by Helene J. Uchida
Is your classroom welcoming?
The following are positive items that help make students feel “at home” and welcome in your classroom, whether it be in a school or at your own home. We have also included items which the teacher should constantly have on hand to support the flow of the learning in the classroom. How many of them are you using?
| Necessary Items | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Teacher chalkboard or white boards/erasers | for grammar points, examples |
| Student chalkboard or white boards/erasers | for students to write names or grammar points |
| Desks or tables chairs, stools | for sitting or writing |
| Observer’s seat(s) | for observer to watch class |
| Chalk, white board markers (different colors) | for blackboard/white board |
| Waste paper basket | for garbage |
| Scotch tape | for dictionary words or workbooks |
| Glue | for dictionary words or workbooks |
| Scissors | for workbooks |
| Extra pencils and erasers | for students who forget or observers |
| Red pens | for teacher to correct workbooks, notebooks |
| Color pencils | for students’ workbooks |
| Stars and stickers | for perfect homework assignments |
| Clock | as a reference or teaching tool |
| Calendar | as a reference or teaching tool |
| Tissues | for running noses! |
| Thermometer | if a student is sick |
| English to Japanese dictionary | as a reference |
| Japanese to English dictionary | as a reference |
| English to English dictionary | as a reference |
| Extra notebooks or paper | for students or observers |
| Pencil sharpener | for pencils and color pencils |
| Atmosphere Items | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Posters (ABC Fun, Daily English, One World) | for decoration, reference, warm-up resource |
| CD or tape recorder, English music recordings | for background music, welcome and departure |
| Vase of fresh flowers | for a touch of nature |
| Plants | for a touch of nature |
| Floor mat | for games on the floor |
| Flag(s) | for decoration |
| Globe | for reference or warm-ups |
| Bulletin board with pictures of students | to give students recognition |
| Bulletin board with samples of students’ writing | to give students recognition |
| Music box background music | for workbook completion |
| Puzzles | student activity |
| Flash cards | student activity |
| Color chips | rewarding students who answer |
| Games | student activity |
| Newspapers, magazines, catalogs | outside English reading for students |
| Musical instrument (guitar, flute, electric organ) | for singing in English |
| Scratch paper | to send notes to office |
| Learning centers and bulletin board exhibits | for theme (birthdays, holidays) presentations |
| Mirror | to brighten up the room |
Lobby: video, chairs, benches, toys for youngsters, homework chair/desk, photo albums of your school, tissue, English picture books, suggestion box, information on your school.