and she was the BEST!! #2pencilchat
Q1: As a first year teacher it's hard to know where to start, but what I do know is that I want my Ss to walk into my classroom and get excited about learning! I will see my room for the first time tomorrow, so I'll probably start with the layout. #2pencilchat
You better make friends with the Librarian/Media Specialist, Janitor, and School Secretary ... those people will make everything so much easier. #2pencilchat
I wonder what would happen if we waited...and started the room WITH our students...so it becomes a reflection of all who will share that learning space? #learnoutloud#2PencilChat#edchat#cpchat
A2: Starting things off by chatting up my teaching partner, my EA, my principal friend, our custodian and our school secretaries. They all help to ‘set me straight’ before the year begins! 😊 #2pencilchat
#2pencilchat 1-Librarian- they are amazing resources 2-Technology they will help you with technology issues 3- principals Assistant- they will answer major questions 4- counselors - they are everything student related 5- Special Education Educators - they are so important ❤️
Q2
Let's make a short list of people in your building whom you should be chatting up and befriending right off the bat. Who do you need on your list*, and why?
#2PencilChat
A2. 1) The custodians - they help keep your space tidy. 2) The secretaries - they know everything!! & typically are in charge of supplies. 3) In my building, ME - the one with the historical knowledge of how things actually run. 4) Media specialist - they know tech #2PencilChat
A2 #2PencilChat IC is absolutely crucial as they are your greatest fan and supporter and DC because they are the person who can provide quick answers about your curriculum and for me the GT coordinator can help with guest speakers and GT resources
1st year teachers..be careful of the room design. It can suck you in...be sure to leave time for planning! you can always add more to your room design #2pencilchat
#2PencilChat have fun with the kids. Spend that time building relationships at the beginning. Focus on the positive. Relationships are key!! After all of that, have fun teaching and they will trust you to push them.
#2pencilchat 1-Librarian- they are amazing resources 2-Technology they will help you with technology issues 3- principals Assistant- they will answer major questions 4- counselors - they are everything student related 5- Special Education Educators - they are so important ❤️
Q2
Let's make a short list of people in your building whom you should be chatting up and befriending right off the bat. Who do you need on your list*, and why?
#2PencilChat
Yes yes yes there are students in every class who need extra support and the Special Education teachers are your best allies they can help support you and students #2Pencilchat
Q3
You have a lot of thoughts of how you want your classroom to look. What strategies can you use to achieve your vision without going into debt?
#2PencilChat
Just want to repeat what @mr_hayes said - befriend special ed teachers. They’re better at teaching than anyone else in the building. #2PencilChat#autismmom
Q2: So far my go-to person has been my principal's secretary! She is the sweetest lady and always tries her best to answer my endless first year teacher questions! #2PencilChat
A3 @msiwanicki and I talk about this all the time. YOu have x # of $ and time; use them both wisely. What will have the biggest impact on the Ss #2pencilchat
It is certainly a possibility, Sara! The days of desks in perfect rows are gone. One obstacle for new Ts is the budget was decide before you got there. May take a few yrs to get the room you want! #2PencilChat
A3. Speak to teachers who have been at the school / teaching a while. They’ll share things with you they they no longer need or not using at that time. Library cupboards and storerooms are magical places. Just be sure to ask to use it! #2PencilChat
A3: Keep it simple. Make sure you have the basics and then add details from there. Shop clearance/ sales. Search the internet for freebies. Simplicity is key! #2PencilChat
Absolutely - we do not utilise them as we should - that's what my #PhD is about - collaborating with support staff - they know all this other stuff about the Ss, Ts don't! Would make our life so much easier if we collaborated more #2PencilChat
I was just at @GoodwillIntl; what a great place for flexible seating stuff..
1st years; get in the building 1st; see what is available b4 you start spending your money #2pencilchat
A3 for my first year, I'm incorporating things that I already own - a tapestry/stuffed animals from my time abroad in CR and SA... also asked on local FB groups for donations to my library #2PencilChat
A3: I’m learning a lot about “loose parts” that can be readily found in nature, around the house and/or in dollar stores...they really support play and inquiry-based learning. Parents are great contributors when it comes to donating used resources for kids. #2pencilchat
A3 #2PencilChat start simple. Plus, there's always teachers purging things that could be your treasure for your classroom. Don't go overboard with spending every single penny you have.
Q3
You have a lot of thoughts of how you want your classroom to look. What strategies can you use to achieve your vision without going into debt?
#2PencilChat
Make friends with as many people as you can. Be friendly and smile and be positive. It spreads- and then people remember you and smile back and then voila a community is born #2PencilChat
Just want to repeat what @mr_hayes said - befriend special ed teachers. They’re better at teaching than anyone else in the building. #2PencilChat#autismmom
I have bought very little so far because the previous teacher left me so much! I want to go through all of that before I start buying things for my littles! #2PencilChat
A3 borrow from other teachers, yard sales, ask hardware stores for discounts or materials you could upcycle, ask mom and dad or a rich uncle/aunt or street perform during the summer #2PencilChat
A3 Stay off Pinterest. It will make you want things you don’t need. More important than any of that stuff is to have your students do meaningful work and build meaningful relationships. #2PencilChat
A3: That is kind of impossible! Lol
Practical advice though is to see what you can achieve realistically. Look for alternatives. Ask friends and other teachers for ideas. Send out an email to see if others can share resources with you. Simplicity is the best policy. #2PencilChat
Q3
You have a lot of thoughts of how you want your classroom to look. What strategies can you use to achieve your vision without going into debt?
#2PencilChat
A3.1. See what you can make on your own; find a crafty volunteer; see what retiring Ts are giving away or Ts switching grades / subjects; yard sales; thrift stores; white space is ok. Fill in as you go #2PencilChat
#2pencilchat Ask for donations. I sent out a welcome letter explaining the importance of flexible seating and the beauty of a makerspace and added a wish list- it is amazing what parents will donate when they see its purpose and benefit to the learning environment
Q3
You have a lot of thoughts of how you want your classroom to look. What strategies can you use to achieve your vision without going into debt?
#2PencilChat
I have bought very little so far because the previous teacher left me so much! I want to go through all of that before I start buying things for my littles! #2PencilChat
Q3: I'm fortunate to be working @ the school I did my senior internship in, so many of the teachers have kept me in mind when going through their materials! I've also been checking out my local thrift shops/Goodwill on a weekly basis. I've found so many treasures! #2PencilChat
A3: start out with the basics and then as you meet your students have them contribute in the layout. This way parents may be able to provide some furniture or help. Include the Ss in designing their room. #2pencilchat
A3: Keep it simple/minimalistic. be creative and find inexpensive tricks/bargains like at DollarTree or 5Below! Also beg and borrow from other teachers. Reduce and reuse. #2PencilChat
A3: Donors Choose! For anyone who has never used it, I can DM you a referral code and DC will match all donations for the first week of your project. #2PencilChat
Q3
You have a lot of thoughts of how you want your classroom to look. What strategies can you use to achieve your vision without going into debt?
#2PencilChat
Very best way to plan for a new year, Kelsey...as a new or experienced teacher...the ideas that flow from that learning will set you (and your students) up for success! #2PencilChat
Q4
Some things HAVE to be in place on day one, others can (or should) wait & be done with the kids (or just later). What do you absolutely have to have ready before your students arrive?
#2PencilChat
#2pencilchat Ask for donations. I sent out a welcome letter explaining the importance of flexible seating and the beauty of a makerspace and added a wish list- it is amazing what parents will donate when they see its purpose and benefit to the learning environment
Q3
You have a lot of thoughts of how you want your classroom to look. What strategies can you use to achieve your vision without going into debt?
#2PencilChat
Some of their outdoor chairs and stools are perfect, and pretty affordable, as long as you don't buy everything in the store like I want to. #2PencilChat
How can anyone even justify remodeling the walls to their supervisor? "Oh btw I have a shipment coming in from Home Depot. Can I borrow your ladder?" Hahaha #2PencilChat
At the end of the 1st year, ask the janitors to save material you need! You won't believe what Ss leave in their lockers. One reason to build relationships with all! #2PencilChat
My lessons ready to go; all the supplies; videos up on Smartboard and play do on desk a la @burgessdave#2pencilchat. Super organized and overplanned for day #1
Q4
Some things HAVE to be in place on day one, others can (or should) wait & be done with the kids (or just later). What do you absolutely have to have ready before your students arrive?
#2PencilChat
A4: Procedures thought out, getting to know you activities, lessons for first day, seating arrangements, schedule posted, inviting room/atmosphere. #2PencilChat
A4 Tech has to be up and running at orientation so parents can see what will be happening ... furniture in place ... and it has to smell good #2pencilchat
Q4
Some things HAVE to be in place on day one, others can (or should) wait & be done with the kids (or just later). What do you absolutely have to have ready before your students arrive?
#2PencilChat
A4 In the beginning, there need to be areas dedicated to creation and to sharing/performance. Everything else, I can get going over time. (Although I'm aiming to be farther along than that...)
#2PencilChat
Q4
Some things HAVE to be in place on day one, others can (or should) wait & be done with the kids (or just later). What do you absolutely have to have ready before your students arrive?
#2PencilChat
A4: Seating arrangement/options. Place/plan for students to hang their belongings. Any team building activity/lesson you’ll be doing that day (BE READY!). Schedule. Teacher needs to be available to greet each student on day 1 as they come in! #2PencilChat
A4: A magic wand so that everything goes as planned. 😁 I usually have a list of expectations in a PowerPoint presentation. I also do circle time so that students can feel comfortable and talk about their summer and other interests. Involve Ss in rule setting #2PencilChat
Q4
Some things HAVE to be in place on day one, others can (or should) wait & be done with the kids (or just later). What do you absolutely have to have ready before your students arrive?
#2PencilChat
A4 Before students arrive, have a sense of what you’re going to teach and how. Despite what everyone says about spending the first two weeks building relationships instead of doing curriculum, they’ll build relationships by doing meaningful work together.
#2PencilChat
A4. ME! ME! I have to have my space in working order. I need to know where everything is for me. I like & need routines, so my dailygo tos need to be ready to go. If I'm not straight, then no one else in my room will be.#2PencilChat
Q4
Some things HAVE to be in place on day one, others can (or should) wait & be done with the kids (or just later). What do you absolutely have to have ready before your students arrive?
#2PencilChat
A4. Have enough organised that you could fill the first 3 days and pick and choose which ones you do on the first day as you learn about your kids. Always plan a session to cover classroom norms / expectations and reward systems early and use it lots to reinforce! #2PencilChat
A4: A SENSE OF CALM...for my students and for me...this is most essential, along with a plan that guides our getting to know each other...building relationships, ‘coming out of the gate’...everything else will fall into place over time! #2PencilChat
Q4
Some things HAVE to be in place on day one, others can (or should) wait & be done with the kids (or just later). What do you absolutely have to have ready before your students arrive?
#2PencilChat
#2Pencilchat The only thing that has to be ready before they enter my classroom .. the Canvas/ on-line set up so they have access to the syllabus etc. - classroom itself desks & tables but everything else I feel needs to be collaborative, it is their learning space after all
Q4
Some things HAVE to be in place on day one, others can (or should) wait & be done with the kids (or just later). What do you absolutely have to have ready before your students arrive?
#2PencilChat
Only difficulty is time, Sara. We have to hit the ground running at the start of school. Once you can breath, absolutely get the Ss involved in their learning environment! #2PencilChat
In #TLAP@burgessdave has it on the desks so kids have something to do when they come in. I think he has them “make themselves”. I just let them play. I can then collect notes, greet children etc. 50cents at Walmart. #2pencilchat
In reply to
@ChrisQuinn64, @burgessdave, @burgessdave
Hi Allison! Are you a first year teacher as well? I'm just curious about how you thought of your procedures if you collaborated or thought of them by yourself :-) #2PencilChat
I love learning..there isn’t enough time to do it during the day..I don’t mind doing outside my contract hours..other things I mind..learning, I don’t. #2pencilchat
In reply to
@jbormann3, @kerisavoca, @ShiftParadigm, @DennisDill, @robertoborda, @laurie_azzi, @3DChampion, @mjjohnson1216
A5. Trying to set up the perfect classroom. As tempting as it is, it’s more meaningful when students can help us. I am okay having some blank space when school starts. #2PencilChat
A5: I would say a classic new teacher mistake is not knowing what materials to attach things to walls with. Also buying things that they don't actual need because they do not know what they need. #2pencilchat
A5 A classic mistake is having too many visuals up on the walls. Visuals should go up as you need them. Not too much visual clutter, it's distracting #2Pencilchat
A5: Classic new classroom/new(er) teacher “mistake”...planning everything in advance, only to be disappointed when things don’t work out as (neatly) planned! 😊 #2PencilChat
A5: practicing procedures then jumping right into curriculum and learning instead of ensuring procedures and expectations are understood and mastered. #2PencilChat
A5 My new teacher / new room mistake: buying pretty bulletin board sets that were irrelevant to what my students were learning. Now everything in the classroom has a purpose related to learning.
#2PencilChat
A5 MISTAKE - thinking you have to spend a ton of money to get things to look nice. Communicate with others ... many teachers have closets full of shiznit they would be willing to share .... #2pencilchat
#2pencilchat For me assigned seats- alphabetical order - flexible seating works & it sets a tone that you trust them- I have them make desk placards so a I can learn their names quickly
A5 A classic mistake is having too many visuals up on the walls. Visuals should go up as you need them. Not too much visual clutter, it's distracting #2Pencilchat
A5: (continued)...and how to avoid planning too much...take time to BREATHE! All will be well, your students will love you and you will love them! Let students drive (at least some of) the learning. 💕 #2PencilChat#2PencilChat
A5: Over analyzing, not being theirselves, stepping on toes. Solution to these in order: Don't, Do, and Apologizing is easier that asking permission as they say. Have fun, be yourself, build those relationships and be solid with instruction and feedback!! #2pencilchat
Sensing a theme...put in THOUGHT not money. And if you lack the experience to know what to think (as I sometimes do, even after 18 years), ask someone with more experience or wait for the students to tell you. #2PencilChat
A5 #2PencilChat I think making sure everything in your classroom is perfect is a mistake- it causes so much anxiety- students want to help design the space. Let students see you are flexible and are open to change things don’t have to be perfect- genuine comes from honesty
A5. This is more for where I teach: Getting rapport confused w/ being their friend & trusting the Ss too much. Rapport is critical, but so is safety and security for yourself and others. You cannot forget where you work. #2PencilChat
Oh this is so true! I’ve seen classrooms so busy that instead of having some key focal points that the students can see they just have a lot of everything! 😆 #2PencilChat
For sure! Ss are so organic. We all have this ideal and thought of how the classroom will be before we begin teaching. It is WAY different but we learn what works and doesn't. #2pencilchat
I gotta run! Thanks for a great chat. What fun to do it with @msiwanicki; we are in the same house btw; I am on the porch and she is in the living room (I think) #2pencilchat
I love you SO MUCH, #2PencilChat Pals! Thank you for joining us, whether you're in school now, you're starting soon, or you've still got a month of Summah, have a great night, and thanks for making this chat more awesome!
