Best Tips for Your Mobile ESL Classroom
We’re all feeling the overcrowding of schools, are you? I roll a cart around all day, going from classroom to classroom teaching my ESL classes. Today, I want to share my experience in the last three years and how I have managed to do it all out of one cart.
Moving around can be a bit overwhelming, to say the least, but no worries! Here, I’ll show you some practical tips and suggest valuable resources to help you optimize your teaching cart, making your work life easier and your teaching more effective.
Tip 1: Go Digital
Go digital as much as you can. Take advantage of your school’s Chromebooks and assign most, if not all work in digital formats. Not only will it save you time at the copier, but it will also keep you from hauling a ton of papers all over the school. You can find many digital resources in my TPT store.
Tip 2: Choose the Right Cart
For two years I used this cart. It worked for me because I had to haul 30sih headphones for our listening and speaking practice online. I loved it because I used the pockets to put various supplies such as pencils, passes, my cup, etc. This year, my classes are much smaller and I don’t need all the space, so I use this one. This three-tiered cart is a great option, since, it offers ample storage space without taking up too much room.
Tip 3: Essential Supplies to Include
Here’s a list of must-have supplies that I’ve found helpful to keep in my teaching cart:
Headphones: These are invaluable for language listening activities. Having a few pairs on hand allows students to engage with audio materials without distractions. My middle and high school students like these because they have more space for their ears and they don’t get too tired with them.
Document Camera: A document camera serves as your mobile projector. Display worksheets, student work, or even the pages of a book for whole-class engagement. Some teachers have one in the rooms I go to, but not all. It really comes in handy when you’re not using a digital activity and need to show students how to correct grammar, etc.
Pencils: We all know how quickly pencils disappear in a classroom. Keep a variety of pencils in a holder, ensuring that every student can easily access a writing utensil.
Cup Holder: A cup holder might seem like a small detail, but a teacher needs her drink! Coffee, tea, or even water.
Disinfectant Wipes: Hygiene is paramount, especially in today's world. Keep a pack of disinfectant wipes to quickly clean surfaces between classes. We also use them to clean our headphones after each use.
Tissue Boxes: Tissues are a classroom essential. Having tissue boxes on your cart ensures that students can quickly address any sneezes or spills. Again, some teachers have them in their classrooms, but…
Tip 4: Organization is Key
An organized cart is a game-changer. Here are some strategies to keep your cart clutter-free and efficient:
Keep a file organizer:
It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Just something to keep your students’ work in. Mine looks like this. I have a file for notebook paper, scratch paper, and one for each class. This is on the top shelf of the cart.
Every year the cart changes depending on the needs of my students. Depending on your teaching style and your students’ needs, you may also benefit from some of the following organization tips:
Assign Specific Shelves: Dedicate each shelf to a specific type of supply. This prevents items from getting mixed up and makes finding what you need a breeze.
Use Containers or Dividers: Invest in small containers or dividers to keep items neatly separated. This prevents items from shifting around as you move the cart.
Color-Coding: Implement a color-coding system to visually categorize your supplies. It's a quick way to identify where everything belongs.
Tip 4: Maximize Teaching Resources
Also depending on what you’re teaching at the moment, you may need to include other items in your cart.
Language Flashcards: Flashcards are versatile tools for teaching vocabulary, concepts, and even grammar. They're compact and can fit neatly on your cart.
Small Whiteboards and Markers: Interactive activities come to life with small whiteboards. Students can practice writing, drawing, and solving problems right on their boards.
Storybooks or Reading Materials: A selection of storybooks, novels, or other reading materials can foster a love for reading in your students. Choose books that cater to various reading levels.
Magnetic Hooks: Attach magnetic hooks to your cart for hanging extra supplies like restroom passes or other materials you may need for your lessons.
Tablet or Laptop: Don’t forget your laptop!
Charger: Always have an extra charger on hand to ensure your devices (and your students’) stay powered throughout the day. There is always that one student who needs one. Label it so it can make its way to you if it ever gets left behind.
In a Nutshell
Your teaching cart isn't just a means of transporting supplies; it's a mobile classroom that holds it all. By following these tips and exploring the suggested resources, you'll create an organized, engaging, and efficient teaching environment no matter where you go.
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