Classroom Design

This floorplan was designed using the Classroom Architect web tool from http://classroom.4teachers.org

1. When choosing the dimensions of the classroom, I tried to be realistic, although I wasn’t sure what realistic might be. The room is therefore reasonably small.

2. I have students working in groups to allow for collaboration and social learning. The groups are small enough that each student can have an opportunity to contribute.

3. The groups of student desks are organized in a way that facilitates traffic flow as much as possible in a small room, and that allows the teacher to walk around the class and reach each student (for both classroom management and teaching support).

4. I have provided for a learning centre approach to teaching. There is a place for an art centre, a computer centre, and a reading centre. All other centres would have to be stored in bins and set up on a group of desks during learning centre time.

5. The window is at the back of the class to avoid distraction during teacher-directed learning time.

6. The teacher’s desk is also at the back of the class to encourage a feeling of teacher presence in the class - the teacher has a space both at the front of the class (the blackboard) and the back of the class (her desk).

7. Also at the back, near the teacher’s desk, is a desk for quiet work. This is primarily for students who need less distractions, and can be either self-imposed or teacher requested. It can also be for students who are writing a missed test or getting caught up on missed work, or who are done their work quickly and want a quiet place for alternative activities.

8. I have a place in the class where the class can meet in a more comfortable, relaxed atmosphere for reading (helps to associate good feelings with reading) or for class meetings. There would also be an upholstered chair here for students to curl up in to read or play a game when the opportunity arises.

9. I have tried to provide as much storage as possible to help keep the classroom tidy and organized.

10. On the walls I would have the classroom rules, student work, curriculum-related visuals, and learning and social skill-related visuals. I would want my bulletin boards to be colourful, fun, and easy to read.