The Resourceful Classroom
A Photo Guide
The learning environment is very important to supporting literacy learning at all grade levels. A rich learning environment fosters independence and enjoyment for a learner. Students at all grades should be able to easily access their environment and feel comfortable as they learn. Kid friendly areas should be inviting and used often. The room should be designed so that children and adults can move around with ease.
Classroom libraries are critical to motivating readers and showcasing the importance of reading. Collections should include fiction and non-fiction titles, as well as poetry, magazines, favorite authors, theme related books, mentor texts, and other special collections. Sorting books by author, theme, season, topic, etc. helps children find books easily. Clearly marked baskets allow for books to face forward for easier selection. New books should always be added to your collection. Highlight them in a fancy basket, or use book easels to showcase these special books.
Young children enjoy nooks and small, cozy reading areas!
Books facing cover side out are easier to select!
This first grade classroom has a nice big meeting area for mini-lessons and sharing time. An easel is an important tool for demonstrating lessons, holding charts, and supporting big books for shared reading. The cart (at right) holds mentor texts for teaching reading and writing skills.
This Kindergarten writing center stores students writing folders, pens, date stamps, and paper. Knowing where all materials are located helps students become more independent in their own learning environment.
This teacher has sorted her mentor text by Units of Study for writing mini-lessons. These mentor texts provide students with models for writing following the techniques used by the authors.
Each child has their own box of books for independent reading during Reading Workshop. One day a week students "shop" for the books they will read during the next week. Reading Workshop folders are also stored near book boxes so they are easy to locate not only for the students to use, but also for teachers to access quickly to assess student progress.
Plastic rain gutters are installed under chalkboards to display more books! This makes books easier to identify quickly.
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