Nevertheless, here is today's commentary...
For the past
Some sixth graders are pretty tall, but tall or not-so-tall, they just take up a lot of SPACE! My room is rather small and most of the space is filled with student desks!
At one point, I had to make a decision: Keep the teacher's desk or keep an open area where we could sit on the carpet.
Open space won out! It's not a lot of open space, mind you, but some kids prefer to sit on the floor to see the Promethean Board and we usually have a group or two working on the floor at some point during each day.
When I decided to let go of my teacher's desk, I also gave up some storage along with the drawers for the items that all teachers need: Sharpies, tape, scissors, stapler, etc. Although there are drawers built into the wall, it was disconcerting to have my back to the room--even when students were not present.
I already had a "kidney table" for guided reading and I knew that this space would now have to do double duty. Although this poor table is at least twenty years old, and it wiggles and it squeaks if nudged even slightly, it is the best that I've got, so I had to make do. (I had already spent the previous four years trying to get enough desks and chairs that (almost) match, so I knew getting a new table was not a possibility.) And this year, I hope to add stools instead of chairs to add some color and a little pizzazz!
While shopping at Office Depot (my home away from home/school/Starbucks), I found a tray and some matching pencil cans... I added my supplies and some purple sparkles, and the rest is history!
Now I have everything I need right in front of me when I am working at the table. And when it is time for guided reading or another group needs a place to work, the tray is moved to the space behind the table--which remains my motivation for keeping that area free from debris!
I am quite glad I said good-bye to my teacher's desk. I don't even miss it! With so little area in the room, it has all become shared space, and we kept our carpeted area and gained a little breathing room. Throughout the day, we change seats often, making this table available as one more option where we can sit and learn together.
What about you? Is your room spacious or is it crowded with kids and furniture? Do you still have a teacher's desk?
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This giveaway runs August 10th-14th. Good luck!
They're all fantastic and you don't want to miss out!
This giveaway runs August 10th-14th. Good luck!
Prize Package #1
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Prize Package #2 a Rafflecopter giveaway
Prize Package #3
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Prize Package #4 a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck to everyone who enters!
I am thinking of turning my desk into a Science Exploration area... I just have to be brave. Last summer I made the Teacher's Toolbox.
ReplyDeleteBtw.... We never run out of things to say do we? Lol
Debbie
I love the idea of a Science Exploration area, Debbie! (Be brave! You can do it!)
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I love the super organize tote. It's big enough to carry all my teacher stuff.
ReplyDeleteYep, I love it too! And I always seem to have a lot of teacher stuff too!
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I also got rid of my teacher's desk! I haven't missed it at all!
ReplyDeleteI also get "writer's block"...I wish I could post daily, but I don't think I have that much to say! Haha!
YAY, Lana! I'm thinking if I post every day in August, I will have said all I have to say for a lonnnng time!
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KIm~ I think the stars are totally aligning this month! I JUST got rid of my teacher desk in June when school was finished and begged and pleaded with my Principal for a table like the one in your picture. I'm 90% sure I got one. I was going to blog about it when we can get back in the building.
ReplyDeleteGreat minds girl.... great minds!
Michele
Coffee Cups and Lesson Plans
YAY, Michele! It seats six (if we squish!) which covers most of my groups. When I had the table AND the desk, we could barely walk around!
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So brave of you! I have my desk still, but only use it for when I need a private moment with paperwork. I rarely sit at it during the day. Yesterday, one of my fidgety students used it. You have counters! I am so jealous:).
ReplyDeleteThat little counter is wonderful because the phone is there... and sometimes I hide a pile of papers so I look organized!
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A kidney table? I'm sooooo proud of you!
ReplyDeleteBarbara
Oh, don't you just know I wish it had a different name... Like croissant, maybe?
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I've noticed a lot of teachers getting rid of their teacher's desks lately. I'm not quite brave enough to do so yet. I might even freak out my co-workers because they are rather "traditional." Hmmm...the extra space would be super nice!
ReplyDeleteIt made a huge difference because we were so squished... The custodian took it out for me when no one was paying attention... I was lucky!
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I got rid of my teacher's desk this year, too! I begged for 6 years in my old district to get rid of it, but by contract, we had to have one. In my new district, we do not have to have one. I was using my teacher's desk as a writing center for the kids, but I will not miss having this HUGE piece of furniture in my classroom! :o) Good luck!
ReplyDeleteTara
TeachingwithTWitte
That is so frustrating (that you had to have one, even when you didn't want one). My experience with teacher desks is that they are metal and huge! At least you transformed yours into a writing center!
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I was thinking of making my desk very small since our room is small. But now I am thinking about a round table since I can work with those that are a little behind. hmmm
ReplyDeleteGrace
Grace, I would love a round table! If you can get one, go for it!
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i need that tray! (I don't have a desk either!) Where did you get it? I like how big it is...
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