From time to time I get questions about how I set up my writing work stations. I recently gave that little corner some sprucing up. Here is what it looks like.
I have a cinder block wall so it is difficult for ANYthing to stick. So I placed the 3M Command Strip hooks on each end then strung some grosgrain ribbon across (think clothesline). Then I found these super cute small clothes pins to attach the vocabulary cards to. {I found my clips at Walmart in the stationary department.} As you know, each month, the cards are swapped out, so these clothespins will make that process simple!
These cards shown above are from my February Writing Work Stations.
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click below for The Complete Year's worth.
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How do you have your writing station organized?
Oh I LOVE the way you have the cards strung! I would have never thought of that!
ReplyDeleteKaci
Those 3M command strip hooks are awesome, aren't they? :)
ReplyDeleteNever thought to leave the previous month's cards available as well -- so do you just take them down and put them on rings, or do you make up a separate set? Are your students allowed/ encouraged to get the cards they need or do they refer to them on the wall?
BTW, bought the WWS bundle and love them!
Priscilla
I do not have them take them down, but they can find the word on the cards (in the magazine organizer). Then they can take that to their desks if they need it during writer's workshop or something.
DeleteOne of my little guys wrote about seeing wild turkeys, so he searched through the November words to find it.
I do not use a different set. I keep the same ones (you can probably see the holes on the ones displayed.)
I love your writing center? I've been working with a kindergarten teacher and she doesn't have wall space, so we've been making binders and we put the monthly vocabulary cards in page protectors. We've also have lists of words with pictures (4x9) and we keep those in those plastic pencil boxes.
ReplyDeleteI love your I Can cards! Do you have sample writings in the center? We've had good luck with that....we have a huge range of writing abilities.
How often do your students go to the wringing center?
I have cinder block walls--use a hot glue gun! Once it cools, it comes off cleanly without removing any paint. It is the only thing I use to hang things on my wall!
ReplyDeleteOh.... Cara Carroll did a great post about putting masking tape (I think) on the back of the item you want to hot glue. Then the item does not get ruined when you remove it!
ReplyDeleteI had forgotten about that!
Hi DeeDee,
ReplyDeleteI feel for you with those walls. But, it looks like you found a creative and appealing way to display things on them. I've seen those clothespins before. Love them, too. Thank you for sharing your wonderful ideas.
Mona
First Grade Schoolhouse
DeeDee you are really awesome! I am a new-again teacher in Hawaii (I took a looooong mommy break) and am struggling to keep my head above water with no curriculum to support the new standards-I mean none...math workbooks but no TE's no LA program etc. You are just a Godsend to me. Thank you foryour hardwork and support of other teachers!! Someday I hope I can pay it forward. Anywhooo...I love this idea. Because we are in Hawaii we have louvered(sp?)/shutter (open air)windows along the entire 2 long walls in our room and the other two short walls have white board and tiny bulletin boards. I am trying to be creative by using some of my closed windows but it gets too hot if I cover them all. Right now I have my station in a pocket chart. This would work really nicely while still allowing air to come in if I can string across the windows. Mahalo Nui Loa DeeDee! I hope to see you present in Vegas if I can swing it.
ReplyDeleteSherri B.
I'm so glad it was helpful. I can totally picture what you are saying. Just like EVERY teacher does, I checked out the schools when we had a vacation in Hawaii (you know the slow drive by?). I loved the shutters! I hope this works for you!
DeleteLove this! Can't wait to spruce mine up this summer!
ReplyDeleteIt looks so nice! I am totally going to do a spin off of this! Your writing stations are the best!!
ReplyDeleteJen
Jen's Kinder Kids
Thank you... what I REALLY wanted was to use the purple paper in the behind them all, but we did not have any. So I took a deep breath and pretended to take a pill for my OCD and left the blank cinder block. I kept saying, "It. Will. Be. Okay." Ha!
DeleteI hope this isn't a silly question - do you allow two students to work at the writing center at a time or can several use the materials at their desk or in the room while they write?
ReplyDeleteI have your writing center and my kids love using it. I have my cards in a pocket chart on the whiteboard with bins for the papers on the shelf right next to it. I find that my kids use the cards during other writing periods as well, and I catch them taking the cards to their tables!
ReplyDeleteI have a question for you. I love using your station cards (LOVE how its organized) and the small group animal labels with them. They are perfect for dividing my kids up...but I could really use one more. Is it possible to add one more animal? I would really appreciate it. :)
Traci
Love it! That's almost more convenient than trying to hang a big bulky pocket chart. :)
ReplyDeletePS: You always have the most wonderful writing activities! :)
--Caitlin
thekindergarden.blogspot.com
Thank you! I know...I was going to get a few (ugly) pocket charts, but this was super easy and CHEAP!!!! My favorite word... EVER!
DeleteI love this idea! What a time saver! :)
ReplyDeleteCheryl
Crayons and Curls
I love your writing stations- it looks fabulous.
ReplyDelete✿Tiffani Time 4 Kindergarten
I love how you have the string across the wall! Is it being held up by hooks? I have seen this in other classrooms but not like this, what a great idea! Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDelete~Kay
http://sweetkindergartenkiddos.blogspot.com/
Thank you! Yes, the hooks are the 3M hooks. I think the whole set up (clips and all) cost under $5.
DeleteYour writing station looks awesome! I really need to revamp mine! My kids just have a really hard time keeping things neat and organized this year.
ReplyDeleteI Heart Kindergarten