Classroom Observation -- Classroom Set-Up
Reflection
I chose to share the classroom set up for my classroom observation because I really liked the way my teacher set up her classroom. The desks were in groups, but not so sectioned off that the students were always forced to work with the same people. The teacher did a lot of group work and centers, but the students didn’t have to stay in their desk groups. I know collaboration has become an important thing in schools recently, but I don’t think it’s good for students to continuously work with the same groups. They need to learn how to work with change as well as collaboration.
Another thing I really like is that every room, in 4th grade at least, had cubbies for students book bags and books. This keeps the floor from being so cluttered and it can help the students be better organized because their stuff they need for the day is not shoved inside a bag, but instead, it’s in their open cubbies so they can easily see and grab what they need.
The teacher also had a very clearly defined ‘teacher space’ that students were only allowed in with her permission. I thought it was really nice because it encouraged students to solve their own problems if the teacher was working at her desk.
Every two 4th grade classrooms shared a tutor room that was used mostly for pulling out students for extra tutoring and re-teaching. The teachers were very flexible with the use of these rooms. I was able to take small groups into those rooms to work with them free of classroom distractions.
My favorite thing about the classroom set up was my teacher’s library. She had books on all of her students levels and higher so they could challenge themselves if they were having a particularly good day. It was very encouraging. Also, the students were free to check out books from her library any time they had a free moment. It was reserved for a specific time. And when it got messed up, the teacher didn’t freak out. It was just one of those things that happened, but the students always took it upon themselves to straighten it up.
Overall, I loved my classroom set up and I thought it was perfect for a good learning environment. I think that is what the set up should be geared toward. Otherwise, it’s not about the students anymore.
Another thing I really like is that every room, in 4th grade at least, had cubbies for students book bags and books. This keeps the floor from being so cluttered and it can help the students be better organized because their stuff they need for the day is not shoved inside a bag, but instead, it’s in their open cubbies so they can easily see and grab what they need.
The teacher also had a very clearly defined ‘teacher space’ that students were only allowed in with her permission. I thought it was really nice because it encouraged students to solve their own problems if the teacher was working at her desk.
Every two 4th grade classrooms shared a tutor room that was used mostly for pulling out students for extra tutoring and re-teaching. The teachers were very flexible with the use of these rooms. I was able to take small groups into those rooms to work with them free of classroom distractions.
My favorite thing about the classroom set up was my teacher’s library. She had books on all of her students levels and higher so they could challenge themselves if they were having a particularly good day. It was very encouraging. Also, the students were free to check out books from her library any time they had a free moment. It was reserved for a specific time. And when it got messed up, the teacher didn’t freak out. It was just one of those things that happened, but the students always took it upon themselves to straighten it up.
Overall, I loved my classroom set up and I thought it was perfect for a good learning environment. I think that is what the set up should be geared toward. Otherwise, it’s not about the students anymore.