So I have chosen to talk about design from Pink's book. I have been thinking about what I should write when it came to me one day in my classroom while my students were in gym, the design of a classroom is crucial to a students progress.
When I first arrived at my new job my classroom was a MESS,and being as organized as I am I started the very first day cleaning and trying to get some kind of a grip on my surroundings. The teacher before me was forced into 2nd grade unwilling and you could tell by how everything was layed out. For me the design of the classroom didn't flow; the carpet was in front of the chalkboard, there was reading books in all different places in the classroom and there was random things EVERYWHERE. It took me many afternoons but after about two weeks I had re arranged the classroom's furniture to create a library with the carpet for students to relax and read on in one area that wasn't right in front of the chalkboard. I had made the chalkboard accessible to use and I also sorted through the mounds of worksheets and random supplies that were scattered around the room. The design of my classroom I feel like really works for my class. I have heard positive feedback from my principals, fellow teachers, and parents. I tried to design my classroom to portray a warm work friendly environment.
The design of something I feel will either make or break something. In my scenario it helped me transition easily into being my students teacher for the rest of the year. It helped show the students that I am different and my new design of the classroom helped me get a fresh start to the rest of the year.
6 comments:
Alison, I agree that it is important to consider design when setting up a classroom. I've seen various classroom designs working as a substitute teacher, several of which I feel did not work very well. They were either too busy, unorganized, messy, or not child friendly. Designs that worked well included classrooms that were very well organized; where materials were at arms reach for the students, the desks were arranged so that every child could view the chalkboard and the teacher had a visual of all student, too. I've seen library set ups in quiet areas for independent reading and designated areas for small group instruction. Another important part of design that I've notice is the display of various posters listing helpful hints and strategies for reading, writing, math, and science. These types of visuals, I feel, are important features to have in a classroom as they can help meet the different needs and various learning styles of most students.
Pink talks about design on product labels, how a design can persuade someone to buy one product over another. I've done this myself, I've purchase Paul Newman's spaghetti sauce over another brand because of the design of his product. I'm all for spending the same or even a little more money for one product over another if I know it's going to a good cause. The design of a product can determine whether the product will be a big seller or not.
I am sorry to hear that the teacher before you left such a mess. It sounds like you made the best of it and after organizing it, designed something that works for you. I think it is important to have a clssroom that flows in a way you can work. I work in 3 different rooms a day and it is kind of all over the place. Nothing is where I would want it, even though one class is actually my classroom. I teach math in the room and social studies so what works for one does not necessarily work for the other.
Based on what you wrote, and the comments by Christine and Kristy, one might think they would TEACH you about classroom design and set up in college.
Maybe an idea for a course? Or a new topic for Ed foundations? I don't know - I wonder how much of a difference it would make on the way teachers set up and design their classes if everyone was given a little refresher course on classroom design.
When you are aware of design, you become more aware of the impact it has on the people involved.
I agree 100%!! The design of our classrooms not only reflects our expectations and personalities, it also is important to helping our students feel grounded in our room. We must create a learning environment which works for everyone and this is not always an easy task. I had a very similar experience in my last position. My room was such a mess!! It was downright dirty! It took a long time to make it the way I wanted it to be and when I was done, I was so much more comfortable!
Classroom design is key to our students learning. If it isn't organized and doesn't have some sort of flow the students would feel lost, and maybe even pulled in many different ways. During my undergrad work we took a course on classroom design and actually had to make a design for our portfolio's. There are also tools on the web that allow you to put in the dimensions of you room and you can move around your furniture on the computer to see what works and what doesn't before you actually go and move it by hand. Design is evident through out our lives, some are good some are not, some are weird, some just make you question why?
Alison, you are so right. I know for myself when I have gone into a classroom that has lamps, carpets for circle time, and music, it becomes very inviting. On the other hand when entering a classroom that has all the overhead lights on an a sterile envirionment, it is not an inviting atmosphere. Next year I will be sharing a classroom with Kristen. We are planning a classroom that has this environment that makes you want to come in and want to be there. This allows students to be at there best so that they are open to learning. Good for you in changing your class climate!
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