Teacher Website Tour

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.