CLASSROOM ARRANGEMENT
I want to begin with the arrangement of the student desks. I decided to use this type of arrangement because I want my classroom to be student-centered. This discussion and debate sitting arrangement will let students face each other, and it would encourage discussion, and let the teacher have interactive activities (Katz, Sample classroom floor plan). Most importantly it lets the students look at each other will they discuss instead of always looking at the teacher. Also, students will have a clear view of the white board and bulletin boards without having to move around. The desks will have ample room around them so the teacher can comfortably check the students.
The bulletin boards are located behind each of the students’ desk sections. They are placed there, so students can see their own work, class rules, assignments, and other items. Students really enjoy seeing their own work being display, so I plan on having a “Wall of Fame”, which has assignments or projects where students when above and beyond the requirements. I do not plan on having anything distractive, since they are located close to students and I do not want them to start losing their attention. The whiteboard is located in the front center of the classroom; since it is one of the materials I will be using the most. Students have easy access to it and it is large enough to have different interactive activities. The projector is in the middle of the room, but it is attached to the ceiling, so it is out of the way of the students and it gives me more space to walk around.
The teacher’s desk is located in south-west corners of the room, so I can clearly see the entire classroom. It is important to monitor the students while they work, but also for the students to see the teacher (Emmer and Everston, pg.15). In this position I can clearly see what my students are doing in their desk, while also monitoring the group tables, cabinets, and the white board. Also, the supplies and the filing cabinets are accessible to the teacher, while instructing the class. My goal is to make students feel like they are at their second home. I want to create a safe and comfortable environment where students feel open to participate and discuss freely. A classroom should be a home away from home and I hope that with this set up I can create that for my students.
Other Items:
The bulletin boards are located behind each of the students’ desk sections. They are placed there, so students can see their own work, class rules, assignments, and other items. Students really enjoy seeing their own work being display, so I plan on having a “Wall of Fame”, which has assignments or projects where students when above and beyond the requirements. I do not plan on having anything distractive, since they are located close to students and I do not want them to start losing their attention. The whiteboard is located in the front center of the classroom; since it is one of the materials I will be using the most. Students have easy access to it and it is large enough to have different interactive activities. The projector is in the middle of the room, but it is attached to the ceiling, so it is out of the way of the students and it gives me more space to walk around.
The teacher’s desk is located in south-west corners of the room, so I can clearly see the entire classroom. It is important to monitor the students while they work, but also for the students to see the teacher (Emmer and Everston, pg.15). In this position I can clearly see what my students are doing in their desk, while also monitoring the group tables, cabinets, and the white board. Also, the supplies and the filing cabinets are accessible to the teacher, while instructing the class. My goal is to make students feel like they are at their second home. I want to create a safe and comfortable environment where students feel open to participate and discuss freely. A classroom should be a home away from home and I hope that with this set up I can create that for my students.
Other Items:
- Couch (cool down area): I plan on using the couch as an incentive. If students go above or beyond they are able to use the couch to do readings or work on assignments. It also serves as a cool-down area, where students can use to calm down and relax.
- Trash and supplies: I have two trash cans, one in each side of the room to make it easy for the students. The supplies are in the south wall, where I can closely monitored them and they are accessible when students need something.