Chrissy Eld

L. Boschman
EDTS 234
02 February 2016
Designing my classroom
FURNITURE:
Teachers desk in front corner of room to provide unobstructed view for teacher to
monitor classroom activity while not being the direct center of attention.
Tables are arranged centrally, facing smartboard for instruction times. Arranged in
a staggered way to not obstruct anyones view.
Tables have room for groups of 3 to facilitate group work.
Kidney shaped tables easily joined to provide group activities of 6.
Personal organizers will hang on back of each chair to hold personal items such as
pens, rulers, books etc.
Many shelves around room filled with interesting books, magazines, games,
puzzles etc.
8 computer stations on periphery of room
3 large storage cupboards for school supplies
Smartboard on front wall.
2 tables at front for group work/presentations
Front corner with large square rug, surrounded by comfortable
couches/chairs/beanbags to facilitate group work, relationship building, free time
activities, awards
Back corner has sectioned-off private quiet space for students needing breaks,
OT/PT work, sensory work etc
Live plants throughout room
Fridge and microwave for students to use, fridge will always have fruits available
to all students as well as nutritious snacks such as granola bars will always be available
LIGHTING
No use of fluorescent lights
Use natural light as much as possible
Supplement light with lamps, creating home environment feeling
DECOR

Muted, soothing colors only

Carpets used in neutral colours
Neutral lamps throughout room
Live plants throughout

 Simplistic approach, no clutter, clean lines

ON THE WALLS

Students projects displayed, exhibiting the process more so than the product
photographs of collaborations
Classroom rules that were constructed and agreed upon by entire class and teacher
A type of scrapbook where positive outcomes were made by the students and the

community, such as volunteering at the foodbank, fundraising for a family etc. Basically
showcasing ethical citizenship that each student either personally is involved or they have
read about.
STUDENTS
engaged and curious
mindful
respectful to all people and property
SOUNDS

teacher and student addressing eachother respectfully

collaborating with indoor voice
questioning and forming opinions
quiet reflection times perhaps with soothing nature sounds in background, meant

to rejuvenate
LOCATION OF TEACHER
short instruction times followed by moving among groups and being accessible to
all
TEACHERS VOICE
Authoritative but friendly and enthusiatic.
Treating all respectfully
Being real and kind
CLASS DISCUSSION
Students and Teacher each acting and speaking respectfully to one another
Students encouraged to have input into discussions, students feel secure that they
have valuable opinion
Learning is more discussion and less intruction
Students learn to accept opinions other than their own and find value in others
ideas
STUFF
enough supplies are present to facilitate learning through experience

TASKS
are decided upon by class and teacher collaboratively
are carried out in a fair and interesting way
each student and teacher has a responsibility to maintain the smooth running of
the class, whether it be physical upkeep (straightening bookshelves etc) or the acquisition
of knowledge (each group brings some information about early Canada to create a whole
picture of early Canada etc)
AROUND THE SCHOOL
Warm, inviting atmosphere like a second home.
Processes of learning documented everywhere
Students positively impacting the world around them is demonstrated throughout
school.
Library well-stocked and comfortable couches/chairs/rugs throughout that
promote literacy
Bathrooms clean and functional for all sizes of students
Faculty encouraged to collaborate and foster positive relationships
Students involved in every aspect of running school, such as lunch room, library,
cleaning, organizing, errand running etc