Here is my classroom...again. What I should have done is taken a picture of each different arrangement I tried then settled on this. I felt as though other teachers were peering in my classroom and laughing under their breath, "oh the new teacher, figuring out how the seat arrangement." I felt like every 3 days the kids would come in, and for some reason, a new seating arrangement just blows their minds....wasting 5 minutes of class. However, this one finally worked. There is a flow to the classroom. I have taken into account the diverse learners, i.e., the ones who can't sit for more than 2 minutes straight, the ones you have to have their backs turned to their friends, or the hallway. Yet, we are still able to have the collective space in the middle. We are currently doing a short story unit and each story a different group sits in the middle and discusses a story while the rest of us watch. It's called the fishbowl technique, and with this arrangement we are still able to watch the discussion in the middle.
Sarah, I think your solution to the UDL challenge is a great one. I think you did a great job of making the classroom accessible but also conducive to facilitating various types of learning experiences - group work, class meetings, etc.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how important room design is in a classroom. It looks like you found a great one that fits your needs. I like the groupings you have. I also like that you would easily be able to navigate through it to check in with students during lessons.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kiran. I like the ease for students to collaborate within this seating configuration. Looking towards the future, I wonder what additional technologies might make this room more accessible? Perhaps a computer workstation at each set of tables? You could have the monitors display the whiteboard to address the needs of visually impaired students. Web 2.0 elements would also be accessible for the group to use.
ReplyDeleteSarah, I love what you've done with the place! It seems so much more accessible than how you had it before. I also really like how it can facilitate small group work. My classroom had banquet tables before I clustered (not going to lie, you were my inspiration)
ReplyDeleteI love your classroom. Seeing it in person makes it even better! Its great to see your kids engaged in independent and group work. Also this layout makes your room look bigger!!!
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