This is the next in a series taking place throughout July on preparing the main spaces in your classroom for Back to School.
Collaboration in the classroom can be made so much better with the right tools. Here are some things to pick up before school starts to help your students work together effectively and efficiently.
Dry erase
Turn quick quizzes and almost any activity into game show style events with dry erase answer paddles. Great to incorporate into group work, answer paddles are a collaboration station must. Tip: don’t worry about the markers and erasers, they’re included in this set!
Surge protector
You can never have too many outlets in today’s schools. Students are terrible at conserving their devices’ energy. Pick up an extra surge protector (or three) and put them in any collaboration space you set up. Then students can work uninterrupted.
Flexible seating
Any seating that is movable is welcome in the collaborative classroom. Simple chairs work, but these stools from Classroom Select are fun and functional. You might end up using them more than the kids do.
Markerboard activity table
This markerboard table lets kids gather around and jot down notes on the fly. The kids will also be more engaged because they never get to write on the furniture! DIY Tip: use Post-it® Dry Erase Surface sheets to repurpose an old table if your budget is tight. Watch this video for step-by-step instructions:
Using Google Docs in the classroom
Google Docs might be the premier collaboration tool, but it’s so powerful that many teachers and students aren’t using it to its full potential. We have a series of books, broken down by grade levels, that can help you find the hidden nuggets in the online platform.
Projector
Your classroom might already come with a projector, but if you use yours a lot, you might want to consider another one so the students can share ideas and projects together. Projectors are big-ticket items, so think about writing a small grant or crowdfunding. You’ll also need another screen, like this portable projection screen.
Classroom Direct Tips and Tricks
Win essential collaboration station items in this week’s Classroom Direct Tips and Tricks contest on Facebook.
