Classroom Resources for the New School Year

How staying organized, setting clear expectations, and having high quality teaching and learning resources will create an effective and efficient learning environment.

The classroom is a busy, and exciting, place! In the whirlwind of all the teaching and learning, a lot can get caught up in the chaos. There’s so much that happens each and every day that it’s important for teachers to keep on top of it all. Teachers should support effective and efficient learning environments for their students by making sure their classrooms are organized, by setting clear expectations with their students, and by having high quality teaching and learning resources readily on hand.

STAYING ORGANIZED

Organization is key for keeping everything in the classroom in order. Don’t let lessons, graded work, assessments, and notes get lost in a paper shuffle. Don’t waste precious time rummaging through everything to find what’s needed at the moment. Make sure to have a place for everything, and everything in its place.

Here’s how to keep your classroom clear of the clutter:

1. Maintain a “paperless” environment as much as possible. Teachers should digitally save files in designated folders on their school-assigned desktop or laptop to avoid paper pile-ups. Referencing lesson plans, locating worksheets, and inputting grades is a breeze with digital integration. Quickly locate what’s needed with easy digital search tools. Also, keeping digital sticky notes is a great way to keep a running list of To-Dos that won’t be easily misplaced (or forgotten!).
2. Utilize file cabinets and folders, binders, storage bins, shelving, jars and containers, and other organizational items to designate space for all the things that are needed in the classroom. Keep everything labeled and make sure that items are put away when they are not being used. Get students involved in helping to maintain a tidy and orderly classroom space by having them make sure items are returned and turned into the appropriate places.

Keep in mind that there’s no clear cut “one size fits all” method for classroom organization. Teachers have different resources on hand and different tools based on subject matter, best practices, and pedagogy. Teachers will quickly realize what works best for them but should also stay committed to keeping things organized as they see fit.

SETTING CLEAR EXPECTATIONS

From the get go, teachers should be setting clear expectations in regards to classroom procedures. Students thrive in environments where they know what to expect and what’s expected of them. Although teachers have a clear idea of how class should be conducted on a daily basis, students should be a part of the decision-making process in establishing rules and defining processes early on in the school year. And as hiccups in the plans occur, it is important for everyone to gather together to reflect and make necessary changes.

Clear expectations can be supported through the following tactics:

• Regular practice
• Gentle reminders
• Modeling
• Posted rules
• Shared steps
• Collaboration

HAVING HIGH QUALITY TEACHING AND LEARNING RESOURCES ON HAND

From textbooks to technical tools to classroom supplies, the right materials on hand can make a world of a difference in how effectively a classroom runs and, in turn, how much the students are able to achieve. Teaching and learning resources should be current with updated information that is engaging for all.

Teachers have lots of opportunities to be exposed to different resources through collaboration with other teachers, professional learning, observing other classrooms in action, and exploring digital platforms. With digital resources a plenty, teachers are no longer limited to school-issued texts, out-dated worksheets, and standardized assessments. However, teachers should be mindful to carefully vet resources they bring into the classroom with the following considerations:

1. Accessibility: Consider whether the resource can be quickly integrated into the classroom. As digital resources, can the students easily access and confidently navigate the platform both at school and at home?
2. Personalization: Consider whether the resource can be personalized so that it is more engaging and user friendly. Can the resource be individualized in some way to make it supportive and considerate of individual preferences, interests, and needs?
3. Academic Alignment: Consider whether the resource helps to support meeting learning targets. Will the resource align with the academic standards being taught in the classroom?

Glose for Education is an inclusive and accessible social eReading platform that is a wonderful resource for any classroom. Glose for Education digitally connects students and teachers to transform reading into a social, fun, and engaging experience. With Glose’s digital platform, students have instant access to popular classics on all devices, so students can read in the classroom, at home, and on the go. Additionally, Glose’s customizable reading interface has integrative tools that support all types of learners. Teachers will find that Glose for Education is a valuable resource that checks off all the must-haves with accessibility, personalization, and academic alignment.

Teachers, learn how you can try Glose for free.

Implementing these practices into the classroom will help it to operate more smoothly and will be well worth the teacher’s time.

What are some organizational tips, classroom expectations, or favorite classroom resources that you’d recommend? Comment below.