Classroom #1, 3- and 4-Year-Olds
Interview with Classroom Teacher:
What was your direction with designing your classroom?
There are many aspects I consider each time I design a “new space.” What do I know about the people who will be using the space? What types of things are currently exciting and or motivating to them? How can I make spaces in the classroom that are used by small groups, large groups and solitary? I like to ensure there are cozy areas for all to enjoy.
Did you consider all of your students individually when designing your environment?
Honestly, usually not -- instead I think about the community as a whole and not as individuals. I think our philosophy in general is community oriented and there is not as much focus on each child. In others words we think about intentional groups (and spaces) where we learn and grow from each other.
What do you find the hardest and the easiest about designing your classroom?
One of the hardest things about designing classroom spaces is time constraints. A classroom space is typically transformed in a few days. To do it well you need to plan ahead, collaborate ahead and be ready to hit the ground running. One of the easiest is our resources. I have always felt supported in creating new things and receiving whatever I ask for to make the room what we envision -- as long as I am intentional and plan well.
What resources do you use when considering your learning spaces?
I mostly plan based on what I know about the children. If it is a new class I think about the levels developmentally where the children will be. I think about how we can challenge their learning and inspire them. I like to look at pinterest for inspiration.
What things don’t work and what do you do when that happens?
One never knows what is going to work and what isn't. When spaces aren't appealing or interesting it is apparent they aren't being used in meaningful ways. When that happens I am willing to change the environment.
How do you start to visualize a new concept in your classroom?
I often see images that inspire me and I stand in various areas of the classroom and I look at the space -- first as a whole and then I start to visualize specific areas. I usually do a very rough sketch to help guide me in this process. I like to think about various textures (that can be used--to soften, etc.) and angles/heights of the room (bringing the ceiling down). I also strongly consider bringing the outdoors in as well as extending our classroom by taking the indoors out.
Using adapting technology- What is it? Why should you use it in your environment?
I’m not sure what you mean by adapting technology. If you are referring to i-pad apps, computers, visualizers, sound bites, GoPro cameras, etc. I think these can be wonderful assets and provide opportunities to offer technology in a variety of ways to enhance learning experiences. Also emerging technology is this generation’s reality. They are immersed in it and we need to be on board with all the positives that we can offer as well as balancing the time spent (as with any area).
What was your direction with designing your classroom?
There are many aspects I consider each time I design a “new space.” What do I know about the people who will be using the space? What types of things are currently exciting and or motivating to them? How can I make spaces in the classroom that are used by small groups, large groups and solitary? I like to ensure there are cozy areas for all to enjoy.
Did you consider all of your students individually when designing your environment?
Honestly, usually not -- instead I think about the community as a whole and not as individuals. I think our philosophy in general is community oriented and there is not as much focus on each child. In others words we think about intentional groups (and spaces) where we learn and grow from each other.
What do you find the hardest and the easiest about designing your classroom?
One of the hardest things about designing classroom spaces is time constraints. A classroom space is typically transformed in a few days. To do it well you need to plan ahead, collaborate ahead and be ready to hit the ground running. One of the easiest is our resources. I have always felt supported in creating new things and receiving whatever I ask for to make the room what we envision -- as long as I am intentional and plan well.
What resources do you use when considering your learning spaces?
I mostly plan based on what I know about the children. If it is a new class I think about the levels developmentally where the children will be. I think about how we can challenge their learning and inspire them. I like to look at pinterest for inspiration.
What things don’t work and what do you do when that happens?
One never knows what is going to work and what isn't. When spaces aren't appealing or interesting it is apparent they aren't being used in meaningful ways. When that happens I am willing to change the environment.
How do you start to visualize a new concept in your classroom?
I often see images that inspire me and I stand in various areas of the classroom and I look at the space -- first as a whole and then I start to visualize specific areas. I usually do a very rough sketch to help guide me in this process. I like to think about various textures (that can be used--to soften, etc.) and angles/heights of the room (bringing the ceiling down). I also strongly consider bringing the outdoors in as well as extending our classroom by taking the indoors out.
Using adapting technology- What is it? Why should you use it in your environment?
I’m not sure what you mean by adapting technology. If you are referring to i-pad apps, computers, visualizers, sound bites, GoPro cameras, etc. I think these can be wonderful assets and provide opportunities to offer technology in a variety of ways to enhance learning experiences. Also emerging technology is this generation’s reality. They are immersed in it and we need to be on board with all the positives that we can offer as well as balancing the time spent (as with any area).