Classroom Setup
Above is a floor plan of what I would like my future classroom to look like. The door is in the top right corner by the cubbies. Next to the door is a sink. It is important that I have a sink in my room because I'm sure that my students will spend much of their time engaged in hands-on learning... which might lead to messy hands! Additionally, there are two computers in the room. These will be used for individual research, typing, or recreation during recess or individual Brain Breaks (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.6 Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with other). The teacher's desk is in the corner of the room where I would be able to see every other part of the room. Plus, there is only one teacher chair needed for the desk and the kidney table. That way I would be able to sit and work at the desk, and spin around to work with students at the kidney table. The kidney table is an important part of this classroom setup. Here, I will work with small groups of students for differentiated supports (both for struggling students, and enrichment for higher level students), guided reading, or station work. There is a reading nook at the bottom left of the classroom floor plan. This section will have several shelves filled with different books of various genres and reading levels so that every student can find a "just right" book for independent reading. This spot in the room will also include beanbag chairs, and special seating to allow a comfortable place for reading. (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.10 Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently).
Next is the student desks. The desks are placed in a "U" shape. This is so that all the students can see the SmartBoard (Projector), as well as the teacher, during instruction. Also, this arrangement of desks promotes a sense of classroom community, because we are all a part of one big group. All the students will be able to see each other, and the resources necessary for instruction and learning. I chose individual desks rather than tables because I feel that students need a safe spot to call their own with their own personal touches. Desks allow the perfect place for this predictability and security for the students.
Within the "U" of the desk will be a large rug for the students to sit on for many activities throughout the day, including Morning Meeting and Closing Circle at the beginning and end of each day. In front of the desks and the rug is a SMARTBoard which will be used for viewing videos, interactive activities, and presentation of new material. There is also a chair for the teacher to sit in while the students are on the rug.
There are storage shelves placed around the room for teacher materials, books, and station materials. Not shown in the picture above would be an easel by the chair near the rug. This would be used for presentation of Big Books during read-alouds and shared readings. Additionally, there would be white boards and bulletin boards around the room where students would be able to see and use them. Bulletin boards would include a Word Wall for vocabulary words (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases by using context clues, analyzing meaningful word parts, and consulting general and specialized reference materials, as appropriate), and a section to show student achievement, at all levels.
Lastly, I would love to have a classroom pet, to help build classroom community and engagement. This pet, whatever it may be, would be placed somewhere that the students would all have viewing access to it, but in a spot where harm would not be brought to the animal. A good spot, might be on top of the storage shelf (blue) by the teacher's desk.
Everything in this room is set up in a specific way to allow for movement around and within the classroom. It allows access for all students to every part of the room, while still maintaining order and safety for the class as a whole.
Next is the student desks. The desks are placed in a "U" shape. This is so that all the students can see the SmartBoard (Projector), as well as the teacher, during instruction. Also, this arrangement of desks promotes a sense of classroom community, because we are all a part of one big group. All the students will be able to see each other, and the resources necessary for instruction and learning. I chose individual desks rather than tables because I feel that students need a safe spot to call their own with their own personal touches. Desks allow the perfect place for this predictability and security for the students.
Within the "U" of the desk will be a large rug for the students to sit on for many activities throughout the day, including Morning Meeting and Closing Circle at the beginning and end of each day. In front of the desks and the rug is a SMARTBoard which will be used for viewing videos, interactive activities, and presentation of new material. There is also a chair for the teacher to sit in while the students are on the rug.
There are storage shelves placed around the room for teacher materials, books, and station materials. Not shown in the picture above would be an easel by the chair near the rug. This would be used for presentation of Big Books during read-alouds and shared readings. Additionally, there would be white boards and bulletin boards around the room where students would be able to see and use them. Bulletin boards would include a Word Wall for vocabulary words (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases by using context clues, analyzing meaningful word parts, and consulting general and specialized reference materials, as appropriate), and a section to show student achievement, at all levels.
Lastly, I would love to have a classroom pet, to help build classroom community and engagement. This pet, whatever it may be, would be placed somewhere that the students would all have viewing access to it, but in a spot where harm would not be brought to the animal. A good spot, might be on top of the storage shelf (blue) by the teacher's desk.
Everything in this room is set up in a specific way to allow for movement around and within the classroom. It allows access for all students to every part of the room, while still maintaining order and safety for the class as a whole.