volunteers to help paint the loft over Memorial Day. Here's a photo snapped mid- purple paint application.
Our Reading loft has been extremely popular. Daily students are eager to go up and read in the loft. It is a very special part of our classroom. Here is a brief little story on how we (mostly my husband K.) built the loft. Unloading the materials and lumber turned out to be a job in itself when we realized the parking lot gate was locked on the weekends. Here is K. loading in one of the 6X6 post for the loft legs. After unload and set up the sanding began. Next came cutting posts to length inside the class. The saw dust that ensued was remarkable to say the least. After building the underside of the platform, K. began attaching the posts to the platform. After getting to post attached, we were stuck. The loft was already heavy at this point and with only two of us we weren't quit sure how to get the other two post attached. K. came up with a great idea to slowly tip the loft onto it's attached legs while at the same time lower the platform onto the two unattached legs. He tipped while I held the two unattached posts. I was extremely nervous, luckily it turned out to be easy. The loft with its newly attached posts! Here come the stairs. The loft weights around 800lbs. Taking this into account, K. placed cardboard under each of the posts. When it was time to move it into place, K. got under the loft and slid it on the cardboard without damaging the floor. Railings going up. After the loft was built, Mr.Elliot came in at one point and said "I'm thinking purple and orange..." While I was hesitant to paint it such bold colors, I realized Mr. Elliot was right- the loft was a part of QAE and that meant it would be purple and orange. At Back to School Night, I asked for family volunteers to help paint the loft over Memorial Day. Here's a photo snapped mid- purple paint application. This photo was taken the day before school started when I was frantically trying to get the class ready and give the orange steps one more coat. As you can see, the class is a pretty big mess still. When I first thought about having a loft in our classroom, I knew it would change the dynamic of the space greatly. What I did not know was how motivating it would be for students to go read. We have had to institute a check list system so we can ensure everyone gets equal opportunities to use the loft. Addition, the loft has created a great space underneath where students also love to go and work.
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AuthorHi I'm Ms. Smith. I am thrilled to be teaching first grade at Queen Anne Elementary. I am passionate about teaching and learning. Please stop by often to watch us grow as learners and citizens! Archives
March 2015
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