- Visualize a flow - do you see students moving around a lot, or will they be more sequestered? Either way, make sure people can get by each other without any issues arising.
- Create different spots - I learn best sitting in a comfy chair or sprawled out, as do many of my students. Some though prefer the rigidity of a desk. Offer options within your classroom to fit all of their movement needs, which leads me to the next point.
- Let them use your classroom in whichever manner they see fit, as long as it is within safe reason. My students don't ask whether they can move, they know that they can, as long as it is not disruptive or unsafe. I love that they feel like it is their room.
- Talk about it as our room not your room. Language matters and how you label the classroom is huge. Do you have a sign that says welcome to "my" room? That sends a message. I still catch myself saying "my" even though I know it is ours.
- Have them set the expectations. We all work better when we decide our working conditions. I have the students discuss routines and expectations for the year and then we adjust them as necessary. Again, this is their room, not my room.
- Un-clutter. At the elementary level there seems to be a need to cram as much stuff on our walls as possible to help the kids or inspire them. I chose instead to give them room to create and to only put up things that are vital for our learning at that time. Our room is by no means bare but it does reflect what we are working on and then provides calm.
- Get rid of your desk. I cannot tell you how the energy of my room changed when I did. I still have a table for my computer and planner but it is against a wall. The students use when I don't and they also use the computer. I was worried I wouldn't have a place to put all of my stuff and it turns out I have had to get a lot more organized because of this.
- Give them space. Make sure the students feel they have enough room for their things, we just have bins and cubbies but it works for us. The kids spread out more when they need to but they also clean up after themselves. I had to let go a bit of how clean the classroom is but have noticed that the kids now take more pride in the room.
- Stop managing and controlling them. You control animals and manage tasks, not children. How about guiding or leading them instead? Language matters because it changes your own mindset. I don't do classroom management, we instead have classroom routines and expectations. The power of words is immense.
- Believe in it and prove it. You cannot talk about their room but then act like you are the queen bee. It just doesn't work. So if you truly want students to take ownership of their learning and their room, get out of the way. Let them experiment with how the tables are set up or where they gather for a lesson. Let them figure out how it works best for them. You can direct obviously but have them discuss and try.
Sunday, November 20, 2011Posted by
Pernille Ripp Labels:
classroom management, classroom setup, routines