A Tour of my Functional Walls

Every year I strive for my walls in my classroom to be as functional as possible for my students.  This year, they have turned out even better than I could have hoped.  The only two things left to add are the "Noteworthy Work" area and my "Question Stems" area.  Here is a look at my boards so far:

The 6 Traits of Writing are located on the front wall of the room and are easy for students to see daily as a reminder.

Cute display of "The Writing Process", again at the very front of the room easily in view for students.  They will be given a clothespin with their name on it and it can be clipped on whichever phase they are in.

 

"Parts of Speech" with illustrations on the side board, right above the weekly agenda and the daily lesson frame.  The red labels say "Today's Objective" and "Today's Product".

 

"10 Types of Literature" board right above the bookshelf.  Each poster contains a definition for the type of literature with illustrations as examples.

 

A closer view of the "10 Types of Literature" posters.  These are my favorite.

I like to call my table at the door "The Command Center".  Only 3 crates are pictured, but I actually have 6, one for each class period, where writer's journals and a pencil bag containing scissors, glue, notecards, and pencils are stored.  Students grab all their supplies at the door.  I also keep trays on top of the table with any printouts for the day that they can grab on their way in.  This has been my most important established routine the past four years.  Once students have it mastered, so much time is saved by not having to pass items out anymore.

I am not sure where this teacher desk came from, but it is the smallest I have ever seen with only one drawer.  It works well with a small room though.  I covered the otherwise beat up front of the desk with fabric that matches my file cabinet.  The red filing system stores all extra copies and make-up work.

Covered a clipboard from the Dollar Bin at Office Max with scrapbook paper, Mod-Podge, and ribbon that I already had at home.  I'll talk more about my clipboard system in a future post.

Desks will be delivered next week and we will be ready to roll.  Now I get to focus on content for the first six weeks.  

I've always felt that it is beyond important for students to understand the connection between reading and writing, so the reading teacher and I are trying something completely new in place of the dreaded Reading Log.  Stay tuned for my next post including the "Punch Card" system I have designed for our kids.  :)