The move from a giant fourth grade classroom and all-subjects program to a smaller fifth grader classroom and math/science program has been bigger than I expected.
The major effect has been the need to rethink the classroom set-up--I simply have too many materials, books, tables, and other articles in the room to best accommodate this year's curriculum and the transitions of forty-four students within two classrooms. The challenge here is that I don't want to get rid of materials that I may need next year if I'm moved again--so what to do?
First, we have to finish the cardboard challenge (four school days to go) as this is taking up lots of room.
Next, I need to spend a Saturday cleaning, sorting, moving things around, and figuring out what to do with all the fourth grade materials. I'd love to paint, pull up the old rug, add a sink, get rid of the old shelves too, but that's more time and money than I have at this time. While I really don't want to give up a Saturday, there's really no other way since this job requires a big effort with lots of time and energy.
After that, we'll be ready to go with better organization of materials, more space, and a nice environment for fifth grade learning.
Just knowing what the need is and making a plan to meet that need sets my mind at ease since I know change is on the way. Onward.
