How to start planning for the upcoming school year without having to go in over the summer!
One of the first things I like to do is get my new classroom layout squared away before leaving for summer. It helps to have a game plan in mind when planning lessons activities and thinking of how I will rearrange the smaller pieces of the classroom once the bigger ones have been adjusted. Also it is great to post on your classroom door or whiteboard because it can help the janitors know how everything was laid out after they finish doing the floors and begin putting everything back in the classroom.
Originally I just drew it on a piece of paper, but then I decided this would be great to do with google drawings so I could save the layouts year after year. Here is the layout at the start of school last year.
Once December comes around and the students have left for break I usually switch up the classroom ,so this was what it looked like for the second half of the year.
This coming year I am switching classrooms so I need to re think everything. As you can see I had tables before, but now I am switching back to desks. I think I will try to keep to grouping like tables except I will make sure to not having any students with the backs toward the front of the classroom.
If you want to try to do this here are the steps to help get you started.
Step 1: Go to Google Drive
Step 2: Click "New"
Step 3: Click "More"
Step 4: Click "Google Drawings"
Step 5: Name the document by clicking "untitled" in the upper left hand corner of your computer screen.
Step 6: Below the "Format" button you will see a square and circle, click that to find shapes to create your classroom! I usually start with a square or rectangle to get started and keep adding images over for the desks and furniture.
I think that about covers everything for the Google Drawings piece! I really like it because it is easier to go into school for a shorter period of time with a game plan. Also helps to not have to move all the furniture a bunch of times (because not everything is nice and light).
I hope this was helpful and makes your start to planning the school year a little easier! Stay tuned for more Google Apps and technology tips to come!
No comments