Sunday, February 2, 2014

Classroom Design Discussion 2 Chapter 3




     My classroom design has the students desk centrally located with the teachers desk close placed where the whole room and its areas are visible from that space.  Student's sit at a round table in a group.  Each table would have the student's supplies in small stand up canisters with their name on it, located in the center of each table. This picture doesn't do a whole lot for spacing, as I am not too savy with paint, but the general idea is to have students in the center of room with the learning centers, circle mat, bathroom, Library, Reading and Writing centers, Reading Nook, and Computer area and shelves surrounding them making it easier, hopefully during transitions.  Every classroom I have observed in is somewhat crunched for space.  There are learning centers tucked in every corner or extra floor space that is open.  This design would be the same.  I especially like the idea of having a Reading, Writing and Library area where students can check out their own books, read and talk about the books they like(share stories) and write.  The Computer and Audio area is close by.  Students can, safely, use the internet, play educational games or listen to interactive read-a-long books.  Other areas of dramatic play, blocks, art, kitchen or home  is spaced behind the student's desk and away from the quieter centers.    
 
                                            Classroom Walls
apologize I do NOT remember who this belongs to. I just took almost ...
 
 
 I would use focus walls, word walls and calendar walls like the one above.  Bulletin boards can e related to themes, seasons, book reads, and monthly birthdays, phonics, etc.  Student projects and personal walls can be on display with pictures of students and their family, favorite animals or things they like to do.  This would add something personal of the student's to the classroom.    
 
 
Tables
 
This is the idea I would use for tables and surrounding area in my classroom.  One or  two canister or tubs in the middle of the table, separated into four or five sections, to hold each students, scissors, pencils, erasers and glue.  Easy for students use, put away and clean without traveling to cubbies.  Also a plus there is no clutter under or around desks.       
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Library, Reading & Writing
A Library is important to classroom.  This would be the central location for all kinds of print, newspapers, magazines, books, picture books,  interactive Audio- read-a-long books, and writing material.  I like having the Library close to the writing, Art, and computer centers. All these centers are inter-related.  I like having the art area close to Library and writing area because students can be stimulated to draw stories about something they are interested in or see in a book and it can be added to the Library for other students to look.  Computers interest children and having them close to the Library, a teacher can encourage a student to try and find more in books or other print on the topic their interested in.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reading Nook, Cozy Corner
 
 
 
 
Cozy corners are comforting to young children.  This area I would have close to the quiet area.  A simple area for children to sit and look at books.  Beans bag chairs could be added for more comfort and security.
 
 Storage / Cubbies
I would use this type of cubby in my classroom. I like the three individual spaces. Coats and book bags in the middle and bottom. The top shelf can be used for an extra set of each student's clothes in case of accidents and Kinder mats can be store on the very top shelf.  Storage for other things such as blocks, toys, and school supplies is also much needed.  I like using shelves with color coded, removable bins because they are easy for children to take out and to put away.  Labeling bins with the item and a picture also gets them familiar with spelling and names of items.