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Design Videos
A picture is worth a thousand words, especially when it comes to the look and feel of a classroom. As you can see, we have professional videographers in our classrooms as your eyes, giving you a view of beautiful spaces in classrooms just like yours, granting you the luxury of reflecting on your classroom spaces without even leaving your computer. Some of you might even be in your classroom spaces as you watch these videos. Enjoy this reflective process as we each fashion our classrooms so they reflect our own beliefs about teaching and learning. All videos are in Flash format, optimized for viewing on computers with high-speed internet access. If you are having trouble viewing a video, you can download a free Flash player for your computer here: Download Free Adobe Flash Player Here.
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Book Displays Ideas to Borrow (VIDEO)
Do you have a friend who never ceases to amaze you with their uniqueness and creativity? Ron, a 6th grade teacher at Gail's school is one of these. We think you'll agree. . . .
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The Teacher Corner (Video)
We doubt that we have ever met a teacher who felt their classroom was too big! We all long for more space, but what if more space isn't an option? What if you have to make do with a small room? . . .
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Still Cozy - No Couch (VIDEO)
There was a lot of grieving and even anger when our district banned the couches in our rooms. Leave it to the amazing Mr. Frank to not let regulations get in the way of what he knows to be best for his kids. He inspires us every day! . . .
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Publishing Center With Pizazz (VIDEO)
Have you thought about adding a publishing center to your classroom? Whether you want to keep it simple or you're bursting with creativity, you'll likely be inspired by . . .
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A Crowded Classroom: Students Discuss Seating Choices During Daily 5
This sixth grade class currently has 29 students, but since there aren't class size limits at this school, that number could increase to 32 or more. Unfortunately, the size of the room doesn't expand with each new student. Since we know that students must read voraciously in order to be strong readers. In this video we address the class size and layout issue up front... . . .
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Design-Creating Comfortable Seating when Restrictions are in Place (VIDEO)
Comfortable seating is sometimes synonymous with upholstered furniture, but it doesn't have to be. Gail's district does not allow comfy upholstered couches and pillows, so Pam has found creative alternatives. We are in her room in this video to get a peek at the table she brought from home and the inexpensive plastic chairs she bought at IKEA. It may give you a few ideas for creative seating solutions, too. . . .
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Design - Bookshelf using Encyclopedias (VIDEO)
here is a sacredness to books that prohibits us from ever throwing them away. But what do we do with texts that are so out of date that they've lost their value as anything but dust collectors and paper weights? Jenny, a teacher at Gail's school, asked her grandfather to turn some prehistoric encyclopedias into a unique bookshelf. We were so excited by this idea that we just had to share it with you! Maybe you can convince the handyman (or woman) in your life to make one for you! . . .
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Design - Book Displays Part II of IV (Video)
We all want books in our rooms that our students will browse, explore, and "fall into". Ron, a 5/6 grade teacher at Gail's school uses an old traveling trunk as a book shelf, filling it neatly full of chapter books and travel books that will take students on journeys and adventures to far off places. . . .
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Design - Comfortable Seating (VIDEO)
Comfortable seating is sometimes synonymous with upholstered furniture, but it doesn't have to be. Gail's district does not allow comfy upholstered couches and pillows, so Pam has found creative alternatives. We are in her room in this video to get a peek at the table she brought from home and the inexpensive plastic chairs . . .
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Design - The Teacher Corner (Video)
We doubt that we have ever met a teacher who felt their classroom was too big! We all long for more space, but what if more space isn't an option? What if you have to make do with a small room? . . .
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Design - Creative Displays for Magazines and Books PART IV OF IV (VIDEO)
Here is a peek into another portion of Ron's room! He really believes in offering students a variety of reading materials, and always finds unique ways to store and present them in an inviting way. This is no exception. Watch the clip to see the ingenious way he's incorporated magazines into the classroom for his students reading pleasure. Included in the clip are some other creative book displays. Ron, you are amazing! . . .
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Design - Book Displays Part I of IV (VIDEO)
Do you have a friend who never ceases to amaze you with their uniqueness and creativity? Ron, a 5/6 grade teacher at Gail's school is one of these, and anyone at Gail's school would agree. Sometimes we just walk into his room, stand in the middle, and slowly spin, taking it all in with awe and wonder, exclaiming things like..."I never would have thought of that." . . .
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Whoever Controls the Stapler Owns the Power in the Room (VIDEO)
We once heard, "Whoever controls the stapler in a classroom, owns the power in the room" and it really made us think! The stapler, tape, paper clips, and other assorted school supplies students might need were neatly organized within the safe confines of our teacher desks. Students had to ask for permission to use any of them…and, if the need was deemed worthy, they would be granted short term use of the needed item. This resulted in countless interruptions, questions, and a loss of time that could have been better spent. So, we dove into community supplies and have never looked back! . . .
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Design - Classroom Supplies-A Simple Idea (VIDEO)
One question we are repeatedly asked is, "What is the best way to manage our classroom supplies?" There are many "best" ways to organize, display and make student supplies accessible. Joan and her students love the sense of community that comes from sharing supplies. She'll give you a quick peek at what that looks like in her classroom via the video below. It used to be that we only thought about labeling supplies with pictures for our youngest learners. However, we have found going visual with as many things as possible provides scaffolding for our English Language Learners and helps prepare the way for the success of all, regardless of age. . . .
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