I am new to 3rd grade this year and I'm trying to figure out what I want up on my walls. The prior teacher had the alphabet (in cursive) along the whiteboard in the front of the room....since kids are learning how to do that this year. And along the other board, she had a big card for each letter of the alphabet and what sound(s) it makes. I wanted to maybe buy new ones of the latter because they're outdated but I don't even know what they're called! Maybe there's something better instead to use too...?
I would try and find posters that align with the units in math, reading, science, and ss. I try to switch them out as we are going. A writing poster of the writing process would be good. I would find something for reading comprehension. You may want a spot for your calendar and jobs. My first year I struggled to find things to fill space and I changed things as I went, so I wouldn't go overboard. By my second year I had more stuff than I knew what to do with. Also, remember that you do not have to fill every space, for instance I have a huge space above my whiteboard empty because I want to make Daily 5 anchor charts, so you do not have to have everything filled
Don't put too much up - you want plenty of room for putting anchor charts you make WITH the kids and their own work! I start with almost nothing on my walls. Don't fill it with store bought posters - most are crap. Save your money and think about some of the first anchor charts you want to make with your kids. D5 is a great resource for that.
during a lesson you write down key points - reference charts that kids see being created (rather than it sitting up on a wall) -- the simple experience of watching you write as you teach and ya'll discuss is powerful. Say you could make an anchor chart during a lesson about nonfiction text features. The kids experience the making of the chart and can refer to it during independent reading time. Don't spend money on store bough posters - usually they are posted before kids get there and no one ever refers to them --- and even if you do, the kids don't remember to use them like they do with charts/posters you make together. I like to start with close to nothing on the walls (I even have a poem explaining to parents why the walls are bare). We build the classroom environment together. Ahhh, if only I had a fraction of the money back I spent the first year teaching on stupid posters I rarely if ever used....
oh and if you do use some store bought things... don't put them up until you use them in a lesson. So like the phonics cards you were talking about. If you wanted to use commercial ones that's fine, just don't hang them up until you teach with them - then the kids know why they are there and how to use them.
I've never seen letter sound cards in grade 3. What is your approach to teaching reading and spelling?
I was thinking the same thing. I think maybe she is talking about phonics cards - like spelling patterns???
*Writing Process *Alphabet *Word Wall Board - We actually put the words up as we use them *Genre Boards for reading, math, and writing - We actually put up student samples so this is mainly blank other than the decorated boards *Labeled spaces in the room for Anchor Charts *Labeled space for student work
I start with a blank slate (w/ the exception of an alphabet strip) and add to the wall with my class as we create charts and student work.
Here is the Poem: Room Under Construction author unknown Our room may look a little bare… But that doesn’t mean that we don’t care! In fact, the opposite is true… For decorating it – we kids will do! Each poster, chart and classroom sign We make together: learn line for line And when we put things on the walls, You will hear us from the halls Shouting. “This classroom’s mine, and it is fine… Because we were a part of its design!” I like to put a big yellow "under construction" banner across it. It draws parents attention so they are sure to read it.
When putting things up on the wall, you might want to check with your admin. first. I know that here, when Testing (i.e, standardized tests) comes along, EVERYTHING comes off the walls, desks, any surface that can hold "information" has to be clear.
Wow..thanks to all of you for your replies and ideas! I think it is smart to leave them open and build upon them during the year. Does anyone know where I can buy a new alphabet strip? Or just the alphabet in cursive? Thanks!
If you live in Bergen county try Bosland's in Saddle River. In South Jersey try borden's in Point Pleasant. I've been to both and they have some good deals and lots of choices.
Love the poem! I have a classroom jobs chart, a cursive border strip, a few inspirational quote posters...everything else is student generated, class made charts...
Take large pieces of chart paper, draw large graphic organizers on them, and laminate them. That way, you can just use them over and over instead of having to redraw a Venn diagram and KWL 50,000 times a year
