Sarah's+Ideal+Classroom

**Annotated Classroom Map** 35 X 20 ft. __Tables for Students__: As Atwell states, discussion of literature should resemble that of a dining room table (pg.33). This set up will encourage students to work as a team, along with making reading-writing workshop seem more appealing to students because of group interactions. In addition, Hicks stresses the need to have an encouraging environment for revisions. If students are seated in a table setting they are more likely to talk more, leading to closer relationships and stronger response when it comes to course work.

__Classroom Library Area in Corner__: Again, Atwell stresses the fact of in-class reading. I plan to have a portion of a class period, at least once a week, solely devoted to reading. Therefore, students will have the options to either sit at their desks, lay down on the rug in the back reading corner, or choose from a variety of plush sofas and bean bag chairs. Atwell also stresses having this area be a place where students can “browse, chat, make recommendations to each other, select, reject, and generally feel at home with literature.” (pg. 37) In addition, just as Rief includes, I too would like to have a system or record of names of who was checking out my books from my shelves. This would leave that specific student accountable and hold a sense of responsibility if this novel was never returned. -Designated Reading Rug: Rief suggests a 9 X 12 rug to lie on the floor.

__1:1 Computer to Student:__ Having this in my classroom supports one of Hick’s mindsets. He thinks that one particular mindset is that the world has significantly changed from how things use to be; therefore a different approach to learning must be established. Therefore, with computer usage students can have the opportunity to be exposed to numerous tech tools, develop their very own digital literacy and feel comfortable using new technology. This will also help improve student’s word processing skills. I hope to have a computer cabinet, stored in the back of the classroom, just as we do at the Friday Institute, which will be locked if students are not using the laptops that specific class period.

__Teacher Desk for Conferences (Round Table):__ As Rief explains, I would like to have a desk in the room for 1:1 conferences specifically for revisions, conferences with students, direct attention, or simple questions/explaining that need to be visited. This area would be separate from my own work desk so it appears less overwhelming, a place for immediate response/feedback and overall more student-teacher friendly.

__Shelves/Storage:__ Another important part of being a professional middle school teacher is organization. According to Rief, a number one priority for teachers should be to have the classroom set up in an orderly manner. I hate clutter and papers sticking out from every which way, therefore with added storage and shelf room I will be able to eliminate any of this. Writing portfolios will have a home in my ideal classroom, along with all of my binders and reference materials. I plan to even store my textbooks from my entire ECI course load at NC State on a shelf near my actual desk.

__Teacher Materials Table:__ This table will be used to store handouts, photocopies, or any other material needed to teach the days lessons. This will be specifically a “teacher” area where students will be told not to touch anything on the desk.