Our Classroom Environment

One thing you will notice when you enter our classroom is that we have a flexible open-seating environment.  Students do not necessarily have assigned desks.  We have team tables where student teams might choose to meet to collaborate in their learning.  

However, some teams might choose to spread out on the floor so we have pillows, stools, and beach chairs. Having a flexible environment enables us to make necessary adjustments to the space to best serve our learning rather than having to adjust our learning to meet the space.  

One immediate reaction to our room at the start of the year is it seems bare. There are very minimal wall decorations.   This is done intentionally.  Our wall space will begin to fill up as we collaborate as a learning community to create anchor charts to record our thinking.  Some of these will be create by the teacher as I collect their thoughts as a group.  Other times, they will work in teams to create charts that will fill our walls and serve as a resource for further learning.  It is my belief that filling our walls with authentic work rather than teacher purchased decorations enables students to take ownership of the classroom.

Another important aspect of our classroom centers on my philosophy that every child needs 21st century knowledge and skills to succeed as an effective citizens, workers, and leaders.  I will strive to structure our instruction to develop learning and innovation skills that will equip our students to be life-long learners and positive contributors to the world.  At the start of the year we will focus heavily on developing communication and collaboration skills so we can work effectively as a learning community.    

Additionally, our team will utilize Project-Based Learning at numerous points throughout the year to help foster 21st century knowledge and skills through our content standards.  Below is a short video that will explain a bit more about Project-Based Learning.  

I am excited to join the Rooster Springs Elementary team and look forward to collaborating with students, their families, and our community in order to make this a fun year filled with profound learning.