Reflection:
Classroom arrangement is essential in creating a positive learning environment. Mr. Bowen creates a wonderful learning environment for his first grade students through his expertise of seating arrangements, daily schedule, work stations, and use of resources that all contribute to a thought-provoking classroom set-up. His students are given an atmosphere centered around learning.
The classroom set up promotes learning in various ways. Each student has their own assigned desk that is arranged in a way that allows for each student to easily see the front of the classroom, where the whiteboard, calendar, site-words, and upcoming events are located. As I began observing the students, I realized that the students are placed at a particular desk for various reasons. Two students do not get along, so they are placed across the room from each other. Another student, who is usually off-task, sits near Mr. Bowen’s desk, to help the child stay focused on his work. By placing these students in specific locations, it creates a better learning environment for the classroom as a whole (Lemlech, 72). Empty space is also located at the front of the classroom that is large enough for each student to sit comfortable and interact during circle-time activities and teacher read-alouds. The students enjoy sitting on the floor together with Mr. B, interacting with each other while everyone is on the same physical level. Circle-time also allows for each student to participate equally (Lemlech, 64). The loft is used for reading. When students are given reading time, many climb up to the loft and read silently. Each of Mr. B’s students enjoys reading in the loft. Allowing them to read there gets the students excited about reading and promotes a fantastic setting for reading. Everything in Mr. B’s classroom is set up in a way that promotes a meaningful and positive learning atmosphere.
The daily classroom schedule is also an important part of creating a positive learning environment. Mr. B has created a schedule that is revised, and has room for flexibility. Time is given for transitions between lessons and for bathroom breaks. Mr. B has also scheduled time for students to release excess energy throughout the day. Recess takes place after language arts, reading, and writing, from 10:05 to 10:20. After recess, students work on writing and math until lunch, which begins at 11:30 and ends at 11:55. From 11:55 to 12:00, students are given time to walk around the bus circle, allowing them to move around. When the students return to the classroom, they work on a social studies or science unit (which rotates daily) for thirty-five minutes. Then, it is time for specials which include physical education, music, art, and computer lab. These classes are on a rotating schedule. After specials, Mr. B gives students a quick summary and helps students catch up with their work. I really like Mr. B’s schedule because it allows students to move around between each lesson. Giving students the opportunity to move and release energy creates a more calm classroom environment. Students at this grade level have a lot of energy that may be hard to contain throughout the day in the classroom. I think that Mr. Bowen has created a great way for children to release excess energy so they are ready to sit and pay attention inside his class.
The resources in the classroom include two computers (one teacher computer and one student computer), both with internet access. Students perform Accelerated Reader tests and play educational games on the student computer. The television, located at the front of the room, is used for playing occasional movies. The whiteboard is a vital resource in this classroom. Mr. Bowen uses the whiteboard in various ways, such as writing site words on the board, spelling new words, counting magnetic money that sticks to the whiteboard, and posting the name of the student of the day, which rotates daily. The student of the day has leadership rolls, such as collecting papers, turning the lights on and off, and making sure the chairs are pushed in. Giving students leadership rolls is important in making students feel successful (Lemlech, 65). There are a lot of books located in the classroom, a resource that seems to be the most useful. Textbooks and reading books are available to all of his students. The sink is a very valuable resource. After recess, before lunch, and after bathroom use, students line up to wash their hands. By having a sink located inside the classroom, students can be monitored and Mr. B can be sure each student is washing their hands, a healthy habit for children to lean.
From the seating arrangement to the classroom schedule to the resources available, Mr. Bowen has created a classroom that creates an atmosphere based on learning. As I begin teaching, I will remember to give students a seating arrangement that is in their best interest, space that is comfortable, time to release energy, and a schedule that is flexible. Each of these are essential in creating a classroom that gives students a learning rich environment so they can thrive educationally.
