#ISEDchat Archive
Independent School EdChat.
Thursday September 8, 2016
9:00 PM EDT
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:00 PM EDT
Excited for
#Isedchat
tonight! Please introduce yourself and the grade level(s) you work with.
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:01 PM EDT
Lorri here from CT. Director of Lower School (PS - Grade 6)
#ISEDchat
skeeTX
Sep 8 @ 9:01 PM EDT
Rob from St. John's Episcopal School in Dallas. 8th grade T, advisor, High School Coordinator
#isedchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:01 PM EDT
@skeeTX
Hi Rob! Glad you could join us. How's the start of the school year going?
#ISEDchat
LoganBowlds_EDS
Sep 8 @ 9:01 PM EDT
I'm a fifth-year teacher of middle school history!
#Isedchat
skeeTX
Sep 8 @ 9:02 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
Hi, Lorri! Good start to the year. Great group of kiddos this year! And you?
#isedchat
LoganBowlds_EDS
Sep 8 @ 9:03 PM EDT
Logan from
@EDSPensacola
. Middle School history teacher. Love laughter and total history and politics junkie.
#ISEDchat
kevinjruth
Sep 8 @ 9:03 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
Kevin, I lead an association of K-12 international schools. I’m in London (and awake).
#isedchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:03 PM EDT
@skeeTX
It's been a good start! Trying to get into a good groove. New students and faculty are settling in.
#ISEDchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:04 PM EDT
@LoganBowlds_EDS
@EDSPensacola
Hi Logan! Thanks for joining us.
#ISEDchat
DesignSaunders
Sep 8 @ 9:04 PM EDT
David from CT jumping in and excited for a great
#isedchat
! :)
AssignmentHelpN
Sep 8 @ 9:05 PM EDT
Benefits of Blended Learning
https://t.co/tIu7gOpn2V
#EduAfterHours
#sstlap
#isedchat
#TBookC
#SciStuChat
#atplc
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:05 PM EDT
Tonight's Topic! "The impact of classroom spaces on teaching and learning"
#isedchat
MarcieLew
Sep 8 @ 9:05 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
Marcie - 6th grade, and PYP coordinator in Ontario, Canada.
#ISEDchat
DesignSaunders
Sep 8 @ 9:05 PM EDT
Oops! I forgot to mention grade levels! This year I will be working with grades 4-6 in the
#labrary
!
#isedchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:06 PM EDT
@MarcieLew
Hi Marcie! Glad you can join us.
#isedchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:06 PM EDT
@DesignSaunders
That is awesome! and I love that term
#labrary
!
#ISEDchat
sarahhanawald
Sep 8 @ 9:06 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
Sarah from Raleigh, now working with ATLIS, but very interested in this topic around spaces for learning.
#isedchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:07 PM EDT
Q1 coming up!
#ISEDchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:08 PM EDT
@kevinjruth
Hi Kevin!!! glad you could join us from across the pond.
#ISEDchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:08 PM EDT
Q1: How do you feel a learning space impacts teaching and learning?
#ISEDchat
nathan_stevens
Sep 8 @ 9:08 PM EDT
Nathan and I live in
#alphabrary
#ISEDchat
claudiadaggett
Sep 8 @ 9:10 PM EDT
Claudia Daggett, President of
@ISACSnews
, happy to be with you.
#isedchat
nathan_stevens
Sep 8 @ 9:10 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
A1 space should be flexible. It should be able to change with he activity
#ISEDchat
skeeTX
Sep 8 @ 9:11 PM EDT
A1: learning can take place in any space, if Ts and Ss are in sync. Taught outside today by the creek to discuss end Of Mice & Men
#isedchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:11 PM EDT
A1 A learning space needs to be developmentally appropriate so that students feel comfortable.
#ISEDchat
MarcieLew
Sep 8 @ 9:11 PM EDT
A1: A well designed space can provide a specific type of energy and support creativity, a poorly design can hinder potential
#isedchat
kevinjruth
Sep 8 @ 9:12 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
There is a relationship between pedagogical approaches and spaces, should be intentional for formalised learning.
#isedchat
nathan_stevens
Sep 8 @ 9:13 PM EDT
A1 wheels is all I can say with ample wall storage
#ISEDchat
MarcieLew
Sep 8 @ 9:13 PM EDT
@skeeTX
Nature can be such an amazing environment to provide a specific tone and atmosphere for reflection and discussion
#ISEDchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:13 PM EDT
@kevinjruth
agree. the sage on the stage will have a different "looking" classroom than the coach!
#ISEDchat
claudiadaggett
Sep 8 @ 9:13 PM EDT
Flexibility in learning spaces = important attribute. Love newer flexible classrm furniture & variety of options within classrom
#isedchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:14 PM EDT
@nathan_stevens
How does that impact your teaching?
#ISEDchat
kevinjruth
Sep 8 @ 9:14 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
Q1. There are also plenty of ‘spaces’ for informal learning, in which learners (includes us!) learn as well.
#isedchat
nathan_stevens
Sep 8 @ 9:14 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
we can move table out of the at to have open space to dance or build
#ISEDchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:15 PM EDT
@nathan_stevens
what do you do with wall space?
#ISEDchat
ConsultJodi
Sep 8 @ 9:15 PM EDT
Does anyone have a nature preschool?
#ISEDChat
MarcieLew
Sep 8 @ 9:16 PM EDT
@claudiadaggett
new furniture options are great, can also move the furniture out to make big open spaces for working on floor
#ISEDchat
skeeTX
Sep 8 @ 9:16 PM EDT
Flexible learning spaces only work if Ts are flexible in terms of mindset/approach.
#isedchat
nathan_stevens
Sep 8 @ 9:16 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
raised wall cabinets allow for lower wall space for power access
#ISEDchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:16 PM EDT
A1. A learning space needs to be a space where children WANT to be. Warm and inviting. That will help set tone
#ISEDchat
MarcieLew
Sep 8 @ 9:16 PM EDT
@ConsultJodi
We have an outdoor playscape that is nature based? Its pretty cool and lots of learning happens there
#ISEDchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:17 PM EDT
Q2 coming up!
#ISEDchat
MarcieLew
Sep 8 @ 9:17 PM EDT
@skeeTX
I think that Ts have to stop ‘owning’ the room and let Ss take ownership of the space
#ISEDchat
LoganBowlds_EDS
Sep 8 @ 9:18 PM EDT
A1 - Probably the most important aspect of learning. A happy/clean/positive space creates and promotes learning and adventure!
#ISEDchat
skeeTX
Sep 8 @ 9:18 PM EDT
@MarcieLew
or other Ts. Room is not mine! I happen to occupy one, I don't own it.
#isedchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:19 PM EDT
Q2: What does your ideal learning space look like? (money is no object..)
#ISEDchat
LoganBowlds_EDS
Sep 8 @ 9:20 PM EDT
A2 - Totally outdoors. As history tchr, our classroom should be world. Unlimited flights, hotels, etc...kids could explore!
#ISEDchat
ConsultJodi
Sep 8 @ 9:21 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
A farm! I am pretty sure my nephews will have their own little farm-based microschool.
#ISEDChat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:21 PM EDT
A2. Realistic dream- Bright colors, different spaces for different functions, reading corner, morning circle area, comfy seating.
#isedchat
kevinjruth
Sep 8 @ 9:22 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
A2. Like Sherlock’s “mind palace,” if you like the newer Sherlock series from the UK.
#isedchat
MarcieLew
Sep 8 @ 9:22 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
We added 1 brightly colored wall to each classroom last year, it has been a big hit! Ts were nervous at first but love
#ISEDchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:22 PM EDT
Experts Describe the Perfect Classroom Space for Learning in School - The Atlantic
https://t.co/nflV93m4cf
#isedchat
nathan_stevens
Sep 8 @ 9:23 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
super flexible. Multiple heights
#ISEDchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:23 PM EDT
@MarcieLew
We did that, too! Really changed the feeling My favorite is the blue accent wall!
#ISEDchat
MarcieLew
Sep 8 @ 9:24 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
- Big windows along one wall with access to outside to have more natural breaks when needed instead of scheduled
#ISEDchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:24 PM EDT
Is Your Classroom Organized for Learning? | Responsive Classroom
https://t.co/FvEzO4QFxj
#ISEDchat
MarcieLew
Sep 8 @ 9:25 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
Me too! (my room has the blue wall) It was something fairly simple that made a big impact.
#ISEDchat
skeeTX
Sep 8 @ 9:25 PM EDT
A2: a mini commons w/ comfy furniture, bright, fresh. A place Ss want to be to learn, bond and exchange their ideas
#isedchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:25 PM EDT
@MarcieLew
Natural light is super important. I think it makes people feel happier, even on a cloudy, rainy day.
#isedchat
MarcieLew
Sep 8 @ 9:26 PM EDT
@nathan_stevens
There are some really cool table/desks that adjust heights really easily that I saw at ISTE this summer
#ISEDchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:27 PM EDT
Lots of new teachers this year with great ideas! My awesome facilities director
@1Jockamo
helped me make it happen!
#ISEDchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:27 PM EDT
How do you feel about student work? Do students ever get too old to have their work displayed?
#ISEDchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:29 PM EDT
Next Q coming up!
#ISEDchat
skeeTX
Sep 8 @ 9:29 PM EDT
I love to see Ss work at any age as long as they want it displayed. Can't force them.
#isedchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:30 PM EDT
Q3: If funds are limited, what are things you can do to make your classroom more “learner friendly”?
#ISEDchat
kevinjruth
Sep 8 @ 9:30 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
May we all never be too old for that!
#isedchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:31 PM EDT
@kevinjruth
NO kidding! And yet, our upper school teachers rarely do it.
#ISEDchat
skeeTX
Sep 8 @ 9:31 PM EDT
A3: use Ss work/art to decorate. Comb thrift stores, get paint. Ask Ps to pitch in for a work day. Be resourceful
#isedchat
MarcieLew
Sep 8 @ 9:32 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
A3: Lower the bulletin boards/ whiteboards in K-3/4 classrooms to make them at kid height so they are accessible
#ISEDchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:32 PM EDT
@MarcieLew
That is a great idea! Love it.
#ISEDchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:33 PM EDT
@skeeTX
Any specific colors you would paint?
#ISEDchat
ConsultJodi
Sep 8 @ 9:33 PM EDT
You don't need a lot of stuff. Simple & clean. I find kids will sit on the floor, just to spread out. No expense, there.
#isedchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:34 PM EDT
@ConsultJodi
Yes! I read "Classroom Spaces that work" this summer. Big message. Less is more!
#ISEDchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:35 PM EDT
Classroom Spaces That Work: Marlynn K. Clayton: 9781892989055:
https://t.co/dB5YawWFR1
: Books
https://t.co/N6IqPBIbQ7
#Isedchat
MarcieLew
Sep 8 @ 9:35 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
If possible eliminate the teacher desk
#ISEDchat
nathan_stevens
Sep 8 @ 9:36 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
A3 go to surplus place for other school districts
#ISEDchat
ConsultJodi
Sep 8 @ 9:36 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
You don't want to make your classroom look like Pinterest threw up.
#ISEDChat
skeeTX
Sep 8 @ 9:36 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
I like bright orange and blue. Might mix it up throughout the year if I could! Return from a break to new color!
#isedchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:36 PM EDT
@MarcieLew
Yes. That was one of the things they said... most if not all the classroom should be for students (not teacher storage)
#ISEDchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:37 PM EDT
Anyone have standing desks?
#ISEDchat
swladis
Sep 8 @ 9:39 PM EDT
We applied Wink paint to many collaborative tables to allow for thinking out loud and design planning.
#isedchat
skeeTX
Sep 8 @ 9:39 PM EDT
We have Node chairs and I love sitting in one w/ my Ss. Wheel myself around to groups or 1 on 1 w/ a student
#isedchat
MarcieLew
Sep 8 @ 9:39 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
I have a kitchen countertop on the one side of my classroom wall that works like a standing desk
#ISEDchat
nathan_stevens
Sep 8 @ 9:40 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
no all standard height
#ISEDchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:40 PM EDT
@skeeTX
Were they expensive? Were they offered as an option or did you request them?
#ISEDchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:41 PM EDT
@MarcieLew
I could totally see that as a well used area of the room.
#ISEDchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:41 PM EDT
Q4: How about other spaces on campus? Ideal library? Tech space?
#ISEDchat
skeeTX
Sep 8 @ 9:41 PM EDT
Still think Ts need to be willing to utilize spaces otherwise just window dressing.
#isedchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:42 PM EDT
A4. Our tech labs have been dismantled. Rolling conference tables now with mobile tech
#ISEDchat
skeeTX
Sep 8 @ 9:42 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
I actually researched, tested, piloted a set then we got them for all middle school. Some T's prefer other
#isedchat
swladis
Sep 8 @ 9:44 PM EDT
Innovation Lab has collaborative tables, rugs, counter along one wall and a lot of open floor space.
#isedchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:44 PM EDT
Still wishing for a more "cafe" feel in our library instead of traditional silence table/chair model.
#ISEDchat
skeeTX
Sep 8 @ 9:45 PM EDT
A4: I'm now part of group thinking about our library space. How can it be transformed to best serve entire PK-8. Tough to agree
#isedchat
MarcieLew
Sep 8 @ 9:45 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
Having spaces for students to gather informally or breakout of the traditional classroom is nice
#ISEDchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:46 PM EDT
@skeeTX
What are the options on the table?
#ISEDchat
skeeTX
Sep 8 @ 9:46 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
Yes!!! I'd love a commons. Tough to balance as many like tradition and quiet
#isedchat
MarcieLew
Sep 8 @ 9:46 PM EDT
@skeeTX
We are going to be doing this over this school year
#exciting
#ISEDchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:47 PM EDT
@skeeTX
We have a space called "commons" but it's not used in that way. That was the original plan but it didn't work out.
#ISEDchat
skeeTX
Sep 8 @ 9:47 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
That's where we are...what if??? Hard to know w/ differing ages & personalities.
#isedchat
skeeTX
Sep 8 @ 9:48 PM EDT
If schedule allows!
#isedchat
https://t.co/i5I12iOdsH
MarcieLew
Sep 8 @ 9:45 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
Having spaces for students to gather informally or breakout of the traditional classroom is nice
#ISEDchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:48 PM EDT
@skeeTX
That's why I think it's important for it to be flexible. Needs to meet different needs.
#ISEDchat
skeeTX
Sep 8 @ 9:48 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
can it be reclaimed???
#isedchat
skeeTX
Sep 8 @ 9:49 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
Yes, but hard to let go of current protocol for some. Have to approach with open mind.
#isedchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:50 PM EDT
@skeeTX
Makes me sad. My geometry students "redesigned it" using sketchup a few yrs ago. We used some of their ideas originally.
#ISEDchat
skeeTX
Sep 8 @ 9:51 PM EDT
Who ultimately decides how bigger spaces get used? Admin? Committees?
#isedchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:52 PM EDT
@skeeTX
Great question! Similar to what I was going to ask next! So, thank you!!
#ISEDchat
skeeTX
Sep 8 @ 9:53 PM EDT
Personalities can clash when deciding what's best use of valuable school space. Tough to please all
#isedchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:53 PM EDT
We are in
@responsiveclass
implementation. I encouraged faculty to rethink their space with the guiding principals in mind.
#ISEDchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:54 PM EDT
@skeeTX
Exactly.
#ISEDchat
MarcieLew
Sep 8 @ 9:54 PM EDT
@skeeTX
Sometimes the decision and the long term implementation can be two different things as well
#ISEDchat
skeeTX
Sep 8 @ 9:55 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
Is there some sort of accountability if not done?
#isedchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:55 PM EDT
Final Q: Do discussions about space happen at your school? If so, in what forum?
#ISEDchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:56 PM EDT
@skeeTX
Not this year. We'll have conversations about it. We're just getting started. We have def made significant progress.
#ISEDchat
skeeTX
Sep 8 @ 9:57 PM EDT
We have learning groups discussing spaces. Need $$$ to make changes and don't know who makes final decisions
#isedchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:58 PM EDT
@skeeTX
I like that! Do people choose their learning group?
#ISEDchat
skeeTX
Sep 8 @ 9:58 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
What happens when Ts are not all onboard?
#isedchat
sarahhanawald
Sep 8 @ 9:59 PM EDT
@skeeTX
Have you gone on tours of spaces? When we were redoing our library, we visited
https://t.co/UG7zZye4x3
for inspiration
#isedchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:59 PM EDT
@skeeTX
Always a challenge!
#isedchat
skeeTX
Sep 8 @ 9:59 PM EDT
@lcarroll94
yes,
@crottymark
created variety of topics from which to choose. Range from schedule, learning styles, spaces
#isedchat
lcarroll94
- Moderator
Sep 8 @ 9:59 PM EDT
Wow. That was a quick hour. Thank you so much for joining us tonight!
#isedchat
skeeTX
Sep 8 @ 9:59 PM EDT
@sarahhanawald
Next step. Need to.
#isedchat