HELP! 1st yr tacher... Classroom Design

[luckybug618]

I taught reg. ed 1st grade from Jan-june. For next year I am at a new school, ESE- k-2 self-contained. I will have about 8 students, maybe 10. Mostly kinders, a few 1s.

I have no idea how to set up my room. I know I need some type of centers, but with ESE am having trouble not knowing the abilities, issues of my students.... Any suggestions? Themes? Essential areas to be set up? Seating?


I'm overwhlemed.:eek: I will not be allowed in until pre-planning. I am in a square shaped room, with all walls open. Exciting for decorating!!! I'd appreciate any tips, ideas. THANKS!!!:o


ps. if you live near me I'll pay for help:p jk

[hweber]

The first thing I can offer is my hearty congratulations! This whole year will be exciting for you. Go to your local teacher supply store. See what inspires you. Maybe you could use a decorating theme for the year. Perhaps using frogs, with cute sayings (hoppy you're here, wishing you a hoppy Christmas and decorate the frogs like Santa). As for set up of the room, you may need to wait until you see the cumulative files to know their issues. You can also search the web for teacher products.

[luckybug618]

Thanks.... thinking I won't do a theme this year. Just worried about actual placing of furniture and what I must have set-up for the first few weeks as far as centers etc.... That part overwhelms me, and figuring out if I put up Kinder level posters or 2nd grade. There is a huge gap in skills between k and 2, and I'm too poor to buy a huge amount of stuff.:)


I'm ADHD so I color code everything. So all IEPs, Behavior Reports, Parent Contacts, Subjects are in colored binders and on colored paper that relate to only that subject, IEPs etc... It takes a while to find 10 different colored papers, but works for me.

[bella mundi]

Hahaha! I do the same thing!! All my students are color-coded, and everything for them is in their coloring! People laugh at me all the time, but I love it! My para is the same way, and between the two of us, everything is color-coded!

I don't know much about setting up the room for a little guys, sorry I can't help with that!

Although, I'm guessing in a self-contained room, it's likely you'll have behaviors, maybe some students with sensory stimulation issues. I wouldn't go too nuts with the posters and stuff until you know your class, some kids can't handle too much on the walls. Also, definitely set up some type of quiet corner if you do have behavioral kids. A corner that's a little separate from the rest of the class, with no visual stimuli so kids can wind down there. You could even make a crash mat - get an old duvet cover and fill it with pillows and soft things, then sew it closed. Kids can relax on there and calm down a bit before re-joining the class.

Congrats on the job!

[luv2teachsped]

Hi- I taught spec ed elementary for over 20 years. Each year was always exciting. Keep things simple. You don't want to over stimulate!! The main thing I did every year was label the essentials ! Think of basic sight words or objects you'll be using every day. Use lots of pictures for a picture schedule. A quiet area or crash site is always a necessity! Welcome to the rewarding world of teachers!!!!!! After 20+ years ,I am still excited every fall! luv2teachsped:clap::clap:

[laydeeb]

Color coding is great for you and the kids. Sounds like you are already a big organizer and that will trickle down to the students. Just make your room user-friendly. Try to imagine how the students will view the room and make it so they can understand and get around easily. The necessary learning stations will be obvious to you based on the essential knowledge that you are required to teach (for your area, etc.)