What Will I Subtract Next Year?

In a previous post, I wrote broadly about using Leidy Klotz’s ideas from Subtract and applying them to education. I’d love to see some of those principles applied broadly to district and building level decisions. While I work toward such aims, I’ll focus on what I can control: my classroom. Here are a few ways I plan to subtract in the first quarter of next year.

Seating

The last few years I have had a couple of different seating options for students. I had three adjustable tables (school provided) set to counter height. Students were seated at stools I purchased at yard sales etc. These areas sat about 6-8 students while the rest were at desks. It created a cool dynamic and look in the classroom.

Because of a classroom move, the tables have been left behind. So all students will be seated at identical desks.

I’m relieved. Students are hard on furniture and I kept having to repair or replace stools. The alternate seating required managing belongings in two different ways.

If I had stayed in the classroom I was in, I think I would have adjusted the tables to chair height and given up the whole experiment.

Shrinking My Classroom Library

The classroom library is the heart of my classroom. In addition to the 400 book classroom library my school provides, I bring over 1200 books. It definitely creates an engaging room for readers and thinkers. But the volume, even when organized, creates a bit of choice paralysis.

I plan to subtract how many books are out at one time and rotate the stock every 6 weeks or so, highlighting additions and subtractions.

The subtraction of some student facing book sections will create space in the classroom. I’m not sure what will fill that up; I’m curious to discover that when I get started. Will the space provide an opportunity for a more organized classroom? Will frequently used items like math manipulatives find a home that is more convenient?

As I look toward next year, I’ll continue to consider where I might subtract. What areas in your own classroom and practice have room for subtraction?