my+ideal+class

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I turned in the printed version to Meg. Annotations below..

I wanted my classroom to have a very open layout that would allow for work space, as well as reading and writing workshops. I based all of my other placements around this premise. Below I describe the annotation:

Workspace: My workspace contains four huge round tables. I chose to use tables rather than desks because I feel that it promotes conversation. I know some teachers might stray away from this; however, I want conversation and group discussion to be a major part of my classroom. I want my students to engage in group activities and projects, and sitting together will enable this to happen without constantly moving around desks. When I do have to give a test, I will put up dividers or send students around to different parts of the room. I placed two flat screen televisions around the group workspace. Ideally I would have smartboards, but the program did not offer this option. I want my students to be able to see what is going on regardless of their seat location; therefore, having two screens would be beneficial. I also liked the layout of the tables because if I had students using computers I could walk around the outside of the class and make sure they were on task. I also placed an easile in the workspace. Ideally I would have a white board. I want students to be as active as I am in a lesson, and that means coming up to the board and participating.

Reading Workshop: I think that having a reading workshop is one of the most important elements of a language arts classroom. Students need to see that reading is important enough to their teachers that they take space in their classroom for a cozy reading environment. I used the corner because I felt that it offered a cozy appeal that students want when reading. I will have at least two full shelves of books. I have already started collecting books. Everything from classics to the new age young adult literature favorites. I want my students to have a variety of options, and I want them to know that I see each of these books as valid reading selections. I will have big couches for children to sit on and read. I will also have a wooden rocking chair where I will sit, and I will read out loud to them. Hearing teachers read aloud was always one of my favorites parts of school. It is so engaging, and I always seemed to want to keep reading after they stopped. I hope to inspire my students the same way in our readign workshop. I had another area reserved for private reading.

Writing Workshop: I never had a writing workshop in my classrooms; however, I will definitely work to have one in my own class. I think that it shows students that I value writing and it gives a particular place for writing resources. I put two person tables in the writing workshop for peer conferences and student-teacher conferences. I also reserved a section for computers. I think that utilizing technology in the classroom is very important; however, I don't want computers on studnets desk all the time, because no matter how much you monitor, computers can be a major distraction. I would also have a box with clipboards so students could go into the reading workshop area and write in a comfortable setting.