Authentic Labeling: How to create classroom culture and environment WITH students

Upon visiting Cami Burfeind's classroom, 1st grade teacher at Sunnyland School, it dawned on me that I have been taking on a responsibility that kids could have taken on all on their own! At the beginning of each year, I spend countless hours labeling every single item in my room. I label the actual bin as well as the spot where the bin will reside for the remainder of the year. In Cami's first grade classroom, she intentionally did not label most items in her room so that she could provide an authentic experience for her students to take ownership over their classroom. She also provided them with an authentic writing experience.

 

Pointers for reading and plastic buckets are labeled here. A student chose to label the mailbox center.
Puppets used for choice time are labeled as well as the big book stand and big books.

 Lamp and headphones are labeled here.

As a previous kindergarten teacher, I may find different opportunities for students to take ownership in the classroom by labeling. Since students may not be able to recognize letters yet, I want to provide a print-rich environment for my students by providing an organized space with labels. Barb Del Wraa, kindergarten teacher at Roosevelt School, spent time labeling her classroom before the school year started but left developmentally appropriate opportunities for students to label. One unique opportunity provided was for students was to label the food found in the home area.

As you look around your room, are there authentic opportunities for your students to take ownership over their classroom? What a great way to create the classroom culture and environment by providing powerful and unique writing opportunities for students.


Happy writing!
Nina