What Do You Need To Set-up Stations in Kindergarten and First-Grade?

[@Mrsnhcoles]

This is my first year teaching Kindergarten and I've been overwhelmed and discouraged. My husband found your channel and I am feeling more hopeful after watching your videos. You are saving my life right now. Thank you sooo much.

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I know the feeling. There’s just too much. My hope for you is that you come to see that YOU are the most important resource in your classroom. And I want you to know that it’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed. Don’t compare yourself to others. YOU are there for a reason. Give yourself some grace. You will always be learning and searching. Teaching is a long game, pace yourself. Let me know how I can help. 💕💕💕

[@BrooklynnCummings-u7b]

I use a PowerPoint with slides that are set on 12 minute timers. When the 12 minutes is up. they hear. a drumroll and the slide changes to the next rotation. Each slide tells the groups where they should rotate too. I have 4 groups. Love your pocket chart too but I always messed mine up somehow or another!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Cool idea. I love how you found something that works for you. That’s exactly what we need to do. Thanks so much for sharing. 💕

[@estelenedennison2906]

Thank you for the refresher in setting up stations. Basic materials can be used to help students learn about structure.

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I’m glad you found it helpful.

[@amandathomas195]

I tried this last year and my students really struggled getting the drawers back in. So I ended up assigning a helper to put the drawers in but it was still a struggle. I am trying to think of another method with different storage that is similar to this. Last year was my first year teaching and stations were not my strong suit at all. After implementing this for the first time, my principle came in to observe just as they all made a mad rush to grab their center and piled on top of each other. I learned quickly that I had to call them up group by group. lol

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Those drawers can be tricky. I always had a student or two who helped classmates. Sometimes they don’t slide super good and they can get crooked. If it’s easier maybe station yourself there for a few weeks to train them. Sounds kinda like a pain but I think they will get it. And yes the staggered “release” is a great tip. It’s tough when an observation is happening. Everyone is just a bit on edge. Now you know what to do different next time. Stations were always tough for me too. It’s one of the reasons I feel compelled to share my tips.

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I’ll be on the lookout for different storage options.

[@dodgermommy]

Thank you for sharing!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Thanks for watching and commenting. I’m glad you liked it.