The #2PencilChat is a weekly conversation about educational technology. As we enter a more student-centered age, let's talk about using all the tools in our toolboxes to be innovative and dynamic teachers.
A1
Performance Space, Collaboration Space, Discovery Space, Concentration/Work Space, Reading Space...and no, I didn't have that mentally cued up or anything...lol #2PencilChat
A1- Spaces for working together and working apart; spaces for stretching out, standing up, sitting down; spaces for quiet and spaces for multiple voices. #2PencilChat
A1: Individual spaces, collaborative spaces (group, partner work). Organization: In order for my Ss to be independent, they have to know where things go. #2PencilChat
A1. In the detention center, things are rather different from traditional public school. One zone we must have is the "Out of Bounds" zone. These are areas where Ss are not permitted without expressed concern from the teacher. #2PencilChat
A1: Well, I am setting up a new classroom because I changed school. I would like to have an area for supplies, my classroom library, and of course an area to hang up some student work. #2pencilchat
#2pencilchat I saw this S seat on a show two chairs facing each other- in an S shape- I am going to make a row of this seating (zip tie them) - a cozy, comfortable corner with beanbags and different desk and table arrangements like a coffeehouse
A1. Have a small classroom? Look for additional space - hallway, neighboring teacher on prep? Or flexible spaces that have more than one use #2pencilchat
A1: Spaces to build in when setting up a classroom...peace corner, flexible seating, comfy reading areas, (quiet) recording zones, display areas (to celebrate learning), art studio space. #2PencilChat
A1.1 Many of my Ss don't like having people behind them because they are afraid. They've been "snuck" before (attacked without warning.) I'd like a way to set up the room so that no one has to have their back to another person to try to alleviate their fear. #2PencilChat
Hi from Attiya #2PencilChat
A1: I am not setting up a new classroom, but I would like to add a puppet station with characters from Mr. Rogers Neighborhood!
A2- Up to the teacher. I ditched mine b/c it took up valuable real estate and I never sat at it anyway. I work alongside Ss- at tables, on the carpet- wherever. #2PencilChat
#2pencilchat In the corner, not prominent- for phone, computer etc. but it is more decorative & functional not a resting spot- stay in the teacher zone, the power zone as much as possible
A2 I can go either way. Some people need a barrier from their students. I sit right with them. We are all learners and a desk create a view like I have all the knowledge and you students don’t #2PencilChat
A1 I have a separate office from the class with a desk. Don't ever use my desk except for storage and to put ongoing projects and the TREASURE box (very important) if I'm sitting It's with the kids 😀 #2Pencilchat
A1: I ditched mine, but I also have an office space that separates my room from my neighbor. At a school I taught at before, we weren't allowed to remove the desk. I think everyone should use what works best for them. #2PencilChat
A2: I have a "teacher's desk", but the joke is that I never sit there - the Ss do! It also serves as a supply station and an independent work area. Take advantage of the large surface to work on #2pencilchat
A1 Setting up an office instead of my #choiceseating classroom for 1st time and want to create a reading nook space to work with sts rather than at my large conference table #2pencilchat
A1 Spaces and Places by Debbie Diller & her consulting helped my Ts redesign their classrooms. I came up with ideas for different pods of learning. #2PencilChat
A2: I’m moving in a new direction this coming school year...no teacher desk for the first time! It’s all about my kids and our learning space...and I realized I spend very little time at a teacher desk! #2PencilChat
A2: I believe there is a need for teacher desks in terms of having a work area for grading, organizing papers, etc. however, I’ve learned that a teacher desk should not become a barrier between the teacher and his/her students #2PencilChat
A2 ditched my desk mid 1st year classroom , got another wt space 4 sts 2 work my 8th year and ditched it again my 10th . It took up too much st space. I invested in some storage drawers for community supplies . I hardly sat down in one place anyways #2pencilchat
A2. I have to have my teacher desk. I do a lot of admin work for our school, so my teacher desk is my work space in the same way desks are for Ss. My favorite was my L shaped desk when I taught math I could see everything & I could call Ss back to work 1 on 1. #2PencilChat
A2: I keep a small one for my doc camera and other tech goodies! I usually sit at my reading table to get work done. There is no need to ditch them if it doesn't take too much space and serves a purpose #2PencilChat
My attention span was always too short for one arrangement. When I ditched assigned seats (the rule was: If you're able to get your work done, I don't care where you sit!), rearrangements came up when kids thought we needed them. #2PencilChat
I have a teacher’s desk. It has my computer, printer and document camera on it. Sometimes it is the only space available to work with my students! #2pencilchat
A2 #2pencilchat Teacher desks are traditional accoutrements to a classroom- they can be personal and comforting but sometimes they do become a barrier or divider which can make students feel isolated from their teacher
I have tables and chairs that are easily moved. We might switch the arrangement within a lesson or keep it for a few days. The Ss know how to rearrange things quickly. Sometimes it's my idea and sometimes it's the Ss who suggest. #2pencilchat
A1: I would like to have zones in my classroom for supplies (1 area), drop off and picking up of class work, and set up my classroom in a way that maximizes student engagement and learning. Any suggestions as far as setting up student desks? #2PencilChat
A3: I do a modified open seating. Ss can choose where they work, but ultimately, they know that it can change. I move from a seating chart at the beginning of the year (once I learn names) and then they can earn open seating. #2PencilChat
A3 I am not a row kind of teacher. I love the fluidity of students engaging in protocols that encourage collaborative conversations. The best design was last summer's grad classroom where our chairs swiveled and moved with ease. #2PencilChat
#2pencilchat A3 It depends.. in her book @RLH_DesignED had some great ideas for where Ss could sit. What do you want Ss to do? Floors are a great surface, too.
We change seats often, but the general layout stays the same because they are in groups. However, they can work wherever they want. I have some cool seating. there are 2 big arm chairs that I don’t have pictures of as well. #2pencilchat
A3- No assigned seats- Ss can choose where & with whom they work. At start of year we spend a lot of time discussing choices- did that work for you? Why? Why not? Where will you try next? They learn which spots work for them- takes more time but long-lasting #2PencilChat
A3: Students have access to tables in our K classroom...no assigned seating this coming year. They can also use clip boards on the floor, a large drafting board that slants at various angles, a reading table, and various types of chairs. #2PencilChat
A3: I do seating charts for students who cannot handle picking their own seats. If you can prove that you can handle it, then you can sit where you want. #2pencilchat
A3 Classroom desks are an L shape around a central carpet area. Kids have regular seats, however they rarely sit in them. They stand, Kay on the floor and work at satellite tables or in my office where there is a hexagon table with chairs for a quieter space #2Pencilchat
You always present the special case, and it's always fascinating for me. It's a perfect reminder that we all do our own version of our jobs.
#2PencilChat
I agree wt changing arrangement based on st needs. I had choice seating too for reading and independent work but random student partners on our rug for when we had whole group instruction. Loved #choiceseating#and 2pencilchat
A3: Open seating. Ss move chairs and tables to suit their needs. Ss understand that they can choose but still must be productive anywhere. #2pencilchat
A3: I have an office that students and families visit often. As such, I want the decor to be inviting and make it clear that they are free to sit where they’d like. A sectional couch that bridges the space from in front of my desk to behind it achieves this goal. #2PencilChat
A2. I keep my desk not for me- I never sit for my kiddos- they ❤️ to sit in my big chair at my desk and also ❤️ to sit under my desk:) great privacy #2pencilchat
A3: last year, I did open seating for flexibility in terms of moving students when I needed to. This year, I’m moving down to 6th grade meaning I’ll probably do a desk seating chart by alphabetical order so that I can learn student names faster #2PencilChat
funny, I detest rows and need them to be in groups for all the collaboration we do. The last month of school, they had 5 minutes to put their seats in whatever way they wanted..guess what they chose? rows #2pencilchat
#2pencilchat Flexible seating 100%- they move from standing desks to tables and from desks to quiet corners etc. as long as I am not talk to the class- they are free to move about
A3 I have open seating. They can sit where they want as long as it doesn’t cause any trouble. I like to do comfy seating once in a while during speaking and discussing activities. (Chips and goodies included) 😁 #2PencilChat
#2PencilChat A3x Consider this.. circa 1972-3 in a Spanish 2 class not only did the T assign seating.. she gave referred to us by numbers too.. https://t.co/V0wlcvLD2T
When I wanted tables I made do by turning all of the desks around and zip tied them together. It was a game changer for me bc that meant they weren’t shoving who knows what in their desks, playing with it , and leaving it for me to clean out. #2pencilchat
In reply to
@kathyiwanicki, @MagicPantsJones, @cvarsalona
I'm meh on the box... I just like to celebrate my students by encouraging, and marking their awesomeness. Occasional cookies being baked, too...
#2PencilChat
A3.2 I've never really bothered with a seating chart. Ezpecially at the detention center. Our turn over rate is so high that all I'd do all day long is make seating charts. I just move kids if I have too.#2PencilChat
A3 #2pencilchat I think classroom communities are fluid and organic and that allowing them to change locations helps them feel ownership of the space- helps them feel comfortable so they can focus on learning
A3. No seating chart, no behavior chart. #flexibleseating for my #family Here’s a l👀k at my classroom❤️ have to move room this year but is similar in new room;) #2pencilchat
A4: I like to have some utilitarian stuff on the walls and some stuff that is aesthetic. I usually have some motivational quotes up around the room. #2pencilchat
A4: My room has no theme, but it quite colorful. Red tables, origami, snowflakes, student-made artwork, butterfly wings. Whenever a student asks to hang something up, just find a spot #2pencilchat
A4 I guess I'm a bit of both. Most learning charts are on the smart board. A lot of displays are kids work, or our Leader Board, I have a McDonald's Workd Wall made from French fry containers it's fun 😀 #2Pencilchat
A4 #2pencilchat I love a mush mash of prints and designs- in my science class we design table cloths with different adaptations of animals- scales, camouflage etc.
A2 #2pencilchat It has been a long day so I hope you won't mind a little humor. I like to stand on the middle of the desk, if you stand too close to the edge, you can slip off or the desk could tip over. But please, don't stand on chairs with wheels.
A3: a combination of seating options. I will be adding a few more fun seats next year. I have a DonorsChoose project for that purpose. Not funded yet and about to expire ☹️. I don't give up easy, so will be using my craft skills to substitute if needed. #2PencilChat
A4 I'm more of a fan of having an inspiring environment. Put them somewhere cool or pretty, with a few things to inspire, but then provide them with references (digital or physical) for the things they'd ignore on posters. #2PencilChat
A4- I start the year with very little on the walls. A visual schedule and some empty frames that are filled with their art after the 1st couple of days- and that's about it. We collectively add to it as time goes on-Ss made a calendar & decided what should go on it #2PencilChat
A4: I’m not sure how to answer this question because I’m not sure what you mean by environmental print. Could you give a brief explanation? #2PencilChat
A4: My room was almost totally blue in March for the MiniThon spirit week. I left it that way until the decorations started to fall down (humidity) #2pencilchat
They can’t move if I am addressing the class or if we have labs set up- other than that they move freely- they actually do great- they may start standing then move to a bean bag etc. I hold veto rights but rarely use it #2Pencilchat
A4: I also have a student zone on the whiteboard where the Ss can post student council activities, sporting events, birthdays, hashtags to follow like #HertzogGeometry#2pencilchat
Ok. Then, I think that everything in the classroom should have purpose yet appealing to the eye. For example, if I have my classroom rules posted which students see daily, they should be visually appealing and set in a prominent place in the classroom #2PencilChat
Thank you- very Student-centered #2Pencilchat I really like a more “purposeful and positive flow” I call it focused chaos- it feels very natural & free-flowing
A5- I would say don't get attached to any one space or layout. Take time to watch how Ss use the room and adjust. Every group is different and needs evolve as the year goes on. #2PencilChat
A5 - Blank wall and shelf space. Let students create their own environment. You can assign portions of the wall for each student to add their own personal touch on decorations. #2PencilChat
A4. I bet my room confuses ppl..lol I like my room to be a reflection of me & my class. Teaching CRD, I cover many topics. I have Nascar posters in my room, posters that were gifted to us from the new African American history museum & The Justice League hangs out. #2PencilChat
A5 I like a round bugger table for small group work. I also rather like my trapezoid shaped desks can change into any configuration I need 😀 #2Pencilchat
A5 different types of choice flexible seating along with many collaborative spaces where groups of sts can work together in a moments notice as well as clear expectations. Also knowing that if something isn’t working ask the experts about changes (aka your students) #2pencilchat
With you Stacy! I switched early on to “free” incentives! Not only was it easier on my wallet, the kids had more choice and voice. I started the year with them brainstorming what our @ClassDojo incentives would be and we revisited it if needed! #2Pencilchat
In reply to
@iteachsprouts, @nathan_stevens, @ClassDojo
A5: Must haves when setting up a classroom: a layout for where you want everything, a variety of materials to attach things to walls & bulletin boards with, signs to put up, and an idea of what things need to be locked up and/or left out #2pencilchat
I like your phrasing, Matt!
My thought is: Make your classroom look like you, but leave enough space for your students to make it home for them, too. #2PencilChat
A4. Colorful room, #flexibleseating did get rid of more tables so next yr will have 3 & flex seating- lots of motivational quotes about family: spreading kindess and u r special! our @Flipgrid tent, buckets for filling, plenty of #roomtransformations going on;) #2pencilChat
A5: A5: Think about function, a place for EVERYTHING! Organization, labels, Sharpies!
That's more important than colors or classroom themes. #2PencilChat
A5. Easy walk ways, a paper management system (filing of some sort & a place for the day's worksheets) a desk top calandar, a personal space for yourself (place to hang your coat, etc) #2PencilChat
#2Pencilchat In and our boxes- I bever collect papers- each class has an in box for turning in assessments and outboxes to collect them after they have been reviewed. This makes it clear- I do not lose papers- they stay in the bins - keeps things very organized
A5: How could I forget? IN and OUT boxes. Where Ss turn papers in and to be returned to the students, especially with multiple sections of the same subject #2pencilchat
A5 collaboration stations, some independent seats, cozy seats, tables, real lamps (ditch the overhead lamps), simple bulletin boards to be filled in later with meaningful things. Allow students to hrlp set up class and make it their own. #2Pencilchat
A5: my must haves for my classroom this year will include an organized teachers desk, colorful decorations, etc. But, one must have for any teacher’s classroom would be a system of rules, expectations, procedures, & toolbox of instructional strategies #2PencilChat
