This weeks reading leaves me thinking how I will set up my classroom and how I will do so in adherence to the state and local building and fire codes.
There are so many wonderful things to do. In one of our pre-K classrooms there are not any windows; big bummer! The teacher does her best to create the sense of space in how she decorates and utilizes the space. She is considering painting windows on the walls and using it as an interactive space.
What does your classroom look like in your mind?
Stellalunalorax
Please also comment on the other Week 10 Reading: The world is open for a reason.... that is posted, I mis-posted on the Week 9 readings that were for last weeks post.
ReplyDeleteI love the article about the Student-Centered Classrooms... The "Village" idea is brilliant!! :)
ReplyDeleteFor some reason I have always found it difficult to explain my ideal classroom just because I know that once we get our own classroom, there will be so many limitations due to the size of the room, shape of the room, amount of resources, shelves, wall space, etc. But, I will try...
I definitely picture my students working at tables or desks pushed together in small groups. I think at any elementary level, it is important to have a "rug" that creates a sense of comfort, where the group can come together as one unit to learn. I am not the most organized person if I don't have to be, so to ensure that I don't become disorganized, I would like there to be shelves, baskets, drawers, cubbies, and anything else that will help me and my students stay organized. I definitely believe in displaying as much student work as possible, and I will absolutely find places on the wall to post their writing, drawings, paintings, etc. I want to encourage the idea of a community in as many ways as possible, and I think it is important to display students' birthdays, names, and maybe even pictures around the room. I would like it to feel "homey." I definitely hope to have a library area and a technology area (if I am fortunate!). Although I am a huge supporter of student centered classrooms, I don't think I could manage to stay organized and relaxed without my own desk and space. In the classroom that I am observing in the teacher doesn't even have a desk! She is quite disorganized...
You are going to be the kind of teacher that every family wants their child to have!! I am so proud of you...You work hard and always find time to encourage others and impress upon us the sunny side of the equation...Thanks Brittney!
ReplyDeleteBrittany we have the same vision for our classrooms :)It's quite amazing how the arrangement of a classroom can effect learning! The simple things that you never think about can really have an impact.
ReplyDeleteIn my observing classroom, the space is so small. Everything is very close together, and the rug area is quite cramped, that in the times I've been there, it's only been used a few times. This is my favorite area, and in my own classroom I would definitely utilize it more. This is the area where everyone can come together as a community. However, I can only imagine, after years of teaching, how much you can accumulate! The classroom ends up being so packed. It's important to keep things organized.
Darcy, I cant imagine there being no windows in your classroom! I think painting "windows" on the wall is a great idea.