Making the most of my small space.

I am a victim of a small classroom.  It’s small by kindergarten standards because in kindergarten (as in most early elementary K-2 classrooms) my kiddos need to move.  They need space for dramatic play, blocks, for exploring sand tables and science, for reading, for writing, for ‘doing art’ and for dancing.  All these things are vital to kindergarten, but they are quickly disappearing from our kindergarten classrooms as there is a greater and more urgent push for teachers to meet standards and expectations.  I’ve had to get creative and think outside the box when it comes to space. 

I also have students working in the hallway.  I posted about this before but if you would like to revisit it, take a look HERE.

Finally, I feel that the most important thing I can do for my students in regards to our small space is to limit the space I need as a teacher.  Do I really need a big desk?  NO!

I have a computer table and my supplies are located in tins of a peg board.

I actually am even going to give up this space this fall as I move me computer next to my two student stations so I can now have three computers for students use.  It’s not like I’m ever sitting at the computer anyway. 

Personal items?  Hey, I have a closet! But . . . I use it for art supplies, snacks and the like! So instead, I put up this cute little over the door, pocket hanging thingy  for those kinds of items. 

By limiting ‘my’ space and creating ‘our’ space, I have been able to keep those developmentally appropriate activities that are disappearing from so many kindergarten classrooms.  It’s a fair trade I think.  So drop me a line and tell me, what would you be willing to give up to keep your sand table?