I have begun to set up my classroom for the 2011-12 school year, but have approached this task with a very different mind-set from previous years. Typically when I set up my room, the question I ask myself is: Where are my students going to sit? I begin with desk placement and seating plans. Desks at the start of the year are usually placed in pairs facing the board and ME!
This year I have begun with a different question: How can I create collaborative work spaces? By beginning with a design rather than a seating plan question the task became in many ways simpler. I got rid of furniture I no longer needed, ended up with a large open space in the middle of the room where we can gather and I have 12 well-spaced work areas with a total seating capacity of 38! This does not even include the 6 computers. I've gotten rid of my desk and have only a small area for my belongings. I have to say that I am astonished at how much space there now is. Students will be able to spread out and select individual, partner or small group areas based on their learning needs.
The bulletins boards are blank. I no longer feel the need to make these look pretty for the students. Instead we will fill our boards as needed and students will be participants in the process.
Tomorrow I will video tape the layout and post it to You Tube.
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I am using a similar approach. My desk is gone, and we have more room to work. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Leah,
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to comment. Any pictures of your room?