Categories: 1st Grade | 2nd Grade | 3rd Grade | 4th Grade | 5th Grade | 7th Grade | 8th Grade | Art | Classroom Management | ESL | History | Language Arts | Math | Music | Reading & Writing | Science | Special Education
Estimated Time: 0-10 minutes
Materials Needed: Post-it® Super Sticky Notes 3 x 3, Post-it® Notes Cubes, Post-it® Specialty Die Cut Notes, Post-it® Easel Pads, Markers or pens
Materials Needed:
- Post-it® Super Sticky Notes 3 x 3
- Post-it® Notes Cubes
- Post-it® Specialty Die Cut Notes
- Post-it® Easel Pads
- Markers or pens
Description:
I like to use this activity year-round. It works for any grade level and any subject. For younger grades, an actual mailbox in the classroom works well. For older grades (like me – I teach high school), I find using an easel works well. Whichever idea you use, I have the title “Parking Lot” on the easel (or on/near the mailbox). I have a stash of Post-it® Notes and pens/markers readily avasilable. I also make sure the area I set aside for the “Parking Lot” is both student accessible and out of the way a bit, guaranteeing student privacy (the mailbox is great for student privacy!). Students are free to write their thoughts, comments, questions, or concerns on the post-its (anonymously OR not). I check the parking lot daily and am able to reflect on their comments. This definitely opens the lines of communication between myself and my students, especially for those quieter students who otherwise would not say anything! Of course, as the teacher, you want to make sure you do sincerely reflect on any burning issues/questions and address any necessary changes in the classroom and/or your instruction plans. By keeping the lines of communication continuously open between yourself and your students, it provides them with a “voice” they know will be heard! I also tell my students that they never need to put their name on it, however, if they are looking for individualized feedback, I will need to know who they are so I can effectively respond them.
Instructions:
Step 1: Secure your area in the classroom for your "Parking Lot".
Step 2: Obtain your supplies: classroom mailbox OR easel stand and pad, various post-it pads, and pens/markers.
Step 3: Announce to your class about the "Parking Lot". Please note: I like to use this activity year-round. It works for any grade level and any subject. For younger grades, an actual mailbox in the classroom works well. For older grades(like me - I teach high school), I find using an easel works well. Whichever idea you use, I have the title \"Parking Lot\" on the easel (or on/near the mailbox). I have a stash of post-its and pens/markers readily avasilable. I also make sure the area I set aside for the \"Parking Lot\" is both student accessible and out of the way a bit, guaranteeing student privacy (the mailbox is great for student privacy!). Students are free to write their thoughts, comments, questions, or concerns on the post-its (anonymously OR not). I check the parking lot daily and am able to reflect on their comments. This definitely opens the lines of communication between myself and my students, especially for those quieter students who otherwise would not say anything! Of course, as the teacher, you want to make sure you do sincerely reflect on any burning issues/questions and address any necessary changes in the classroom and/or your instruction plans. By keeping the lines of communication continuously open between yourself and your students, it provides them with a \"voice\" they know will be heard! I also tell my students that they never need to put their name on it, however, if they are looking for individualized feedback, I will need to know who they are so I can effectively respond them.
Step 4: Monitor your "Parking Lot" daily.
Afterwards:
Objective: To open the lines of communication in a productive, encouraging, and educational way.
Supporting All Learners: This ongoing activity is adaptable to all learners. For example, use larger sized post-its for students who need more room to write, etc.
