When I was in kindergarten . . . only the naughty kids got sent to the hallway. That’s not the case anymore.
I’ve often mentioned that I have the world’s smallest kindergarten classroom. I did have the opportunity to visit another kindergarten classroom in another district recently (thank you Glengary Elementary School friends) and discovered . . . I actually have the second smallest kindergarten classroom in the world. First or second . . . the fact remains . . . it’s small. So I’m always looking for ways to combat any restrictions I have in teaching because of the size. It’s also always a concern for any teacher newly embarking on differentiated instruction as well . . .’will my classroom be big enough?’ I always answer as positively as possible with a resounding ‘NO.’ Which is why you need to get creative. I have lots of space saving tricks up my sleeve but for today how about just one way the kindergarten teachers in my building do it by “sending ’em to the hall.”
I was fortunate enough that when I arrived in my building my neighbor teacher, Kerri, had already started a tradition of using the hall with her students. Each month there are die cuts with various letters, words and numbers written on them depending upon the time of year, readiness levels, themes and skills being introduced.
click on the picture for a link |
Students can also read other parts of the hallway . . .
fluency charts with a sand timer can be utilized and changed out as students’ abilities change.
and ‘popcorn words’ are placed in a popcorn container where students can pick a card, attach it to the front of the container (we use velcro)
then tap out the letters to spell the word with their pointers. (I wish I could tell you where I acquired these cute little letters, but I couldn’t find it on my computer so if you know who I can credit, please drop me a line.)
This summer we also purchased two oil pans to velcro up in our hall from our local Walmart (approximately $10.00) so that we could extend not only our math stations to the hall,
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Number Squeeze is a local favorite. Pick copy up from Over The Moon by clicking on the picture above. |
but also use it for word work.
On this oil pan we use elkon boxes (by the way, those are picture frame mats with magnets on them) and large (like 8 inches tall or so) foam letters that you can purchase from Lakeshore.
or in this case, environmental print and put them in alphabetical order.
Lately, my write the room activities can also be found out there on occasion (this is one called ‘Bug Inspectors’ where my kinders use magnifying glasses to find the hidden picture within the picture and then write the word they see- you can click on the picture if you want to learn more about it).
When you suffer from small room syndrome, you need to be creative and think outside the box . . . or in this case, think outside the classroom.
To get you started, I’ve whipped up some cards for you to hang from your own hallway ceiling. Make sure you grab your copy. Then leave me a note to let me know how you use YOUR hallway.
Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant! Thank you!!! I’m pinning all over this post! I love that you created magnetic letters from foam letters. Hello! I love the idea of having them tap letters on the wall like a keyboard to help them remember how to spell! I love that you utilize hallway space for learning! And I love, love, love that crate seat! Must find that pin so I can make one/some, too!! Please do a “space saving tricks” post soon. I am so in need of that!
Angela
Primarily Primary
Wow! thanks for all the comments and the ‘pin’ love!
I have the crate pin somewhere on my pinterest boards (organization or decorations most likely) if you need to look for it.
Marsha
Tag, you’re it! Check out my blog for your questions.
Heather B.
Krazy about Kindy
PS- cute ideas,I will have to try them in my classroom because we are not allowed to send students into the hallway by themselves at my school(even if they are behaving horribly).
You give a lot of great tips! You should make a small spaces/classroom pinterest board. I’m sure there are more teachers like you. Cute freebie, too! Thanks!
Michelle
Teach123
Thanks Michelle. I’ll have to look into that!
Marsha
Fantastic ideas! Thanks for sharing.
I am your newest follower ๐
I love this cute blog. Thanks for the ideas.
Check out my blog.
http://www.skippersjungle.blogspot.com
I found your blog through the linky and I’m your newest follower! Great blog!
The REAL Teachers of Orange County
Wonderful post! Hopped over from Charity’s linky! Love you uses for oil pans!
Sandi
Literacy Minute
I’ve enjoyed my visit to your blog! I’m so happy to be a 5 star blogger too! Come by when you get a chance!
Blogging Blessings,
Rebecca
Fabulous post Marsha!
Great post! Definitely a 5-Star Blogger! Thanks for linking up!
Charity
The Organized Classroom Blog
Marsha!!! Brilliant, just brilliant!!! I am so glad that you’ve linked this one to my bloghop on all things “organizational” as you’ve got a TON of ideas here to help in that regard. I LUV the way you think ‘outside of the box’ and get your k-kids up and moving!
You’re the best. I’ll have to spend some time and get these ideas pinned as well!!
Debbie Clement
RainbowsWithinReach
Wow!! You are inspirational…just when I needed to be inspired! Thanks for the freebie and the great ideas~~
Amy
Hey there. I love your idea of using the hallway to expand your classroom space! My concern is around management and supervision of students who are in the hallway. How many students do you have in the hallway at once? Do you have an aide or a parent volunteer out there with them? I would be so nervous to send my students (especially some of them) outside without any supervision.
Everytime I see someone post about those crate seats, I want to make some more and more! Ahhh!
-Carol
Mrs. Cobb’s Kinder Sprouts
Marsha, May I link this on my blog? I love your letter pointers ๐
I wish I could use our hall, but the other grades come down our hall to get to the playground. Also, I have students whom I cannot trust to be unsupervised; sad to have that be happening in kindergarten.