Reasons for Resources
When Martin began teaching years ago, he walked into a classroom with empty desks and bookshelves. The district provided basic text and workbooks; the rich array of materials now found in his classroom were mostly accumulated by him over the years. At first, Martin was in a rush to fill empty space and wasn't particular about the sort of things he brought into his classroom. He quickly learned, however, that teachers should be intentional about choosing classroom resources. The resources in his classroom:
- Align with learning objectives
- Are challenging to all students, regardless of interest and developmental level
- Help students make sense of instructional concepts
- Enhance, or add on to, instruction
Martin chooses resources that help him meet the learning objectives. For example, students are expected to add and subtract one and two-digit numbers. Martin provides counters for them to aid in achieving this learning objective. He also has resources that reach a wide variety of learning preferences and levels; his word work area of the classroom stocks letter tiles for emergent readers as well as sentence strips for those on a higher level. These materials help students better understand the things he teaches. When Martin instructs on a way to add two-digit numbers, students then practice with the counters to make sense of this new technique.
Selecting Engaging Resources
Make sure your resources have a purpose in the classroom. Martin asks himself important questions like ''Does this resource align to learning objectives?'' and ''Will this resource help students understand key concepts?'' By making sure each of his classroom resources has a purpose, Martin is sure to select appropriate materials for his students to use.
Teachers can also search outside the school for resources to use in the classroom. By finding resources that are engaging, Martin helps make content vibrant and appealing to students. For example, he often asks guest speakers to come talk to his students. These are subject matter experts who are able to share information relevant to learning. Sue's dad, a scientist, came and explained his research job at the university to students, allowing them a deeper look into scientific concepts.
Sometimes, he uses the internet as a resource, showing material on the interactive white board, a large interactive screen that's hooked up to his desktop that allows all students to see and share learning experiences. Martin often shows videos, or uses the whiteboard for research. His students also use electronic devices to enhance learning. These types of resources were available to Martin through his district.
Resources to Develop Professionally
Finally, Martin knows that he is a valuable resource to his students. He makes sure he stays on top of current research and is aware of best practices, instruction proven to be successful in the classroom. How does he do this?
Martin takes classes and participates in professional development, seminars or other types of learning that enhance an educator's skills. He's also a member of professional groups, gatherings of teachers for the purpose of advancing his career and understanding of teaching. He uses these resources as a way to keep what he knows about instruction up to date. At one meeting last week he learned about a new method of instructing phonics that allows students better understanding. He was also given materials to use in his classroom, further building his in-class resources.
Lesson Summary
Teachers like Martin know the importance of selecting the right classroom resources, things used to enhance learning for all students. There are three main types of classroom resources: those used in the classroom by students, resources found outside the classroom, and ongoing professional development, ways teachers continue to grow as educators.
When selecting resources, Martin makes sure they serve a purpose. They should align with learning objectives, goals for student achievement; challenge all students; and help them make sense of instruction while enhancing learning. Martin finds resources in his district, school, on his own, or from other professionals.
