Binders, Binders, Everywhere!

9/8/10

Today was consumed with more rules, more routines, and oh my goodness LOTS and LOTS of binders! 5th graders have 5 binders. A large 2" homework binder, and 4 - 1" binders - 1 for each subject. The majority of the day was spent constructing the binders - which was a logistical nightmare. Some students ordered binders and class supplies through the PTO - which was great because they had the exact supplies needed - while other students brought their own supplies. Most had the correct items, but a few brought supplies that didn't quite fit the bill and left the teachers scrambling to find supplies for the students. The homework binders were constructed first - each night of the week has a "pocket folder" that students can stuff their homework sheets into. They get a week's worth of homework on a Friday, and can get a jump start on their homework over the weekend if they choose to do so. Great idea!

With many summers spent constructing binders for either orientation or RA selection, I feel like I have some authority to speak on this issue. The process in class was nothing but a mess. Students had inconsistent supplies, were missing supplies, and couldn't keep up with the pace of the process. Tips for how I think the process could improve:
1) Check at the end of the day before to make sure that all students have the proper materials. Leave these materials on the desks so that students can begin the process during morning work.
2) Unwrap all of the items that will be used by students. Most of the energy spent on constructing the binders was clean-up management. So many items were wrapped in plastic and had needless paper inside that the majority of teacher/aid/student teacher time was spent keeping up with the trash.
3) Do it in an assembly line. Instead of giving the students individual supplies, pool them all together, push desks together, and create a long table with every supply in order. This would really only work if all students had the same supplies...but trust me, it's the fastest way to do it!

Today, we also went over fire drill procedures. I liked how my CT gave instructions, then had the students talk amongst themselves before interrupting them to go through the fire drill walk through. It made the experience more realistic for the class.

My favorite part of the day was when we gave students a tour of the bathroom, the nurse's office, and the bubbler (water fountain). Students were paraded though the hallways, up and down stairs and taught that you always go to the nurse with a buddy, you go to the bathroom efficiently and alone, and when there's a line at the bubbler, the person behind you is allowed to say "1...2...3...that's enough for me!" to get you moving on your way. The students of 302 were so well behaved - even without my CT being present - that each of the teachers commented on their great role modeling. I let my CT know and she praised them by giving them two yellow "Visions" which we have yet to learn about...more to come about that.

At the end of the day, I read a book titled "Peach & Blue" by Sarah Kilborne. It's a cute story about a frog named Blue and a peach named Peach who become friends. The spend the day together and help each other to see their worlds through new eyes - to see the beauty around them. The book was meant to illustrate the blue "vision". "Visions" of the classroom - a core value system that my CT uses as a way to celebrate and reinforce civil behavior, as well as a classroom management tool. I'll be learning more about the Visions on Monday and will share all about them.