My Ideal Classroom

Often times when I walk into a classroom (or when I have a little down time during a prep or recess) I look around the room and imagine how I would organize it if it were my room.

Some things that I would definitely want to have would be:

1)  A classroom library... near a window

2)  A table for group work

3)  If possible (and if space allows) another table to put near the boards for me to keep my stuff for the lesson on (if space doesn't allow for this I would just try to organize the room in a way where the group table would be near the board)

4)  Tables or desks for students that can be arranged so that everyone has at least one other person sitting next to them (I like the U shape going around the perimeter and then some smaller groupings inside it)

5)  Lots of space for bulletin boards to display student work.  I would ideally want one for art, one for MOLA, one for stuff from either Science, S.S. or Art, and one for T.U.S.C., calendar, time table, Classroom Economy, etc.

6)  Next time I get a full year contract (or permanent) I want to bring a class pet in... I think I would make it one or two student jobs in our classroom economy to take care of it and I would want to display him (or her) somewhere nice... failing anywhere else I would likely choose my desk as it would hopefully be the least likely space for it to get bumped over (I would plan on bringing in a fish).

Other things I would want to include in my classroom but might not happen because of costs and/or space would be:

1)  Carpet in the library area (something bright - like turquoise)

2)  Lots of pillows in the library area so kids can lay out

3)  Failing the pillow option I would want 1 sofa and 2 other kids of chairs (maybe one could be a rocking chair)... suddenly the pillow idea seems much more economical.

4)  A couple side tables (also for the classroom library)... in case you can't tell I would hopefully be able to use a good amount of space for the library.

5)  In some classes I've been to they've had some built in desk/table areas... I would want to put a lamp on these.... this way occassionally you could dim the lights and read somewhat in the dark... maybe?

Well... the other week I was in the largest classroom I've ever been to!  All my dreams could easily come true in this space... I mean... just look at it!

Giant Classroom!

Seriously, all that was left on the other side of me were the coat racks but this place is massive!  On the other side of the shelves tat are just past the carpet area is where they would sit and have their lessons (it's hard to see because it's so far back there!)

What would you need to have in your classroom (and what are some of your wish items)?

#1 Substitute

A couple weeks ago one of my students gave me a medal.  When another student asked why I had it I insisted I was the number 1 substitute.  This student insisted that I wasn’t because I didn’t do magic tricks… but I don’t see Mr. Magician with a #1 medal in his hands (for the record I left the medal behind… just in case the following day the student was full of regrets about giving it to me and wanted it back).  Until I hear of any other substitute teachers being handed #1 medals I'm going to assume I still hold the top place.  Huzzah!

What I've Been Up To...

My apologies for my month long absence.. I've been busy working every single day (after the first week back) last month.  But that's not all...

I've been working on creating some teaching resources of my own.  A long, long time ago I thought to myself "Christine, what is it you wish you could have improved on in your last year of teaching?"  I knew the answer right away... I wish my Social Studies program would have been better.

I'm not sure how it is the states but here in Canada education is provincial... which means that things that grade 4 students learn in Manitoba may not be what they learn in Alberta.  For most subjects this doesn't matter much when you are searching for resources because the topics in math and science are still very simple... is anyone really going to notice if you are giving your grade 4 students grade 3 resources that someone in Ontario developed?  Probably not.  I just feel like Social Studies is different.  First, much of the stuff people in the USA put out isn't what we teach here in Canada and second... I'm just not that into it.

And so here is what I've been doing... I've been creating an Interactive Social Studies Journal for grade 5 (Manitoba Curriculum)... and it's slowly coming together (not that I've even gotten through the first unit or anything though).  When I do have it completed I'll be sure to let you know though as I think I'll be looking for someone that currently teaches grade 5 to test it out in their classroom next year to give some feedback and what needs to be changed or added.  IF I happen to go about creating a Teachers Pay Teachers store for it I'll be giving the first few copies away for free in exchange for the feedback.  So stay tuned if that at all interests you!

I've also been writing guest posts!  Well... guest post... I've only written one.  But one is better than none!  If you want to check it out it is on Squarehead Teachers.

If you are ever looking for someone to do a guest post on your blog I may be interested and you should probably contact me (or, if you want to ever do a guest post on my blog I could also be interested).  Let's collaborate on something!

You can always leave a comment or send me an email at confessionsofamodernday@live.com

Five For Friday: Christmas is Here!

Today I'm linking up with Doodlebugs Teaching to bring you another Five for Friday post.  This week I'm not talking about the classroom (because I'm on break!) so I thought it would be 5 pictures from this Christmas.  I spent this Christmas away from home (by about 30 minutes) at my boyfriends parents place... then in true Christine fashion I promptly got sick just in time to not be able to fully enjoy the holidays!

Enjoy!

1.

I got together with this lovely lady and ate a waffle burger and let me tell you it was delicious.  We all need a little more waffle burgers in our lives!

2.

I made these delightful Hot Cocoa Cookies and they accompanied me to my family's Christmas.

3.

A few weeks ago John bought me flowers for no reason... I picked these ones out and I clearly did a great job at picking them because they are still just as good as when we got them!  Seeing them on my table every day makes me smile

4.

I flipped over the last day on my advent calendar 

5.

Santa brought John's sisters, mom, myself, and him animal socks for Christmas!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!