Classroom+Environment

Creating a safe classroom environment (what does this look like?)


 * Classroom Arrangement:**

"The physical arrangement of the room can either promote or hinder the teacher's instructional efforts and the quality of learning that takes place. Different seating arrangements are appropriate for different instructional styles and learning activities. A classroom that is not arranged to be functional can encourage student off-task behavior." ([|http://web.utk.edu/~mccay/apdm/classmgt/classmgt_b.htm])

This arrangement of desks is mainly used for direct instruction, in which a teacher directly disseminates information to students. Students are individually responsible to recognize, record, and recall the information given to them. There is not much interaction between the teacher and students or between the students in such an arrangement.

On the other hand, this arrangement of desks is very conducive to learning and interaction, and would be a typical arrangement of desks found in a safe classroom environment. The teacher disseminates information to the students, but students are able to work individually or within their small group to recognize, record, and recall the information given to them. This arrangement encourages group work and group discussion, as well as provides a network of support from/among peers.

I found this article and it talks about what a classroom environment should look like and some tips for the teachers trying to create this environment. Check it out!! []


 * Creating a safe classroom environment should be one of a teacher's top priorities. Children have the ability to learn more when they feel as if they are in a safe environment. A safe environment should include, but not be limited to:
 * Appropriate teacher/student relationship
 * Appropriate Language
 * Tolerance (Students should be able to give an opinion and not feel as if they are going to be scrutinized)
 * Students should never feel afraid to admit they do not understand something
 * Students should never feel afraid to work with other students in the classroom
 * Students should welcome diversity and celebrate different cultures
 * Students should never feel threatened

A safe classroom environment is also a stimulating classroom environment. This picture shows student work samples mounted on the walls and ceiling, inspirational posters, educational and content area charts/posters, students sitting next to each other, and characters on the side board which might even be a themed unit board. Although some may argue against such a thing, I think in terms of creating a self environment that it is important that not just "perfect" work is displayed in the classroom. It alleviates pressure for students and does not discourage them when their projects are not displayed. It is entirely up to the teacher to decide which projects or assignments go up in the classroom, meaning that if everybody did a decent job on something that is should go up. However, leaving one student's piece of work off the board because they did not do it correctly at all would discourage but at the same time, displaying it would embarrass them. Meaning, a teacher should take each students achievement level on certain projects before displaying them around the classroom. Often, artwork is the best to display because it makes the kids feel as if they have had a part in that classroom and it is something that is their "own". Not only does it create a safe environment for the students but also for the parents.