The first question I always get asked is how do I organize and layout my classroom. Although I believe that a classroom layout is going to specific to each teacher, this is layout that I am going to start the year with. I am still in the process of setting up my classroom so please be gracious with the picture included.
When planning my classroom layout, there were three big questions that I kept in mind.
My typical class day is broken into the following percentages:
25% whole class instruction (guided or direct)
50% collaborative/partner practice/problem solving
25% individual work
With a variety of instructional practices it is important for my layout to support all times of the day. I didn't want a room that was set up for collaborative group work, but left students disconnected or unable to see during direct instruction. In contrast, I also didn't want a classroom that aided to whole class instruction and needed major movement or altering in order for students to work in groups.
When planning my classroom layout, there were three big questions that I kept in mind.
- How will my classroom support one to one technology in personal, group, and whole class use?
- How will my layout allow flexible/movable work environments?
- How will I be able to quickly and efficiently move from place to place?
My typical class day is broken into the following percentages:
25% whole class instruction (guided or direct)
50% collaborative/partner practice/problem solving
25% individual work
With a variety of instructional practices it is important for my layout to support all times of the day. I didn't want a room that was set up for collaborative group work, but left students disconnected or unable to see during direct instruction. In contrast, I also didn't want a classroom that aided to whole class instruction and needed major movement or altering in order for students to work in groups.
To begin, I exchanged the majority of my single desks for tables. I had spent the previous year struggling with uneven desks and awkward collaboration formations. With tables, I can successfully get six students all facing each other with plenty of space. Two to three days a week, I use a rotational blended learning model, so students are constantly moving around the room. The tables make it easy to form collaborative groups with different ability levels and goals.
For whole group instruction, I created a rug area that is surrounded by single desks. When I teach a small group, students can move desks into the middle,right in front of the screen. Last year, I did not have the desk outline causing students in skirts and heavier set students to become very uncomfortable on the rug. The desk outline is my attempt to fix those problems and create a more central, focused environment.
Although it is not pictured,(I promise once my classroom is finished there will be more pictures) in two corners of my room I have created computer workstations. Not only can I see students' screens at all times, but students are able to focus and work independently without worrying about sharing a table or desk space.
I am sure my layout will continue to alter and change throughout the year, but this is the starting point. If there is anything that I have learned about blended learning, it is flexibility is essential and inevitable. Check back for updates on the final setup.
Thank you http://classroom.4teachers.org/ for allowing me to create a digital layout to help aid in this blog.
Although it is not pictured,(I promise once my classroom is finished there will be more pictures) in two corners of my room I have created computer workstations. Not only can I see students' screens at all times, but students are able to focus and work independently without worrying about sharing a table or desk space.
I am sure my layout will continue to alter and change throughout the year, but this is the starting point. If there is anything that I have learned about blended learning, it is flexibility is essential and inevitable. Check back for updates on the final setup.
Thank you http://classroom.4teachers.org/ for allowing me to create a digital layout to help aid in this blog.