How will you design a physical space that is functional and inviting? First, think about the various ways in which your students will use the classroom. You will need to plan for collaborative meeting areas, individual work spaces, resource storage areas and more. Below are a few tips to get you started:
- Collaborative Work Space - Collaboration requires students to work closely together as they grapple with ideas and work to reach consensus. If possible, provide students with smaller (possibly round) tables and materials to record ideas.
- Individual Work Space - Think beyond desks. Students may choose to complete independent work in beanbag chairs, on a carpet square, behind a study carrel, etc.
- Resource Area - As you put responsibility for learning in the hands of the students, they will need to access materials at various times throughout the day. Your resource area may be a table, storage bins, pocket charts, or another innovative structure. Regardless of form, the resource center should be in an easily accessible area for all students.
- Small-Group Mini-Lesson Area - Students will sign-up for and attend small-group mini-lessons. Identify an area in the room where these will be held on a regular basis. Be sure you have common materials such as chart paper, markers, whiteboards, manipulatives, etc. nearby.