As I am preparing my classroom for a new school year, I am constantly being mindful of the focus my principal has impressed upon our staff - environment, Environment, ENVIRONMENT! Being moved to a new classroom has really helped in creating a more "student-centered" middle school classroom rather than a "teacher-centered" one.
I started with student workspace - large group meeting area, small group work, and areas for individuals to focus. What I found as I streamlined with my seventh and eighth graders in mind, is that there really isn't room or a place for my desk to be front and center. In the past, that is always where I started - "Where was the best place to put my desk?" - and go from there.
I have to admit I had two desks from which I worked from: a large one in the back that housed the document camera, laptop, printer, and speakers and a smaller one in the front facing students that I placed my lesson plans and other materials I taught with on.
The problem is I found that I spent too much time sitting behind them and making excuses for doing it. My goal this year is to not sit once while I have students in the room. I know I may not do it perfectly but I am going to give it my best attempt. A tip that was shared with me is... when your legs start to burn from crouching down conferencing with one or a group of students, it's time to move on to the the next one.
That's great!
ReplyDeleteI love to see how much you're thinking about your classroom enviroment; it shows how much you care about your students. I think teacher movement is such a powerful force. It makes you accessible and approachable. Last year, I had two "wheely" chairs randomly placed in the classroom. During student discussions and independent work, I would wheel around the room, stealth mode style. I gained some incredible perspective while being on the same level as students. Teacher mobility makes a huge difference. Thanks for sharing your thoughts as you prepare your classroom. Your post has given me a lot to think about as I set my room up next week.
ReplyDeleteI remember making the same decision going into the 2012-2013 school yr but mostly bc I wanted to be more active in my space. Before that, I held my conferences at my desk w the students coming up to me bc I didn't want to interrupt the collaboration at the tables. But as soon as I downsized my desk and upsized my podium, I stood/walked/squatted/sprawled/etc way more. That meant I was truly working alongside the kids as they produced. I can't wait to see how this 1 decision is going to have such a big impact on your classr culture. Three cheers for putting kids first!
ReplyDeleteYou have motivated me, Becky! Putting students' needs first, building a student centered space, creating an environment that places students at the heart of the action.... I am inspired to reflect on my classroom and strive for all three elements. Thank you for helping us all to be better educators for our students!
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