Imagine having unlimited resources and money to design the classroom of your dreams. You could pick anything you wanted that would fit into that perfect vision of a classroom. When you snap back to reality, you know that there are desks or tables that have been there for years already waiting for you to make a configuration that you have made in years past. But you can always dream right? This is where my dream classroom comes to life, on Roomstyler, a digital design tool that lets you create your perfect classroom. First, let's take a look at my current second grade classroom: The current state of my second grade classroom is far from what I wish it to be. There are dull colors on the wall, there is only one best place for a class meeting, and the worst of all, there is no invitation for student collaboration. When looking back at the teaching philosophy that I made a few years back, this design goes against a lot of what I believe in as a teacher. But when you are given limited resources, you make the best out of the situation. Now to my dream classroom: Now this layout is a much better representation of what my teaching philosophy and my schools vision encompasses. The space is inviting and acknowledges that collaboration is welcomed in this room for learning. Let's break down the decisions I made for this space to be a success! Collaboration: Project Based Learning (PBL) and Constructionism values sense-making and collaborating. In this classroom there are several open spaces and tables instead of desks that spark this collaboration that is needed. Students learn from each other, we need to give them the opportunities to do so. I also have several individual desks because of the Personalized Learning Model. Students have preferences on how they learn and that might be by themselves, so there should be options for that choice. Furniture: Throughout this dream classroom, I also presented the students with seating choices. The Third Teacher developed 79 ideas that showcase that the design of the classroom matters. One of her ideas showcase that students need dynamic chairs to absorb student movement and not restrict them! Therefore the pink dots in the picture are wobbly chairs, regular chairs, pillows, beanbags, and a futon. This gives the students a freedom to move but also give student choice from the Personalized Learning Model. Technology: Instead of having the SmartBoard mounted on a wall like my previous classroom, I chose to make the board/TV moveable. This allows for many other spaces in the classroom to become a learning area. It can be moved to the table for a small group lesson, to student tables to help with collaboration on the PBL projects, and many other places even outside of the classroom. Calm Space: There is growing research about how we can support students that come to school with trauma and there needs to be a space for them to breathe and calm down. Therefore I have a "Calm Down Corner" by the door for these very instances. Giving these students a space where they can think and regulate away from everyone else is crucial for not only that student but the classroom community. There were many other decisions when designing my classroom including a cool blue paint color instead of the off-white, positioning my teacher table to see more of my classroom, and multiple others. I would also love my classroom to have makerspace area but my classroom now is way too small. This learning space enables powerful learning experiences for students to collaborate with one another, make choices, and start to be in control of their learning. I can't wait until I get the opportunity to bring this design activity to life in my classroom!
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