Classroom ideas from the Sixth Form
English
The promotion of literacy in the classroom can take many forms but it is an essential part of engaging students with the process of improving their English. In C6, a reading corner has been created. This was in response to the need for students to carry out more independent reading. It is a corner with a bookcase, reading related posters, beanbags and writing frames. The hope is that students will feel this is a comfortable and engaging space in order to access reading materials. QR codes will be used to connect to online content as well as the printed material provided.
Previous students
It is helpful to make displays about previous students to inspire and motivate current students. In C6, a 'Tips from Last Year's Students' board has been created. This contains suggestions for study techniques, ways to approach the content of the course as well as things they would have done differently. There are also some QR codes, which connect to videos of groups of students talking about their tips.
Questioning
In C6, students are being prompted to ask better questions. Posters have been created using the Phoster App and were then laminated. These prompts will help students to ask better questions about their learning but could also be used by the teacher.
Progression
A noticeboard has been created for Geographers that suggests all of the possible progression options available to them. This has been achieved in a creative way.
Useable walls
If students can actively engage with wall space and displays, then all the better. There is an English wall that has folders pinned to it. These folders contain materials to heklp students with their writing. Sticky blackboard or whiteboard material can be bought on a roll and stuck to any surface: walls or desks. This makes space you may not ordinarily use, much more useable. The back of the door in C6 has a laminated wish list and question wall used for students to engage with the content of the lesson on a daily basis, using sticky notes.
Displays
Be creative with your display choices. Multi-coloured foam letters can brighten up a wall instantly to provide an engaging message to students.
What can you do?
If you have created displays that you'd like to share with staff, please forward pictures and descriptions to [email protected]
http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/clever-classroom-tips-for-elementary-school-teachers
http://www.buzzfeed.com/hnigatu/what-teachers-make-an-illustrated-take
http://www.buzzfeed.com/kmallikarjuna/this-is-the-classroom-is-the-doorway-to-adventure-725b
http://pinterest.com/teacherjenn1/beginning-of-year-ideas/
http://pinterest.com/ebenedict2/back-to-school/