Planning Classroom Resources
Evaluating Teaching Resources for the New School Year
The importance of planning and developing classroom and learning resources can be easily overlooked by a new teacher. But these resources are essential for the continued success of your students. It is easy to quickly pile up resources you don't need simply because they look attractive. Here is a handy checklist you should consider using when evaluating some of the newer resources that are coming your way.
Brainstorm Needed Classroom Resources
All teachers, including new and seasoned teachers, should brainstorm all types of classroom and learning resources that they feel are needed for starting the school year off right. Discussing classroom resources in light of the teachers is crucial. What would teachers like to use more? Less? What is typically in need? What is unnecessary? Keep a running list of resources already from the first day of the school year.
As you get to know your students, you can continue to be on the lookout of innovative and current learning products and resources that have been marketed to suit the needs of a variety of students that you teach.
Here are some of the more major classroom resources coupled with some questions you may consider as you evaluate some of these learning resources.
Online Resources for Computer Learning
With the rapid pace of technology learning, teachers need to be familiar with all types of computer learning resources - such as learning games. In fact, this is one of the fastest growing, most dynamic types of classroom resource which potentially has a high learning appeal for students with many different kinds of needs.
There are introductory package deals that are part of the marketing plan of many educational software companies. Like you, many of these educational companies are quickly getting organized for the upcoming school year. Read their online catalogues to get a feel for the learning pace, the skills, and even try some of the online learning activities to get a feel of what's out there.
Some Questions to Ask About Materials
- Will it be a supplementary learning program (i.e. practice) to be used on alternative lessons or in lieu of the regular classroom routine?
- Can it be used for a variety of classrooms or will teachers need to purchase a number of online educational packages. Remember, what your school will purchase today for your classroom, will be quickly replaced by some newer computer learning program tomorrow.
- Is there room for student learning and growth with regard to diversified instruction? Will it supplement the teaching objectives?
- Can students progress and learn at their own pace?
Resources for Classroom Readers
If you are an ESL teacher, a primary language arts, or reading teacher, you probably keep a wide current variety of classroom reading materials on-hand. These may include ESL readers, special education readers, phonic readers, fluency readers, oral readers, and readers for other educational level readers. It is important to keep abreast of what's new and what different reading materials are available.
Primary school teachers should aim to purchase at least 3 different types of classroom stories that are intended for read-alouds. Big books, for example, are attractive and make great beginning read-alouds for developing a literacy classroom.
Before buying, consider these questions:
- How are the readability levels? Are they too hard and challenging?
- Are the topics of the readers motivating and suitable for teaching?
- Are the level of vocabulary words too sophisticated?
- Is there a highlighted glossary for struggling reades and ESL students?
- Are there pictures?
- Are the reading exercises challenging and not to easy?
Visual Aids and Other Teacher Resources
Visual Aids for the classroom may include calendars, flashcards for early and emerging readers if applicable, ABC runners, mini and larger sized posters, learning aids - the list is endless!
But, with that said, not every classroom resource should be bought. Here are a few questions you all should ask yourself when mulling over some of the catalogues:
- Can this visual aid also be replaced with some of students' work?
- Can I prepare this visual aid on my own?
- Is this visual aid too expensive and thus unnecessary for my classroom learning needs?
- Is this visual aid user-friendly and motivating for learning?
Teaching tip! Avoid purchasing too many visual aids in your classroom. It can give your classroom a busy look. Students can easily loose focus.
In-Service and Professional Development Resources
In-service teacher development is critical for the new teacher's growth. By learning new ideas in education and methodology and putting them into practice, the school also sends a message that administrators are willing to invest in its teachers, particularly with regard to supporting new teachers.
- Is the material of this course suitable and up to date with current topics and methodologies?
- Does the teacher staff have a budget for personal development?
- Will the in-service course be taught during teaching days, school holidays, etc?
If your school budget includes individual teacher resources such as stickers, positive reinforcement certificates, classroom planners and such, then you're in luck!
It's never too late to start brainstorming your needs for classroom resources. Avoid the last minute planning and hassle and get a fresh new perspective on planning your classroom resources as you begin the school year anew.
Read End of the Year Activities for more information about wrapping up the school year.
