Alamogordo Public Schools
Elementary Educational Specification
Academic Core Spaces (General Classrooms)
Literacy Initiative – Implementation of Best Practices Components
Physical Requirements of Room
- Students should be seated in groups of 4-6
- A designated area for students to come to the carpet
- An area dedicated to writers workshop tools (pencils, pens, notebook)
- Classroom library with books organized and labeled
- Student work should be on display as evidence of implementation of Balanced Literacy
- Anchor charts and ladders should be on display as evidence of implementation of Balanced Library
- An area with some type of table (round or half moon table preferred) or suitable furniture for the instruction of guided reading
- The tone of room should reveal a community o0f learners that are not afraid to take risks where cooperative work and learning are apparent
Read-Aloud
- Teacher should read aloud using a new book every day.
- The read-aloud should regularly include some type of mini-lesson using the think-aloud strategy (such as predicting, questioning, summarizing, etc.).
- Several days a week can be dedicated to reading for enjoyment only.
- Teacher should be seated and children should be on the carpet listening in close proximity.
- Books should be books appropriate for the grade level (vary the genre, length and type of book).
- This takes approximately 10-15 minutes a day.
Word Wall
- Word wall consists of high-frequency words.
- Words should be in a font size that is visible from anywhere in the room (100 font size in comic sans font is excellent. Word on white paper cut around to indicate ascenders and descenders glued to colored construction paper; words on four or five different colors of construction paper is excellent).
- Five words introduced every Monday.
- Reciting/chanting, etc. all words daily.
- Playing some form of word activity game daily.
- Word wall takes about 5-15 minutes a day.
Implementation of Best Practices Components (continued)
Focus Poem
- Poem written on chart paper in large print or large print commercial poem.
- Designated focus poem area on wall or easel as needed for instruction.
- New poem introduced every week.
- Vocabulary lesson on Day 2.
- Print concept lesson on Day 3.
- Literary concept lesson on Day 4.
- Poem illustrated in Focus Poem Book on Day 5.
- Focus poem takes about 15 minutes a day.
Shared Reading
- Students are gathered on the floor with teacher reading a Big Book or some other form of literature whereby each student has a copy of the reading material (such as articles from Time magazine, National Geographic, short stories from a basal or other literary source). Preference should be given to BIG BOOKS.
- The teacher is the reader and student may choral read with teacher but at no time should the students be reading round robin.
- Five day sequence should be as follows:
- Day 1 – introductory activities
- Day 2 – lesson on vocabulary taught in context
- Day 3 – lesson focused on one print concept
- Day 4 – lesson focused on one literary concept
- Day 5 – an art lesson, written response, or another type of extension activity (such as research a topic, draw and rewrite the ending).
- This takes approximately about 15-20 minutes a day.
Writer’s Workshop
- An area of the room should be designated for writer’s workshop that includes a writing process progress board (indicating collecting entries or writing around a seed, drafting, revising, editing, publishing) with student names; student work area, student supplies such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, thesaurus, construction paper, drafting paper, pens, pencils, markers, colors, rulers (excellent area for art supplies also – since many of the same supplies are used in art); and some kind of box or basket where composition books are kept altogether.
- Each student should have their own composition book (writer’s Notebook).
- Composition books should indicate by date that writing is done daily except when students are going through the writing process on a work in progress. Note: Composition books are an excellent place for students to practice some type of writer’s craft before applying it to their compositions.
Implementation of Best Practices Components (continued)
Writer’s Workshop (continued)
- Some form of log must be kept indicating the student’s name, the date, brief notes about the conference (some teachers use a notebook or 4 x 6 cards in waterfall form. Use what works best for you).
- Students’ completed work should be on display in an area designated for published work. Note: It is important to keep a file for each student that includes rough draft and finished products for reference and teaching purposes, etc.
- Lesson plan should indicate that on a daily basis a mini-lesson is being taught to improve student writing. Ex. How to write an introduction, adding details, transitions in writing, conclusions, voice, paragraphing, etc.
- This takes approximately one hour a day.
Reader’s Workshop
- An area of the room should be designated for reader’s workshop. It should include a classroom library. This library should be sorted into boxes by genres (for example: picture books, quick reads, fiction, non-fiction, biographies, chapter books, autobiographies, etc.) Note: In each genre box, there could be books of each reading level. Each box or basket should be labeled.
- Each student should have a book box. Students can bring a decorated box or they can decorate their boxes in class as a project. Some teachers use zippered type bags.
- Each student should have a reading notebook tabbed with divisions per reader’s workshop guidelines. These are placed in a box or filed together. Some teachers have them in the student’s book boxes. Students should respond to their reading on a weekly basis. List their books daily and post strategies in the strategy section. Make sure to check reading logs weekly.
- Teacher should have a notebook (or whatever method works best for you) for conference notes; indicating date, student’s name, and what the conference was about. Conference with each student once a week.
- Lesson plans should include a mini-lesson daily. For example:
Sequence
- Mini-lesson 10-15 minutes (altogether in gathering area)
- Students read independently anywhere in the room for 40 minutes and apply strategy or skill taught. Note: This time period is where you will be doing guided reading and conferring.
- 10 minutes – students share in group how they applied strategy/skill or something they noticed about their reading.
Note: this is the ideal time to teach strategies for comprehension such as text to self (response in readers log), predicting, questioning, VIP’s, etc.
- This reader’s workshop takes approximately one hour a day.
Implementation of Best Practices Components (continued)
Guided Reading
- An area of the room should be designated for guided reading and should include some type of table or furniture appropriate for conducting small group teaching.
- Near your table you should keep all your necessary supplies for teaching plus the books you will be using and your lesson plans. Keep record of who is in each reading group.
- Lesson plans should follow the sequence taught at block time. Plans should include name of book, reading level, instructional focus, summary statement, list of vocabulary (if applicable), and culminating activity. Some groups require pre-reading activities, such as rereading a previously read book, practice with sight work recognition and spelling, etc. A lesson plan should be made for every group. Some groups will require more than one lesson plan a week, depending on their needs.
- Guided reading is also the time to do a running record on one child.
Guided reading is about 20-25 minutes per group.
Overall Spatial Relationships
Academic Core Spaces Space Requirements
Academic Core Spaces Spatial Relationships
Academic Core SpacesSpatial Relationships
Academic Core Spaces Spatial Relationships
ElementaryClassroom Layout
Elementary ClassroomCasework Configuration
Core Academic Area Cubbies
Pre-Kindergarten Classroom
Objective
- To prepare the children with the intent of integrating into regular Kindergarten Classrooms. Teaching speech/behaviors/self-care/social skills/hand eye coordination/sensory perception/sign language/computer use.
Users of This Activity Area
- Teacher
- Students
- OT/PT Teacher (for class activities)
- Teacher Assistant
- Speech Teacher (for class activities)
Activities Conducted in this Space
- Individual, small & large group activities
- Reading
- Blocks
- Puzzles
- Behavior awareness
- Reading
- Painting
- Sand & water play
- Kitchen play
- Eating/life skills
- Academic
- Sensory
- Communication
- Assistive and regular technology
- Social skills development
- Spatial awareness
- Creative play
- Role playing
- Peer interaction
Number of Teachers: 3 / Number of Students: 14
Environmental Characteristics
Lighting /- Low light in 1/4 of room
- Reduced sound and buzzing
- Natural lighting as much as possible
Electrical /
- Electrical service to support 10-12 computers
- Data port(s)
- Multiple electrical outlets on each wall
- Electrical, data, and video connection for interactive whiteboard and/or ceiling mounted projector
Technology/Communications /
- Intercom with speaker (volume control)
- Telephone
Plumbing /
- Toilet and sink in adjoining restroom
- Sink with hot and cold water (with bubbler)
HVAC/Mechanical /
- Locate noisy equipment away from quiet areas
Doors and Hardware /
- Ability to lock door from inside and outside of room
- Door connecting with outdoor play area
- Easy to open and close by small children
- Door with side light
Interior and Exterior Windows /
- Exterior/interior sunshades
- Operable windows
Finishes
Ceiling /- No Special Requirements
Floors /
- Padded area in corner for circle time
- Resilient flooring
- Carpet tiles available to configure soft flooring areas
Walls /
- Paint on smooth surface
Other Finishes /
- No Special Requirements
Specialties
Casework /- 30" deep base cabinets with counter
- Wall cabinets above base cabinets
- Cubbie unit to include small square for personal storage and coat hooks for entire class
- Shelving above cubbie unit
Whiteboard /
- 4'x12' magnetic whiteboard
Tackboard /
- 4'x4' tackboard
- Tackstrips where possible (18" from ceiling)
Other Specialties /
- Interactive whiteboard or projection screen
Furnishings /
- Student chair
- Task chair
- 2-door full height storage cabinet (lockable)
- File cabinet
- Large flat file
- Teacher cabinet (hanging rod, shelves, and drawers)
- Mobile unit for bin storage
- 4-person table
- Kidney-shaped table
- Computer station with wire management
- Teacher desk with computer workstation
- Easels
Kindergarten
Objective
- To teach social skills and academics.
Users of This Activity Area
- Students
- Teacher Assistant
- Counselors
- Teacher
- Volunteers
Activities Conducted in this Space
- Large group
- Centers - small group activities
- Computers
- Carpet area - calendar, reading
- Guided reading area - interventions
Number of Teachers: 2 / Number of Students: 20
Environmental Characteristics
Lighting /- Daylight required
- Dimmable lighting
- Lighting with no hum or flicker
Electrical /
- Data port(s)
- Multiple electrical outlets on each wall
- Electrical, data, and video connection for interactive whiteboard and/or ceiling mounted projector
Technology/Communications /
- Intercom with speaker (volume control)
- Telephone
Plumbing /
- Toilet and sink in adjoining restroom
- Sink with hot and cold water (with bubbler)
HVAC/Mechanical /
- Locate noisy equipment away from quiet areas
Doors and Hardware /
- Ability to lock door from inside and outside of room
- Easy to open and close by small children
- Door with side light
Interior and Exterior Windows /
- Exterior/interior sunshades
- Operable windows
- Sill height above seated eye level
Finishes
Ceiling /- Acoustical ceiling
Floors /
- Resilient flooring
- Carpet tiles available to configure soft flooring areas
Walls /
- Paint on smooth surface
Other Finishes /
- No Special Requirements
Specialties
Casework /- 30" deep base cabinets with counter
- Wall cabinets above countertop (provide compartments to store a variety of materials - paper, chart pads, markers, toys, etc.)
- Cubbie unit to include small squares for personal items and coat hooks for entire class
- Shelving above cubbie unit
Whiteboard /
- Magnetic whiteboard
Tackboard /
- Tackstrips where possible (18" from ceiling)
- 4'x8' tackboard
- (2) 4'x6' tackboards in small group area
Other Specialties /
- Interactive whiteboard or projection screen
Furnishings / Student chairs
- 4 task chairs
- File cabinet
- Bookcase
- Book carts
- Half-height bookshelves under whiteboard
- Student desks (ability to configure with flexibility)
- 2 teacher desks with computer workstations
- Kidney-shaped table
- 4-6 Computer stations with wire management
- Round table
- Elmo
- Easels
First Grade Classroom
Objective
- To educate students in all subjects using differentiated instruction.
Users of This Activity Area
- Assistant
- Volunteers
- Grandparent program
- Counselor
- Teacher
- Big Brothers/Big Sisters
- Title 1
Activities Conducted in this Space
- Whole group (story time, shared reading)
- Guided reading
- Library area (readers/writers workshop)
- Intervention area
- Centers (literacy work)
- Independent work
- Small group activities
- Computer use
Number of Teachers: 1 / Number of Students: 22
Environmental Characteristics
Lighting /- Daylight required
- Fluorescent lighting
- No flickering or humming
- Dimmable lighting
Electrical /
- Data port(s)
- Multiple electrical outlets on each wall
- Electrical, data, and video connection for interactive whiteboard and/or ceiling mounted projector
Technology/Communications /
- Intercom with speaker (volume control)
- Telephone
- Wireless network desired
Plumbing /
- Sink with hot and cold water (with bubbler)
HVAC/Mechanical /
- No Special Requirements
Doors and Hardware /
- Door with side light
- Ability to lock door from inside and outside of room
- Easy to open and close by small children
- Door connecting to adjoining Intervention Room
Interior and Exterior Windows /
- Blinds on all windows
- Fixed window connecting to Intervention Room
- Sill level above seated eye level
Finishes
Ceiling /- Acoustical ceiling
Floors /
- Resilient flooring
- Carpet tiles available to configure soft flooring areas
Walls /
- Paint on smooth surface
Other Finishes /
- No Special Requirements
Specialties
Casework /- 30" deep base cabinets with counter
- Wall cabinets above countertop (provide compartments to store a variety of materials - paper, chart pads, markers, toys, etc.)
- Cubbie unit to include small squares for personal items and coat hooks for entire class
- Shelving above cubbie unit
Whiteboard /
- Magnetic whiteboard
Tackboard /
- Tackstrips where possible (18" from ceiling)
- (2) 4'x6' tackboards in small group area
- 4'x8' tackboard
Other Specialties /
- Interactive whiteboard or projection screen
Furnishings /
- Task chair
- Student chairs
- File cabinet
- Book carts
- Bookcase
- Half-height bookshelves under whiteboard
- Teacher desk with computer workstation
- Student desks (ability to configure with flexibility)
- Kidney-shaped table
- 4-6 Computer stations with wire management
- Round table
- Easels
Second Grade Classroom
Objective
- To educate students in all subjects using differentiated instruction.
Users of This Activity Area
- Assistants
- Volunteers
- Grandparent program
- Counselor
- Teacher
- Big Brothers/Big Sisters
- Title 1
Activities Conducted in this Space
- Whole group (story time, shared reading)
- Guided reading
- Library area (readers/writers workshop)
- Intervention area
- Centers (literacy work)
- Independent work
- Small group activities
- Computer use
Number of Teachers: 1 / Number of Students: 22
Environmental Characteristics
Lighting /- Daylight required
- Fluorescent lighting
- No flickering or humming
- Dimmable lighting
Electrical /
- Data port(s)
- Multiple electrical outlets on each wall
- Electrical, data, and video connection for interactive whiteboard and/or ceiling mounted projector
Technology/Communications /
- Intercom with speaker (volume control)
- Telephone
- Wireless network desired
Plumbing /
- Sink with hot and cold water (with bubbler)
HVAC/Mechanical /
- No Special Requirements
Doors and Hardware /
- Door with side light
- Ability to lock door from inside and outside of room
- Easy to open and close by small children
- Door connecting to adjoining Intervention Room
Interior and Exterior Windows /
- Fixed window connecting to Intervention Room
- Sill level above seated eye level
- Blinds on all windows
Finishes
Ceiling /- Acoustical ceiling
Floors /
- Resilient flooring
- Carpet tiles available to configure soft flooring areas
Walls /
- Paint on smooth surface
Other Finishes /
- No Special Requirements
Specialties
Casework /- 30" deep base cabinets with counter
- Wall cabinets above countertop (provide compartments to store a variety of materials - paper, chart pads, markers, toys, etc.)
- Cubbie unit to include small squares for personal items and coat hooks for entire class
- Shelving above cubbie unit
Whiteboard /
- Magnetic whiteboard
Tackboard /
- Tackstrips where possible (18" from ceiling)
- (2) 4'x6' tackboards in small group area
- 4'x8' tackboard
Other Specialties /
- Interactive whiteboard or projection screen
Furnishings /
- Task chair
- Student chairs
- File cabinet
- Book carts
- Bookcase
- Half-height bookshelves under whiteboard
- Teacher desk with computer workstation
- Student desks (ability to configure with flexibility)
- Kidney-shaped table
- 4-6 Computer stations with wire management
- Round table
- Easels
Third Grade Classroom
Objective
- To educate students in all subjects using differentiated instruction.
Users of This Activity Area
- Assistant
- Volunteers
- Grandparent program
- Counselor
- Teacher
- Big Brothers/Big Sisters
- Title 1
Activities Conducted in this Space
- Whole group (story time, shared reading)
- Guided reading
- Library area (readers/writers workshop)
- Intervention area
- Centers (literacy work)
- Independent work
- Small group activities
- Computer use
Number of Teachers: 1 / Number of Students: 22
Environmental Characteristics
Lighting /- Daylight required
- Fluorescent lighting
- Dimmable lighting
- No flickering or humming
Electrical /
- Data port(s)
- Multiple electrical outlets on each wall
- Electrical, data, and video connection for interactive whiteboard and/or ceiling mounted projector
Technology/Communications /
- Intercom with speaker (volume control)
- Telephone
- Wireless network desired
Plumbing /
- Sink with hot and cold water (with bubbler)
HVAC/Mechanical /
- No Special Requirements
Doors and Hardware /
- Door with side light
- Easy to open and close by small children
- Ability to lock door from inside and outside of room
- Door connecting to adjoining Intervention Room
Interior and Exterior Windows /
- Blinds on all windows
- Fixed window connecting to Intervention Room
- Sill level above seated eye level
Finishes