As I was perusing the internet for
teacher websites, I looked for sites that were current, uncluttered, and neatly
organized. I also looked for sites that
provided many real-life visual examples.
Furthermore, I wanted sites that emphasized a learner-centered classroom
atmosphere. Below, you will find the
sites I found most appealing. Under each
link, I have highlighted my favorite aspects of the site.
Birth – Preschool
Cooper, S.M., (2013). Teaching 2 and 3 year olds: Ideas for our
youngest preschoolers. Retrieved from http://teaching2and3yearolds.blogspot.com/search/label/Our%20Classroom
Sheryl Cooper’s website invites the
viewer to take a picture walk through her Reggio-inspired classroom and fun-filled
activities. It is full of bright
photographs with captions describing centers, activities, and projects, which
are all conveniently found listed alphabetically on the left sidebar. She provides numerous themed hands-on
activities, related web links to other sites, and insights to working with two
and three year olds. I especially
enjoyed viewing her sensory table, light table, and book activity ideas. Additionally, she shares a detailed schedule
of both her two year old and three year old classes. As she describes her “First Day” with both
classes, her compassion and enthusiasm for teaching shines through. She shares glimpses into her classroom
routines and displays her ability to foster positive interactions with parents
and children.
Cox, K. (2013). PreKinders: Creative ideas for pre-k teachers. Retrieved from http://www.prekinders.com/
PreKinders
was conceptualized by Karen Cox. Within
its boundaries, a wealth of information on creating an optimum preschool
environment is available. The site has
been divided into four main sections: Learning Areas, Themes, Printables, and
Classroom Ideas. These sections are then
divided into smaller related areas that contain ideas supported by photographs,
detailed descriptions, and/or printables.
Links to resources and other pertinent sites are also provided. Any teacher viewing the photos of the various
centers (found under Classroom Ideas) will be truly filled with the desire to
integrate each of the concepts into her own classroom. The pictures tell the story of a highly
organized, well thought out space. The
house center and reading center are especially exceptional. It is obvious that children in this classroom
will be encouraged to learn through multiple sensory experiences throughout
each day.
Kindergarten – Grade 3
Meacham,
J. (2013). Mrs. Meacham’s classroom
snapshots. Retrieved from http://www.jmeacham.com/
Jessica
Meacham’s homepage takes the viewer through an alphabet walk of ideas. It displays an alphabet where topics are
listed by their first letter under their corresponding letter of the
alphabet. Each click of the mouse brings
a new topic to life. Topics include
assessment and behavior management ideas, classroom and center organization
ideas, numerous project ideas, and more.
While exploring the pages, one will find photographs and videos,
numerous printables, detailed pertinent information, and links to other
informative sites. Although designed for
first grade, many of the ideas can be used and/or modified to benefit higher
and lower grade levels. Mrs. Meacham
also includes a link to her classroom blog within this site for her families. Fellow teachers and parents looking to
enhance their child’s learning at home will greatly appreciate the vast supply
of usable material provided by this site.
It is apparent that Mrs. Meacham provides a deeply enriched classroom environment,
which includes numerous ways for her students to discover a love for learning.
Sterczek, R. (n.d.). Welcome to Miss Sterczek’s classroom.
Retrieved from http://www.missrsterczek.com/
“Welcome” is the perfect word to
describe Raquel Sterczek’s first grade website. This
site has been thoughtfully designed to include parents, students, and visiting
teachers. She has developed a page
dedicated to each of them and has included valuable related links for each of
them to explore. Parents will find
everything from the student supply list and classroom management style to ways
for motivating their children. The
students become the stars on their page as it highlights birthdays,
accomplishments, and other milestones.
It also includes fun academic songs and games as well as a recommended
book list. For teachers, she provides
visuals of monthly project ideas. She
also includes a classroom page, which beautifully illustrates her organization
of stations, literacy and math walls, and classroom management strategies. Finally, there is even a page where she
shares information about her teaching philosophy and interests. Each page is visually appealing, colorful,
and well organized. Photographs, video,
and audio recordings enhance the experience as one journeys through the site. The love and care she has taken in designing
this site, her thoughtful and informative communication with parents, and her
ability to spotlight her students all show a teacher committed to creating the
best classroom experience for all who enter through its doors.
