Our school is departmentalizing the 5th and 6th grades this year BUT the teachers will switch classrooms, NOT the students. I'm only part time this year because I'm taking some online classes so I'm just teaching 5th grade science 3 days a week. So, I'll actually have a "homeroom" classroom that I need to decorate even though I will only actually be in that classroom 3 days a week for 40 minutes at a time. (Some of our teacher's helpers will be covering my "homeroom" time in the mornings.) I'm kind of at a loss of ideas for classroom organization, homework policy, classroom decor, etc. I feel like I don't want to put anything in my classroom because I won't be there to hold the kids accountable with things that I've spent lots of time putting together. Also, I want my other two classes to be able to use it. Anyone else teach in this type of situation? If so, or if not, anyone have any advice? I really need some ideas here.
I would arrange the desks how you want them. Then I would put up some science posters (maybe the scientific method, safety rules, etc). Set your classroom up with lab stations that can be put away into cabinets. I would have the students that are in your homeroom make any and all decorations that go up. This way you aren't totally bummed if they are ruined. They can make their own name tags. I would talk to the other fifth grade teachers you will be working with and try to get a common homework policy, especially if the kids have more than one of you.
