Annotated+Classroom+Map+MLP



This map generated from [|this Classroom Architect Tool.]

This is my ideal workshop ELA classroom. It is a little different from the regular row configuration that many high school teachers seem to be so fond of. The front of the room is towards the right with the projector and a white board will be there, preferably a smart board. The computer below that signifies an area for the teacher desk or teacher counter. At Exploris, the teachers' desks are all located within the 6th grade teachers' office which is inbetween the two sixth grade classrooms. I like the idea of not having a teacher desk in the classroom. This means that the teacher isn't ever chilling at her desk while students work; she is actively engaged in the class.

The bottom of this map shows shelves with two bean bag chairs. I like the idea of having a large classroom library and a space for students to quietly and comfortably read. Some students also get through things quickly and need something to engage them, this is a perfect space for that. Also, this space can be utilized for a student who needs to cool off -- perhaps a student with a low attention span or over-active social skill -- and take a break from workshop.

The desk configuration is another idea that I stole from my CT at Exploris. The students there sit at tables with at least four chairs at each table. Chairs and tables allows the teacher to change up the configuration of groups as needed. Sometimes two tables can be pushed together and chairs added for a large group or two students can pair off, two pairs to a table, for small group work. I like this configuration a lot because it allows for easy collaboration amongst a group. In an ideal world, each student would have access to his/her own laptop or I would be able to have a class set of laptops for each student. They would be able to share and work together at their desks (with powerstrips running all over the place) while I can facilitate and aid in discussion and workshop activities.