#BFC530 Archive
The Breakfast Club – #BFC530 – is a 15 minute, 1 question Twitter chat every weekday. We chat in 4 timezones Mon-Fri – 5:30am Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific Times. The mission of BFC is to empower participants to make a difference in education by engaging in consistent reflective practice in a supportive community that inspires and challenges one another.
Wednesday November 2, 2016
How cool that they felt that way
Good Morning Kevin, 7th Grade History Teacher from NW NJ stopping by for my Twitter wake up call.
It was 6PM and he said I knew you had to come out sometime!
Good morning everyone. Isn't it Friday yet???
Good morning! Humpday! Day 2 of our school wide writing challenge - so far so good! 👍🏼
I employed a student of 20yrs ago to do a farm job for me and his apprentice turned up (who i had taught 3 yrs ago)
There is never enough space, storage, books or alternative seating!
Its Wednesday which means its Thursday for me since our weekends are Fri and Sat! :D
I just love the relationships we make!
Good morning, Friends. Veronica HS Eng T & Instructional Coach from NJ Happy as always to be part of this group
HS classrooms need to be bigger. I never understood how the kids grow but the classes shrink.
My ideal classroom has breakout space, including an outside that I can see from inside... and a garden
Good morning friends! I hope everyone has had a great week so far! David MS Principal from VA here!
It's Wednesday !!
Brian, HS principal from Mass.
Ideal classroom would be a lounge type room with books, couches, lamps, books, standing desks... Did I mention books?
University on the horizon?
My ideal space also comes with a never ending ATM that I can use to buy the latest and greatest books
You know you will always be part of their life and who they are
Good morning! Sierra, special ed major.
Twice the space, refreshment bar, leather chairs w/cup holders, several large TV monitors posted around the room. Problem= No $
Good morning . Stacey from NJ. Excited for a wonderful Wednesday!
morning /evening my ideal classroom may possibly have no walls lots of glass and space inside and out
My ideal classroom would offer flexible seating, S choice in instruction & demonstration of mastery by respectful digital citizens.
just checking in quickly. Early band rehearsal for my son. I would like my classroom to look like Google.
With class size and number of desks for needed for testing days, there is not much for anything.
The ideal classroom in malleable. We need to be able to move things around easily and often.
good morning!! know the feeling, driving to school feels weird, it used to be 3 of us, then 3, now just me
I need some advice. If u were creating from scratch a study room for Ss what furniture would you put in it? Looking for ideas
Big conference table instead of desks. Let's face each other and have discussions every day. Share in learning.
Here exam scores are submitted to central body for Uni entrance.
Have local ideas but also looking at US College soccer
. We actually get to do this when we move to the high school next year. They are retrofitting the building and we get a wish list.
Variety of seating options but plenty of space for moving. Those old desks...yuck!
I agree, my janitor often walks in & says, "So how do we have it arranged today?"
But I can have breakfast in peace and at my own pace
Not in the classroom anymore, but I have been inspired by many in my district. https://t.co/zHQBV86hND
Happy Wednesday ! Describe your ideal classroom layout/design. What are the stumbling blocks to achieving that vision?
Good morning beautiful people!!!!
Welcome Sierra! You will love being part of this family https://t.co/1fB0taV5Qi
Good morning! Sierra, special ed major.
The ideal classroom, in a word...FLEXIBLE!
Good Morning my family. Happy to have made it this far this week!
Oh Christina!! How's it going??
good point I never thought about it like that
Funny not hump day here as we had Mon and Tues of for Melbourne Cup.
My ideal is , coffeehouse-style collaborative areas, space for whole class teaching, & being allowed a coffee maker!
Good morning! Sorry I'm late!
Ideal class is flexible to suit many teaching and learning strategies while preparing Ss for their next adventure.
My ideal classroom would have all of the working technology we need so we can connect & learn in communities w/in & beyond ClassRm
Couches, lounge type seating for sure - lots of pillows. Ss love working with/ on pillows. https://t.co/ay3LgMT3jP
I need some advice. If u were creating from scratch a study room for Ss what furniture would you put in it? Looking for ideas
gm. that is a vary innovative question..i have no answer ,..apparently that part of me isn't awake yet. will think about it.
Also the walls need to be made of something soft. You have to be able to easily staple.
Gday Sierra. Hope your Weds will be as good as mine has been
Good morning! Been a while since I was awake enough to respond! 😴
Im stealing the line "cemetery seating" thats a great way to describe the look & effect
LOL! Things start to change now
Buenos dias! Abe from NYC.
Love the emphasis on discussions and discourse. Making thinking visible & collective understand benefits all learners!
I have the Green 🐉 Classroom ... wooden tables/ hi-tops as I try to recreate a colonial tavern vibe ... a themed classroom
Ceiling fans. Teachers should be able to have SOME control of the temperature in their room.
Flexible. Stumbling blocks=anything we're unwilling to consider to help Ss be at their best in our room
It's been amazing to me how much Ss empowerment creates in a classroom.
Gotta run early...Have a Wonderful Wednesday, everyone!
Good morning! Been a while since I was awake enough to respond!
They do...took me a long time to get used to the empty nest....
I would love to have dual purpose rooms with reading areas and then tables set up for discussions or small group work as needed
Oh no! Stress is a very, very bad thing.
I know, right? I will never look at a class set up like the same way again! https://t.co/IStI3dfAVK
Im stealing the line "cemetery seating" thats a great way to describe the look & effect
Join us on at 9:00am when we'll be "designing our ideal school" to put this great new classroom in!
This year my colleague & I rec'd grant $ for new classroom furniture & Ss love it!
Always wanted a classroom where students see more faces rather than backs of heads.
I would like the front part of my library to be a cafe
I ❤️ my classroom! Luckily I've been able to stay in the same room for 10 years. Each year I tweak something & it gets better!
I am pretty happy with my layout. I plan to get more independent areas, then it's perfect!
Mic drop! The desks and temp tie for the uncomfortable factors.
Flexible, inviting, and full of choice would be ideal. I'm grateful my principal agreed to buy tables for me this year. No desks!
This one was the baby... youngest out of 5. Going to be weird
Right now nest keeps getting bigger with boyfriends and girlfriends and other randoms
Agreed...Working well in my classroom!
it will be very cool, what a nice idea
is now trending in USA, ranking 26
The ideal classroom would look like the coffee shop in Friends, but have places that are always silent.
I got a free sectional couch from a local furniture store ... it was a return but the kids still love it!
Sorry to be so late. I have desks in a horseshoe, a big standing desk in back, round table, and many floor pillows
I am feeling a mental health day in your future. Take a deep breath and slow yourself down
I'm so sorry to hear this. Ongoing stress is the worst. I've been there...wish I could help
I 'll start with a Keurig, stocked, in the corner for our days when we have books and talks, hot tea and chocolate for everyone
Creativity, imagination, skill centers, access to many books and tech, and opp to discover outside world.
Comfy chairs, smaller tables for groups, & huge whiteboard for kids' planning for projects.
Yes please! Multi-model teaching needs a multi-model classroom https://t.co/3A2nC6vsoW
The ideal classroom, in a word...FLEXIBLE!
Also, multiple ways to sit.
How did you get it? know someone, call up and ask what they could do for you?
We have been working on building some ideal classrooms in my building this year. Ill post some pictures later today.
We have a big comfy chair, one from someone's living room. Ss love it!
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing.
You are helping me 💗 https://t.co/Lap2u0ASkv
I'm so sorry to hear this. Ongoing stress is the worst. I've been there...wish I could help
Make sure you make note of all of our ideas... so you can make it happen in our beach school!!
We got rid of desks and put in tables to work at and comfy reading nooks in each classroom. Ss love it (Ts too)
we have a picnic table ... now that it is cooler the kids will enjoy working out there. Under a nice tree
Take care of you so that you can take care of your students!
Flexible seating options. Moveable tables & chairs, & furniture that allows for movement
Yes, doctor on Tuesday https://t.co/E1zAkDgcKX
I am feeling a mental health day in your future. Take a deep breath and slow yourself down
Whiteboards on every wall surface .
Desks in roups of 4 for .
Tech that is portable around room.
https://t.co/NkjIQMXPjt
Happy Wednesday ! Describe your ideal classroom layout/design. What are the stumbling blocks to achieving that vision?
Do you have any pics to share? Would love to see it!
We also have camp chairs, and other comfy chairs. Janitor hates me. lol
Give it 5 years i tell myself...
Always wonder why Ts don't like kids "perching". If its not dangerous/disruptive & its comfortable for S, what's big deal?
Ideal classroom: groups of tables/desks for collaboration, multiple seating options. Problem 1: get my own classroom/job. 2: money.
I have a lab- I wish I had a lot more space, the computers in groups rather than rows, extra space for creating off computers
rip out fluorescent lights. Low lights, no concrete walls rugs, lots of windows and bookshelves on the walls https://t.co/1oZyPG1YSO
Happy Wednesday ! Describe your ideal classroom layout/design. What are the stumbling blocks to achieving that vision?
When I was in middle school the classrooms only had 3 walls.
Flexible, inviting, and full of choice would be ideal. I'm grateful my principal agreed to buy tables for me this year. No desks!
I just love using the outdoors to learn
Please take care of yourself! Stress is awful! We are here for you!
Which just goes to show that the program they're using is really not working Book Whisperer to the rescue!
I can't blame her! Go Gabby!
don't drop the mic! You'll break it!
YES!!! https://t.co/CtZ0L4eB6R
Which just goes to show that the program they're using is really not working Book Whisperer to the rescue!
8??? Oh boy. Keep us posted!
My room at uni with my pre-service Ts had whiteboard walls -that was pretty cool
yes ! now its like a NYC apt. hot in spring cold in winter !! https://t.co/7F2sC3JlYy
Ceiling fans. Teachers should be able to have SOME control of the temperature in their room.
Love them! But in elem, that would be a live hazard! 😬
It's almost like the death of creativity and passion demonstrated through seating. https://t.co/t2rFLGRkWr
I know, right? I will never look at a class set up like the same way again! https://t.co/IStI3dfAVK
Im stealing the line "cemetery seating" thats a great way to describe the look & effect
Stumbling blocks ... people not understanding what you are trying to accomplish and why it is important.
I think when you need to share classrooms, as is the case in most HS buildings, then make sure ALL Ts in the room are open
is it the kids or the administration that is the hurdle?
love it ! Do you change by unit ? https://t.co/ijEohnBhLn
I have the Green 🐉 Classroom ... wooden tables/ hi-tops as I try to recreate a colonial tavern vibe ... a themed classroom
I wanna see this space. :-)
Need space for students to move (& your class needs reasons to move). Especially in middle school. Kids have energy to burn off.
haha! They hate me too... with tables we have chair pockets and can't stack them.
I'm thinking hybrid Starbucks cafe and Apple store. Add some softness with pillows, etc. https://t.co/kEuDvgUxW0
I need some advice. If u were creating from scratch a study room for Ss what furniture would you put in it? Looking for ideas
Not sure. My records have her due in Dec but there was a mating that lines up with now. I though it did not work
Yeah. its a real problem. I would love to get rid of the need for floaters in my building and give them their own space.
yea it's OK to move around, keeps them engaged https://t.co/RsaVxrNvjN
Need space for students to move (& your class needs reasons to move). Especially in middle school. Kids have energy to burn off.
My Ss are loving the high rolling chairs & buoy stools. They take them out into the hall to do group work LOL (so do I)
I like spaces between groups too. I hate squishy.
got whiteboard paint for her back wall!
I have often thought that this could be a business. Classroom interior design.
Love the Starbucks/Apple store combo. Getting my advance art Ss to do murals, this will b the theme! https://t.co/hpi1Wz7p3Q
I'm thinking hybrid Starbucks cafe and Apple store. Add some softness with pillows, etc. https://t.co/kEuDvgUxW0
I need some advice. If u were creating from scratch a study room for Ss what furniture would you put in it? Looking for ideas
I have to take a pic Friday of our outdoor pizza oven learning space when the kids are using it
I will take pics and post them later! My room is getting there.
I'm thinking of getting rid of my desk, but kids love to use it as a seating option during stations.
I will take pics and post them later! My room is getting there.
I teach US History up to the Civil War ... so the furniture complements the learning ... it also offers flexibility?
Hahaha - that's a good thing. Enjoy it. My kids left to Vancouver when they graduated...so silent
I have two carpets as well..and they hate carpet. lol
My old classroom had tons of different seating options,floor & standing tables,stability balls,yoga mats,stools&cushions camp seats
. Christina, we need to find a solution for you! This is just not acceptable.
We have windows you can write on in our Year 7 area
agreed there is something so liberating about the fresh air ... and the wifi works out there too
Have a great day and don't forget it's
Hate when Ts believe I run class just for fun. If they have a true passion for Ss & subject, why isnt their class fun?
I agree!! Where Ss can move around and either sit, stand or be in any position that they feel comfortable in.
I so agree! I saw the affects of stress. It is not pretty.
Google areas some time. So many great ideas out there.
Thanks for great chat. Will dream about future space when I look at the cemetery of 26 desks later. It can happen....
This year I moved to flex seating and it's a great change. My classroom adjusts to what the lessons and Ss need
It started with an email then I called and said what I was doing and I asked ... they said yes
Just read about "that alien look" in from when you share an idea & others don't get it. I get that a lot.
Can't wait to see pics!! Have a great day, all.... Bookfair and literacy night tonight. I'll be dragging but happy tomorrow!
if only most teachers could afford such a service. (I think it happens though)
looking forward to, thanks and have a great day too
I think we need to be wary of outfitting classrooms with fancy tech.
Was the store in the same town as your district or nearby?
Same here! Really miss having a whiteboard.
we will all need a mental health day on Tuesday...
this is my 5th yr. So much has changed for the better...Sometimes I wonder...But I 💜 what I do! Plus I get to see my Ss
Omg that should say LICE hazard!
me also, in 3 rooms so can't change that but can my hats & wigs
I get the "the kids like you because your the fun teacher" I'm like ... "you know kids still learn when having fun"
Nice! I look forward to seeing pics of your new space! https://t.co/S4tjxoax48
Love the Starbucks/Apple store combo. Getting my advance art Ss to do murals, this will b the theme! https://t.co/hpi1Wz7p3Q
I'm thinking hybrid Starbucks cafe and Apple store. Add some softness with pillows, etc. https://t.co/kEuDvgUxW0
I need some advice. If u were creating from scratch a study room for Ss what furniture would you put in it? Looking for ideas
. Yes! I agree! Would love to do this to ours!
Agree. Thats true for even some of the classrm arrangements. Both must serve a purpose rather than its next cool thing
Yes Jo. US changes next week. SO will be our 9:30pm and will be 11am
This chat makes me realise I need an updated photo of my entire room; do 360° pics work on Twitter? https://t.co/NkjIQMXPjt
Happy Wednesday ! Describe your ideal classroom layout/design. What are the stumbling blocks to achieving that vision?
Susan I am so blessed to call you a friend 💗 https://t.co/zqVo3Hxqyy
. Christina, we need to find a solution for you! This is just not acceptable.
Have a great day everyone! :)
we have these moveable chairs and underneath is a place to put books
Last year I taught in a room with NO closets 😳😬 Teachers need closets! We have a lot of stuff lol. Especially science teachers.
Lot of companies are now doing outdoor meetings/walking meetings. Creatively useful, they report.
do a walk of your school today and think about $$. Where in our classrooms do we invest the most $$?
Where are you located? https://t.co/1vnPvsAGLa
Ideal classroom: groups of tables/desks for collaboration, multiple seating options. Problem 1: get my own classroom/job. 2: money.
Sad. It's such a derogatory statement, as if what we do covers over teaching deficiencies. Glad we both still press on
Same ! You and I would be awesome colleagues https://t.co/umAwmY5UQK
We also have camp chairs, and other comfy chairs. Janitor hates me. lol
be strong !! https://t.co/6YisiusNWq
Thanks for great chat. Will dream about future space when I look at the cemetery of 26 desks later. It can happen....
I've heard that. Fresh air helps you think.
I would love to see that picture
yup my old Village apt had 6 months heat 6 months AC they just didn't say which 6 months of each !!!
He knows a guy, who knows a guy, who has a friend that dated his sister...
Shame on you guys for drawing me into a great discussion, now I have to hustle to get out door. Have a great day!
I'll post on Friday, which will be Thursday night your time about 9pm
I've moved rooms a lot (ESL tends to get whatever's leftover). Opportunity to be creative. But good storage is a MUST!!
Me too- they LOVE the yoga ball https://t.co/l32IvyWQ6f
My old classroom had tons of different seating options,floor & standing tables,stability balls,yoga mats,stools&cushions camp seats
My chalkboard was converted to whiteboard with a big piece of metal glued on top. Maybe you could do the same?
exactly,, the passion is what makes it fun. I don't get how you can teach if their is no passion or fun ?
Amen! We spend most of our time there- shouldn't it be comforting and inviting. It's our space https://t.co/lwIBI5wN4Z
Hate when Ts believe I run class just for fun. If they have a true passion for Ss & subject, why isnt their class fun?
Agree! MS rooms are so tiny and shoved full of desks! Why?!?!
I had Christmas lights- I think I was breaking a fire code
Time to run....have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!
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I did all of that in 14hours the day before school because we were locked out because of construction
I can that! But it does seem a cheaper option than replacing the whole thing!
My philosophy is warm, fun but firm! I still expect Ss to follow the rules and procedures
I guess it doesn't look as "neat" as kids in their desks with their hands folded. It's very superficial.
I used to get "they like you because you let them do whatever they want" ummm-you don't let them talk?
I was in a similar situation this year. We teachers are movers and shakers aren't we?! https://t.co/AIpej8hLJx
I did all of that in 14hours the day before school because we were locked out because of construction
I prefer having lots of time to organize- then I got in trouble for being disorganized- really?
Thank you Its great waking up early to a great group of people. Have a Wonderful Wednesday!
seeing the same. Ts are tired of Journeys structure, want novel studies instead.
the next year I spent a week there in my new room, "wow it's so much more organized in here" hmmm I wonder why
oh no :( a lot of our teachers here bought & mounted shower board as a DIY white board; me included.
agreed there is something so liberating about the fresh air ... and the wifi works out there too MORE >> https://t.co/YhfI0K4bqX
we want to have outdoor classroom space.an official space-the field &trails generally work just fine!
yea I was Village and Chelsea ( & Bronx & Queens & Rockland) back in the day NJ now
No way - districts will never pay. (unfortunately) https://t.co/7RSjruXNj6
I have often thought that this could be a business. Classroom interior design.
except Ts can't afford the service! 😉
yes enjoying your class does not mean it's chaos, !
I think I know that guy !!
middle schoolers are worse than Kinders-why aren't their wiggles usually taken into account??
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Does anyone get told they can't do such things to their room because it wasn't " board approved ?" Or how to get the Board on board?
1 reason I liked being in a trailer! who thought having Central Office control AC was a good idea?
I'd want it to be comfortable and flexible to meet lesson needs. Stuff on wheels to get it out of the way if needed.
Sometime it's "controlled chaos" though ha
yea I was Village and Chelsea ( & Bronx & Queens & Rockland) back in the day NJ now MORE >> https://t.co/YhfI0K4bqX
Love to dream! Whiteboards, tables easy to move (vertically too), more storage for student projects, collaboration zones
Thats real sad. Ppl can be so fixated; academic doesnt = straight rows + quiet kids + droning teacher
Everything has limits, but the opposite extreme of regiment & uniformity can crush spirit
I like to call it the mirage of chaos, there is always a umpire in the background of the play
It does hurt. There is philosophy & planning behind the fun in the clssrm too
As long as they don't wiggle out the door until the bell, then we are good
Ooh - great topic today! I'm a huge proponent of comfortable learning environment - my space has two great sitting areas
stumbling block to achieving ideal learning space is often $$ our school PTO has been most generous in funding my ideal space!
I've been working on fulfilling my vision for ideal learning space for the past 3 years - so happy with the result!
it is always frustrating to have ppl who've never been in your classroom make blanket statements like that
My space has 3 large flat panel TVs and (2 on one wall, 1 on another) with 2 great sitting areas around each
My vision for my learning space has been to create a studio environment - goal has been reached - my students and I love it!
awesome. Our Ps built Lego table on wheels. can be moved around 4 centers in library
I want/need to update outdoor group space
why we expect Ss to be excited about sitting in a room with outdated tile floors and cinderblock walls is beyond me
I realize money is an issue, but making the learning space comfortable and inviting for Ss should be a higher priority
for $40 I paint my table tops with white board (dry erase) paint. GREAT for the collaborative environment in my math class
This is where I stole the idea from! Loved the space & program has created! https://t.co/27TcGZx5aW
check with at Albermarle HS. They have a great set up and it was S designed.
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I like to call it the mirage of chaos, there is always a umpire in the background of the play MORE >> https://t.co/YhfI0K4bqX
Current learning-space ideals to which my Ss & I are aspiring: https://t.co/v4diDFSZE1 Constraints include… https://t.co/QXPskb4VB7
Happy Wednesday ! Describe your ideal classroom layout/design. What are the stumbling blocks to achieving that vision?
Thanks for the follow, Jen. Also see the great Twitter community at All best!
Current learning-space ideals to which my Ss & I are aspiring: Constraints include… MORE >> https://t.co/YhfI0K4bqX
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