Pictures and reporting by Marla Blair

A worksheet is projected onto the Promethean board, and Mrs. Miller writes the students' answer there to a question about their story. The school is saving money with the new board by eliminating copies of worksheets and other material that can be shared for classroom work.

Olivia and Staja listen to someone read to them at the computer, while Mrs. Warner helps them adjust their headphones. The reading boxes on the right are marked with each child's name. Students keep a selected book to read and reading material from the teacher in the box.

Dustin and Scheafer are reading to themselves and enjoying the comfort of a couch donated for a reading area. Mrs. Miller also had two chairs donated for her students. She and other teachers like to make their rooms user-friendly and appreciate items people donate.

Dekota and Britany are reading together at one of the classroom tables. Except for four desks in the room, students use tables and keep books in a bin beside their space.

Ashlee, Rowan and Shelby work together with Mrs. Rogers during Daily 5. Working in small groups allows the teacher to spend more time with students and give them individual attention.

Wiat read a worksheet that asked questions about the week's story, "Henry and Mudge." Behind him are bins that hold the class library books. They are sorted into a different subject for each bin.

Carrie Ann read to someone, and her worksheet asked her to retell what happened in that week's book, "Henry and Mudge." She liked the book and was hoping her retell was not leaving anything out of the story.

Brittany is doing Word Work, a Daily 5 activity. Book bags that slip over the chair backs were sewn by Mrs. Miller's mother, so the students had a place for their folders. Papers from each day are taken home in the folders to parents.

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