Classroom Layout
Ms. K's class has been laid out in a way that promotes group work. The students sit at group tables with 4 to 6 students each. The rug is at the center of the room and has comfortable seats such as a rocking chair, a couch, a large moon chair, and an oversized arm chair surrounding it.
The students have access to all but one closet that is locked because it contains medications and the teacher's personal belongings. The teacher's desk is small and the students often sit at it to use the class' only computer.
The front of the classroom is lined with self-portraits of the students that were created at the start of the year. Near the corner there is a fish tank.
Things that I found interesting:
I think that the use of clear boxes with large labels is an excellent way to organize classroom supplies. It cuts down on the need for children to search for the bin that holds what they need. I also appreciated the large space that the students had to hold their belongings. The top part of their personal area holds their backpack and jacket while the lower portion holds their daybooks, reading books, and personal supplies. Since the students do not have desks that they can put supplies inside of, the storage area works well because it is easily accessed throughout the day and students can easily find what they need for the next lesson.
The students have access to all but one closet that is locked because it contains medications and the teacher's personal belongings. The teacher's desk is small and the students often sit at it to use the class' only computer.
The front of the classroom is lined with self-portraits of the students that were created at the start of the year. Near the corner there is a fish tank.
Things that I found interesting:
- There are no class rules posted in the room.
- The teacher's space is small and connects with the student's space.
- There were only a few dozen books for students in the class.
- There was an abundant supply of math manipulatives.
I think that the use of clear boxes with large labels is an excellent way to organize classroom supplies. It cuts down on the need for children to search for the bin that holds what they need. I also appreciated the large space that the students had to hold their belongings. The top part of their personal area holds their backpack and jacket while the lower portion holds their daybooks, reading books, and personal supplies. Since the students do not have desks that they can put supplies inside of, the storage area works well because it is easily accessed throughout the day and students can easily find what they need for the next lesson.