5 Topics to Teach Cause & Effect
Let’s make it interesting!
Reading is a tool for learning.
So let’s teach something interesting while we teach reading! Cause and effect lends itself to
DO: Create a Carpet Space If You Can
I know, some of us just do not have the space. However, if you have the space for a rug, it can turn into your biggest community-building tool. It allows space to play games, have a meaningful morning meeting, and just connect without any distractions. When I switched to 3rd grade, I was not sure how they would like the rug, but the group I had really leaned into it!
Theme?
If you’re excited for a classroom theme, absolutely, lean into it! That being said, I did not have a classroom theme until my 3rd year teaching. If you don’t have a strong theme, it’s okay! I found that a color scheme I loved was much more important and helped me create beautiful spaces that both me and my students wanted to spend time in.
DON'T: Start With Flexible Seating
It’s so tempting! You just graduated from college, and you have all these incredible visions of your littles working peacefully while sitting on pillows on the ground. If that’s not you right now, I know you remember the feeling. The truth about flexible seating is that it takes time. Before students can work peacefully while sitting on a pillow on the floor or a big yoga ball, they need to learn how to work peacefully in general! They have to see that your expectations are high and know that work time is focused, no matter where you’re seated.
That being said, I found flexible seating to be an incredible motivator for my students. I let them know we would incorporate it when they were ready, and they were quick to show me they could handle it! When the time came, they did, in fact, work peacefully on their floor pillows.
DO: Choose a Color Palette
In my first two years of teaching, my classrooms were full of primary colors. It looked like the inside of a Crayola crayon box! It did not bother me until my 3rd year, I switched to pinks and blues. Suddenly, my classroom was this aesthetic place that I actually wanted to be in! I was shocked at what a difference it made.
The next year, I switched to pastel blues and purples, and I loved coming into my classroom every day. Pick a color palette you like, it will be worth it!
DON'T: Spend Too Much of Your Own Money
A dollar here and a dollar there all add up! I know everyone’s situation is different, but do your best to make the most of what your school can provide. You’d be amazed at how much of a difference you can create in your classroom just using paper! My recommendation: print more, spend less!
DO: Make Sure You Can See Every Student From Your Desk
This is so important, and even a law in some states. If something happens to a student in a space that you can’t see because of the furniture placement, you could be considered negligent. Don't forget this important detail when setting up your classroom!
DON’T: Feel Guilty If It’s Not Perfect
Like I said, my first 2 years teaching were a primary color mess! But the truth is, by the end of the year, all my Kindergarteners could read. Their parents were overjoyed with the progress their children made in my class.
Instead of recoloring, repapering, and decorating, I spent time really studying the curriculum. This choice helped me move up in education and led to my students’ success!
Even if your classroom isn’t exactly how you want it, you can still have a great year. You got this!
Tiny Furniture??
I cannot tell you the number of times I have found the perfect piece of furniture for my classroom. Only when I bring it into school, it looks SO tiny! Keep in mind, your classroom might be bigger than you envision it, and that amazing piece of furniture might not have the presence you expected it to!