Taming the Chaos... Review of other Teacher's Website

So you're off to a fresh start. There is so much to so in so little time and there are ideas floating around in your head. By the time it is time to put everything together, your mind is suddenly full of so many shambles you are not very sure in where to start. Having a classroom unorganized, without structure, no place to keep up with activities,can be quite chaotic and often unmanageable.

Many times teachers take the advice of others who many have had more experience in the field. I have came across what I feel are some great teacher sources that gives some awesome ideas for anyone just starting or simple just need more ways to put all their ideas in place. One teacher has more than enough ideas for new teachers as myself to use when it comes to classroom management, and dealing with organizing all of those many thoughts and ideas in your head. Mrs. McDavid, first suggestion is to "simple place unwanted items in large box" (McDavid, nd, Purge Unused Materials and Non Essential Items).
 I found it interesting that she suggests to instead of getting rid of the materials, but sharing with others who may can make good use of it instead. Because sometimes there may not be as much space in a given classroom, sometimes there is extra room need for materials, and other items. I like that she suggested many containers such as shoe boxes, or plastic lidded containers. I find this to be both saving space and creating it as well. 
Many other good ideas she have as well, such as pictures of baskets that can be used to stored materials such as worksheets, need to be graded, files, and other classroom activities and materials. This is a great resource to visit when needing organize your thoughts, and be creative in the classroom. She also offers to share any ideas you may have on her page. So it is a great way to give to others and also receive. (See References). 

Another site I have found to be very interesting, that holds many ideas on how to organize students materials. I have never thought, but it is a wonderful idea and not costly. She tied Home Depot aprons around the students' chairs. It holds the materials in place and is very convenient for them just to turn around and grab any materials needed for whatever activities they are about to partake in. Wang (2010), also indicated 29 hacks to used in organizing materials in the classroom. Take a look at her many ideas such as the curtain rod to hang magazines, and my personal favorite the muffin tin, used to hold pencils, paint brushes, pencils, and anything else use for art activities.(See References).

In addition to classroom organization, Lawrence (2011) indicates, "I believe that the way a classroom is designed determines what type of teaching methods, social interaction, and overall atmosphere you are creating" (Lawrence, 2011, para 1). This I agree with. The way we want our classroom atmosphere to be all depends on the way the classroom is set up. On her website she have many things explain from classroom layouts, organizations, structuring the place, to labels to place around the classroom. She also have different links on her website that talks about herself, childcare's literature, how to communicate with the family, and etc. I feel that with her being experience, many of us beginners would benefit from what she shares on her website. (See References).
Lastly and certainly not least, The Teacher's Corner. Excellent website to find worksheet activities, teaching activities, and printable. One thing I notice in many schools are the classroom worksheets most of them are printable. Teachers can use this resource when planning classroom activities for many subjects sch as reading, writing, math, and science, and much more. It promotes culture, and it even have monthly activities and resources and even a chat forum. Definitely a great site to use when planning curriculum and activities in class and is up to standards. Here I have listed four sites that teachers were generous about sharing many of their ideas that help them have an successful classroom for teachers working towards a success first year and many more of taming the chaos though classroom management.



References
Aoelschlager. (2013). Confession of a Nerdy Teacher. Image. Retreived from 

1    Lawrence, E. (2011). Classroom Structure Ideas. Retrieved from, http://eflawrence.weebly.com/classroom-structure-ideas.html

McDavid. (nd), Getting Organized. Retrieved from, http://www.ourclassweb.com/sites_for_teachers_getting_organized.htm

Plastics Storage boxes with lids. (2011). Plastic Storage Boxes With Lids Multi-color Image. Retrieved from http://www.plasticstorageboxeswithlids.com/plastic-storage-boxes/plastic-storage-boxes-with-lids-multi-color/

The Teachers Corner. (2015). Teacher Resources, Lesson Plans, Worksheets and Activities.
http://www.theteacherscorner.net/

Wang, P. (2013).29 Clever Organization Hacks For Elementary School Teachers. Retrieved from, http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/clever-organization-hacks-for-elementary-school-teachers#.tsByKvZmoR

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