What do I need for my classroom?

There are a few basic things that you might find useful in your in-person classroom when implementing SOMOS*.  

We recommend: 

Vocabulary Posters

    We recommend the use of posters for support in being comprehensible in the target language.  Free poster downloads and more information can be found in this helpful blog post: If Walls Could Talk by Martina Bex (Comprehensible Classroom) .

Many people find the following useful: 

Pointer or laser pointer 

    One important technique for helping students understand the target language is to pause and point at the meaning of the target language words, and many teachers find a laser pointer or a physical pointer supports this practice.  

Projector

    Many teachers find that being able to project the included slides is valuable.

Student white boards & markers

   Individual student white boards are very useful for a variety of activities in the curriculum.

Frequently Asked Questions about Classrooms

Do I need props?

   Many teachers who use SOMOS* find that they enjoy using stuffed animals and other props to create interest, surprise, and to deepen the sense of language play in their classroom, but the use of props or stuffed animals is an individual choice. 

For more information about props, here are some resources:

• Props: A Short Presentation, by Elicia Cárdenas (Deskless Classroom)
• 5 ways to use stuffed animals in class,by Elicia Cárdenas (Deskless Classroom)

What about notebooks or binders?

    Some teachers choose to use notebooks (nicknamed interactive-ish notebooks) or binders to help students organize readings, stories, and assessments from the curriculum.  Others choose to keep all materials in a digital format. It's up to you! 

For more information about interactive-ish notebooks, here are some resources:

• Fun Club: Interractive-ish notebooks

Can I teach with desks? 

   Yes! Although some teachers prefer to have a deskless classroom or to have flexible seating, it is one of many choices that individual teachers make.  Many teachers have desks! If you would like more information about deskless classrooms, take a look at The Deskless Classroom's articles on the topic:  Going Deskless? by Elicia Cárdenas (Deskless Classroom)

Classroom Tour

Take a look at our classroom tour video to see our Director of Training's middle school classroom for some ideas!