Although the title of this entry has nothing to do with Chapter 1, it sparked some ideas of mine as I am thinking about what I've read and responded to. What really triggered my mind during this chapter was the section about Room Decor, on pages 6 and 7. I think back to some of my own high school classrooms and it is clearly obvious that the classrooms that had the neatest and most student-oriented decorations were the classes that I performed the best in, learned the most in, and grew to be my favorites. This section from chapter 1 dealt with temperature, lighting, decorations, seating, and everything else that SHOULD BE conducive (or serve as a super-catalyst) for student learning in this case - writing! And it's so true. My classes in college now are so boring to look at that they are boring to be in. The chairs are squeaky, it's often too hot or too chilly. And it's true. In none of these classrooms would I want to snuggle up with a pen and paper to write.
As I think about how I'd like my classroom to be, I invision color. Lots of posters and inspiration and artwork - most from which I want to be from the students. If they see student work all around them, how can it not induce learning?! I want their to be chairs and bean bags that are comfy for my students. Just like we talked about the classroom environment for reading workshop, students should be able to be comfortable when they write as well. And back to my observation about Bagel & Bagel - maybe have a snack or a warm drink for the students. Everyone likes to eat, so this too would help in the writing process.
My goal is to have everything available for student learning. If they don't want to be in my classroom (like the physical atmosphere) they surely won't want to contribute. So if I can create a place that students enjoy being and feel comfortable in, then student learning will most definitely happen!
-Lacy Donaldson
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
Lacy,
Thank you for these thoughts about environment. You make me think of the places I've learned in through the years. I always feel "at home" in schools, but the environments vary considerably. Even old, run-down places "can" be inviting. Of course, the community that is established and the "weather" created by the teacher make a huge difference.
In Omaha we used to have morning concerts called "Bagels and Bach." This does help us remember the fuller experiences of learning. I think we need a food list for our Tuesday night class!
I have put a lot of thought into my future classroom's decor and thought this might be a good time to share my ideas...
I would love to ditch desks completely and fill the room with bean bags and big, comfy couches. I would keep a few desks around for those students who need to be in a desk to read, write, or stay focused. The setup would probably be one, giant circle, so that students can see each other and discuss their reading/writing with ease. Also, I want carpeting--none of that cold, squeaky tile. Area rugs make a room feel warm and cozy. I want to get rid of any flourescent lighting by covering them up with fabric or tapestries. Lamps are a lot more appealing and softer on the eyes.
Now let's just hope I can afford all this stuff!!
Does thinking about your future classroom's decor excite anyone else as much as it obviously does ME?!
The problem with college classrooms is that teachers share the space with a jillion other teachers. In high school or jr. high, you get your own space, and yes, the more conducive you can make it, the better. That's not something classes really ever teach us...you hit the nail on the head: we remember teachers who did it well!
I want to make a comment about Lisa's post...I think that is a great idea for a classroom (having bean bags and comfy chairs) but I don't think it is idealist in an English classroom. Let me explain...I think that would be teh perfect enviornment if you were teaching a reading workshop class, but not an English class. Teaching an English class there will be lessons on material where students need to write and focused on the lecture. BUT, I think it would be a good idea to have a section in the room that did have all the comfy furniture and laid back atmosphere so when you do allow the studnts to read or write they can be comfortable. I just don't think it is really idealistic to get rid of the desk and chairs completely?!
Post a Comment