My Top Wants

I just read the blog of another teacher that listed her top ten wants in her classroom. I spent the morning in my classroom thinking of what I would like. Her list included many things that I have been blessed to have - big magnet whiteboards, tables -not desks, storage - I have ample cupboards and an office full of cupboards, cubbies for coats and backpacks in the room, and the ability to control the thermostat from my room. I did compile a list. But, really, I am very lucky to have what I do have. We have a beautiful "newish" school and it has been wonderful. I couldn't come up with 10 - only 8.

#1 Parent Volunteers! I need help in that room and parents are so effective. They show their students how important education is. I haven't had a parent come in (besides during parties) for several years. I miss it and would love to have several each week.

#2 Ipad Mini for each student. And if not for each student, how about six of them so they can do small group work together. There are so many apps that could be used in the classroom. I see them and just covet. That would be so cool.

#3 WiFi. If I have iPads I want WiFi too. We do have televisions in our rooms that I can use as a computer screen so that the whole class can see and they are great. But, WiFi would be great for many things.

#4 A projector attached to the ceiling. Our TVs are nice but they aren't all that big. The projector would make EVERYTHING easier and I could get rid of the rolling projector cart that never seems to have a permanent home.

#5 A document camera. I have seen these used in so many aspects, from folding paper to group participation of a workbook page. I would use it all the time. ALL the TIME I tell ya.

#6 Smart Board. While we are on the subject of technology, I bring up smart boards. Seriously, they are like magic at your fingertips. One touch and *poof* something magical can happen. We, students and teacher, could have a hay day with one of those.

#7 Reading Corner. Our classooms are pretty small (thank heavens for tables) and so there isn't room for a reading corner. My 5th Grade teacher had one. It was like a library in there. There were books everywhere and pillows and a couch and a table with four little chairs around it. Her classroom must have been huge. But, I sat in that reading corner during many cold recesses just reading my heart out. I don't think I would do the pillows - I HATE the thought of lice. 

#8 Colorful rug to sit on. Those things are expensive and more than my classroom budget for the year. But, It would brighten up the room and it would give the students some boundaries when we did floor work. I love this one and could come up with a lot of games to play on it too.

That's it. I don't ask for a lot. But, as my mom says, "If wishes were fishes..."