#LearnLAP occurs on Mondays starting at 7pm Central Time. Guest moderators and participants discuss topics from author Paul Solarz's book Learn Like a PIRATE.
Welcome to #LearnLAP! Tonight's focus is on Designing Classrooms to Amplify Learning. I'm an Elementary Director in California! Getting ready to start the new school year next week!
Hey all! Phil from Northern Virginia. I teach 6/7 US History I&II (KIDS COME TOMORROW!!!). I'm also the founder of #waledchat (Thurs @ 9pm ET) and #Edusations (Youtube). Thrilled to be here! #learnlap
Hi again #LearnLAP PLN! Mike, 6/7 Science T from Michigan. Just finished reading bedtime stories to my oldest, Amelia, who is starting Kindergarten TOMORROW!!!
I'm Paul Solarz, a 4th grade teacher from Arlington Heights, Illinois. #LearnLAP
Thanks to @ingrid_beaty for volunteering to moderate tonight! Excited for a great chat!!!
#LearnLAP Rich from NY...still have a few weeks til we get Ss. Picked up LearnLAP recently....it’s in line to be read....thought I’d check out the chat
A1: We try to create a space that encourages thought and innovation! This year I want my classroom to have more of a workshop feel so I put in a tool wall and am now working on a chalkboard call as well! #LearnLAP
A1 I’ve always held cooperative learning at the forefront of my instruction so group tables of 4+ is a must for me. Diving into flexible seating this year by adding some furniture, eliminating my desk, and more working area options. #LearnLAP
A1: Set it up in some way that optimizes the way you are doing what it is you're doing and minimizes the challenges. And it can change at any moment. #LearnLAP
A1 - I switch seating every other week so students sit with different groups. We use horse shoes, pods, circles and even rows. As for other ideas, here is our back wall. #learnlap
A1: I notice that if my environment is loud, too busy, etc. I can't be calm. My heart rate goes up if I'm over stimulated. I like semi-darkness and quiet. Maybe it's because I've gotten used to being an empty-nester. Lol #LearnLAP
A1: By creating a culture where students feel like they belong, they can succeed if they try hard, and that the work that we are doing has meaning. #LearnLAP
A1: If Ss feel safe and welcome in their environment from their first moments in the classroom, they will be willing to learn with you. Ya need to establish that comfort level ASAP. #learnlap
Would love to see some pictures! I’m giving my students a lot more seating options this year but I haven’t been able to take the step into no desk yet #LearnLAP
A1 Clearly defined workspaces (yet multifunction), so well designed that Ss see and know the learning work that takes place there. Simple, functional design, not overly "decorated"--that comes with student work over time. #LearnLAP
A1: The best way to amplify learning in the classroom is by having a positive relationship and community.If students feel comfortable sharing in the classroom, they’ll use their voice to push their learning experience to the next level. #LearnLAP#CommunityBuilders
A1 I set up the physical part of the classroom first. I want my Ss to have enough room to move, have purposeful discourse, and a full class collaboration spot on the floor is a must😊 #LearnLAP
A1b I prioritize relationships first and foremost. You MUST know your Ss in order to effectively foster and teach empowerment, kindness, empathy and teamwork. The first week is crucial in developing the rapport w/ Ss that continues until day 180 and even beyond. #LearnLAP
A1 additional comment- I will actually never understand why teachers have cluttered classrooms and expect students to not feel overwhelmed! Throw it out, bring it home - #LearnLAP
A1: Create accessible spaces for collaboration! Whiteboards/Windows/Easels ready open and ready for group work. Awesome for problem-solving #VNPS#LearnLAP
A1b - I love using an Easel when students enter the room. It’s decorated with questions and allows them to get engaged right away. Also lots of notes around the room about positivity and expectations. #learnlap
I think there needs to be different levels for different activities and it can be hard to respect everyone's learning style within one noisy classroom. #learnLAP
A1 I try to keep clutter/non essentials down. My wall has a concept/word wall students help create for unit topics, our basic precepts, a legacy wall, place for student work, and posted lesson essential question/Targets #LearnLAP
Using classroom design to maximize S engagement, create spaces for Ss to be creative and use imagination as well as forming a strong classroom climate where Ss want to be and learn. I would love a @Flipgrid tent to aide in this process! 🤣
#LearnLAP
A1 Facilitate learning experiences that are relevant to Ss' lives. Allow Ss to share their thinking beyond the classroom. Develop a culture of collaboration and critical thinking. #LearnLAP
A1 Love to think of the learning environment as a studio. #learningstudio Space is dedicated to the work of readers, writers, thinkers, mathematicians, social scientists, scientists, creators, inventors, innovators. #LearnLAP
1. Students sit in rows, all facing the front (gasp).
2. Discussions, for the most part, are quite focused with specific goals.
3. Not a lot of useless clutter on the walls.
#LearnLAP
Yes! I agree! Sometimes we just need to clear it out and get rid of it to provide a calmer and more organized learning environment. We want the students to have room to be messy when needed. #LearnLAP
A2- There are a lot of books, so we have a lot of choice in what we read. I have over 1,000 books in my classroom and always trying to get more. #learnlap
A1: I have tables to promote discussion and a community. I have flexible seating so the kids have some choice in how they can learn best. I also have natural lighting and lamps to reduce glare and headaches. #LearnLAP
A2 - They would say, “ lots of color, music, positivity all around and open movement”. The hindersnce is the size of the room. It’s really too small for 25-30 students. #learnlap
I don't mind my kiddos being noisy. It shows that they're learning!! I misunderstood the question. I didn't read it like it was talking about my classroom. #LearnLAP
A2: I would think students are supported by useful, authentic resources hanging in room and distracted by needless clutter. Walls should be colorful and lively, but USEFUL #LearnLAP
A1: I think that we have to consider how to design spaces that will encourage collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, and reflection. #LearnLAP
A2: I’m not in the classroom this year but some things that come to mind from previous years:
supports: Collaboration, creativity, choice, and structure.
in the way: probably the class sizes.
#learnlap
A2 Some would say that the schedule gets in the way, moving from class to class. Being with the same teachers for 2 years helps support learning and having some control over the learning experience. #LearnLAP
A2: Students get to work at their own pace, create learning opportunities, and in a comfortable environment for comminity work and their personal learning. #LearnLAP
A2. Being with a friend is the best thing that supports my learning!
Not one thing in the room is as important as personal connections, collaboration and teaching another. #LearnLAP
A2: Supports: teachers, students, tech, being able to sit where they want, loads of books. Gets in the way: lots of bodies in little space, not always having tech available, lots of tests (last one is my issue) #learnlap
A1. Have clsrm set up where learning is optimized. Ss have clear tables to work on with projects and activities. Plenty of room for Ss to spread out for seating and working! #learnlap
A1: Trying to make it safe and welcoming, giving the students choice, making sure the students have a voice, and utilizing the space to the best of its ability #LearnLAP
A2- I think Ss would say distractions get in the way- I love my Flexible seating, but have to really teach/model/revisit the true purpose of it. Yet, I'm sure student would say Flexible seating is what helped them the most. #learnlap
A2 Not all would want the collaborative learning spaces and would probably like to have their own work space, but we try to accommodate those learners as well. #learnlap
A2: I've tried very hard to remove drudgery in my classes. This means no multiple choice tests, no bevy of skills only worksheets, and the payoff is students that are happy that I give them time to actually read/write/discuss in class. #LearnLAP
A2: last year I know my Ss had a hard time getting around the room. To open up more space I took out my desk, and freed up a ton of counter space with my tool wall! Now I get to all students easier and gives me the oppritunity for more seating options! #LearnLAP
A2: I don't think my preschoolers would understand the question...yet. However, if you asked an older student, they should say that everything supports student learning. #LearnLAP
A2b - I think in any room the key is movement and the ability to share dialogue. Students can’t build a community if they are locked into one way of seating all the time. Yes, it will throw them off at times, but the consistent changing keeps them on their toes. #learnlap
A2: I've never seen a group of people fixate on the perceived unfairness and inadequacy of a thermostat like high school students. So that got in the way occasionally. #LearnLAP
Choice boards, anchor charts and class created projects supports S learning. I can see time constraints, over testing, and various distractions might get in the way of S learning.
#LearnLAP
A2: 30 Ss sitting relatively close to one another is sometimes a hinder to the learning process. We try to alleviate that by changing our learning location. #learnlap
A2 Hard to tell. The last 2 years I have been traveling on a cart between 2 rooms—but I am getting my own room this year. Room is small...if we don’t get tables it will impede movement. Everything else serves a purpose. I try to limit clutter & maximize creative space. #LearnLap
A.2 Our focus on #LEARNING before our focus on Content.
Relationships with the Subject matter through the 6 C's
Relationships with peers and their relationship with me.
#LearnLAP
A2 Having the ability to move freely about the room without fear of being yelled out for “bring out of their seat” helps Ss learn with fear. Knowing that I am their to support them along w/ their classmates is vital. Knowing who they work well with and providing choice. #LearnLAP
A2 - #LearnLAP Technology for both! Students need to be responsible, but we need to teach them the right way to use tech so it supports learning and not do the opposite.
A2 One of my Ss brought her dad into our class today, and said, Daddy, don’t you ❤️our classroom? Isn’t it perfect!?” We have a little space, but we also use our school’s community pod. #LearnLAP
As we move from one theme to another I post/read current events. When we study immigration we interview community members who have arrived from another country & write articles. Collaborative teams developing writing skill, enhancing empathy, giving feedback. #LearnLAP
A2: Great question! I think tomorrow’s a great time to get their input. Early enough in the year to make changes that will help enhance learning! I do think they may say 28 kids in a room can sometimes be hard.#LearnLAP
A2: I think Ss would say that spaces designed to encourage real collaboration support learning and spaces that do not get in their way. Learning from each other and sharing new ideas is important for #genz. #LearnLAP
A2: I think new, innovative practices have helped my students find areas for voice in choice. Biggest thing they might say that gets in the way is time. Could always use more of it. I would probably say the biggest obstacle is fixed-mindset. #learnlap
A2: Jon from California coming in late. I think they might say that the quotes on the walls make them think and the lack of flexible seating makes learning less comfortable. #LearnLAP
A2. Supporting learning- lots of books, STEM equipment for activities and experiments when necessary. Doesn't support- shift rooms, smaller spaces, less room to move around. #learnlap
A3. Be a critical friend for another teacher - walk into their room - sit down in a student's seat ... what do you see? what distracts you? what would be a challenge to reach or hear?
Put yourself in the student's seat and check it out. #LearnLAP
A3: Have designated spaces for your learning tools and make sure that they are always replaced! We need to have pride in our learning spaces and model for our students how to make sure things are taken care of! #LearnLAP
A3 the students must come first no matter what, we need to open dialogue about what they need and what makes them comfortable. Build genuine relationships with partnership in mind fueled by a mutual trust and respect #LearnLAP
You are welcome. The first thing I should have said was building the culture from day one with meetings. Asking students what they need in order to be great learners and establishing norms from there. #LearnLAP#StuVoice
A3 Get down on Ss eye-level and look at your room. Are their "tools" easily accessible? Are they stored in a way that allows independence? Resources close to work space? Are bins/containers labeled so tidying up is easy? Can Ss problem solve for supplies w/out T? #LearnLAP
Oh good question, Shane! You should host a show! ;) I think technology integration over technology use has been the most vital. Gone are the days of saying, "I used technology" to have them make a 5 slide powerpoint. Bring on the webdesign, videos, and Twitter chats! #learnlap
A3 - Let them ask questions, provide the opportunity to move around, let them explore THEIR classroom. You set rules and expectations together, but you need to let them grow and help them navigate what they may need. Their ideas will surprise you. ( and work ;)) #LearnLAP
A3 - Spread things out over the room. If everything is too close together it causes too much clutter and takes too long for students to find things. Color code labels, place signs up around the room. Make sure visibility is key. #learnlap
A3 I keep the anchor charts at Ss eye level. I have a table that has sharpened and full pencil buckets. Everything is easy to find and organized. I got rid of my T desk to give them more room. #LearnLAP
As someone who works in sped I would say ORGANIZE! Know your Ss & what they need (accommodations as well as tried & true methods of teaching). Every S needs #empathy, #patience and engaging lessons. Put in the work and heart...it's worth it EVERYTIME.
#LearnLAP#KidsDeserveIt
A3: I try to leverage common spaces outside of the classroom and allow my students to innovate ways to use what we do have to learn best. I don’t prescribe how they arrange themselves when activities are taking place. #LearnLAP
A3: Give them access to as much of the space as possible. Give them ownership of the space and help them understand that with that ownership comes a responsibility to give feedback and ideas to help with accessibility. #LearnLAP
A3- I try to keep everything my Ss need accessible- Ss help make decisions as to that setup and they help keep items stocked. They even decided how to keep our tech tools stored and handy! #LearnLAP
A3: I sit in my room as a student and walk through a lesson. This helps me to see what I need to make sure they can get to and what will work in my room. I also constantly check in with the kids to see if they have everything they need. Listening to them is key #LearnLAP
A2 I'm out of my own room this year and visiting lots of rooms instead. Some rooms are so focused on cutesy, they lack some necessities. Some have too much going on #learnlap
A3: coming in late, but having supplies where they can reach it and get to it without help or disrupting anyone will be beneficial to you as a teacher and them. #LearnLAP
A3. To find out what our Ss need in learning we must listen and also observe them in actions to find out what they need. Some Ss may have problems, but may be afraid to verbalize learning needs! #learnlap
Wondering ..... does your principal have all professional learning presentations, important documents, schedules, handbook, whatever on a shared google drive? #LearnLAP
A3 Setting up at the beginning of the year clear norms and expectations that the classroom is “ours”—yes my name may be on the outside of the class but it’s the community of learners on the inside that matter the most. Providing jobs and roles Ss can easily perform. #LearnLAP
Q2: My students love their desk clusters and being able to talk to with one another easier than in rows. They would probably say they wished I could pull up a seat and talk to just their group during class time! I have very large classes on IPR!
A3: It starts by doing a thorough task analysis. Ask yourself why students are doing what they are doing, what are the small discreet steps they need to take to do it, and how best can you communicate those steps. Then error-correct when it inevitably goes a bit astray #LearnLAP
It’s never ending! Even adults do this! We just have to ensure we are not hypocrites - some people texting/checking social media during work... is the same as a student going on a computer to play a game instead of working. #LearnLAP
A4: I don't. I use rows with large walkways so I can more easily "work the room." Proximity is the best classroom management tool, and with 28 students, flexible seating just isn't going to happen. #learnlap
A3 I teach 9th grade so it comes down to smart layout of classroom for efficiency and having things accessible digitally outside of class if needed— website, google classroom, etc #LearnLAP
A4: Well last year, if a student wanted to sit on the counter, high table, or on the floor, I let them whenever appropriate. Eventually will be bringing in a small carpet and some stools to provide more seating options. #learnlap
Using a smart board to play videos is a DVD player. Using a smart board to post notes or power points is the same as a blackboard with chalk. Use the #edtech to increase engagement in ways you couldn't before. #LearnLAP
A4: I went to all kinds of different kitchen tables, different levels. The kids can stand, sit, move around, much better than they could in the desks at the school had. It looks more inviting.#LearnLAP
A4 Seating should fit the needs of what you’re asking your students to do. Just like tech, we need to design our rooms with a purpose, and that means seating too! #LearnLAP
A4 - It is about maximizing space and allowing for movement. Also, we must always make sure that every student has a clear line of sight on instruction. Flexible seating only works when each student benefits. Moving chairs and desks should never be just to do that. #learnlap
One thing I do have are flexible desks and chairs that fit into any shape we@need. This allows me to customize our class set up to cater to any class mode. Presentations, theater seating, group work, mock trial, Socratic seminar and congressional simulation. #LearnLAP
A4
YOU ROCK!
Here's to all of the amazing educators who have shared their beginning of school, classroom photos this week! Let's celebrate their willingness to share! #LearnLAP
A4 As said earlier, trying flexible seating for 1st time. Providing different kinds of learning areas (couch, stools at counters, low table with pillows, milk crate seats, beanbag chairs, standing desk, and regular tables). Providing choices to see what works best. #LearnLAP
A4: I have various levels of seating in my classroom and desk heights. Let them build “forts” sometimes too. Their favorite seat is the exercise balls but they fight over them, so my aide and I use them unless they earn enough dojo points to get one for the day. #LearnLAP
A4 - I don't. 32 kids in a small room. No chance. Also, I have no assigned seats in my room, but my students always choose to sit in the same seats...proves a good point when we talk social conformity in psychology. #learnlap
A4 flex seating doesn't have to be fancy. With #kinder I've done: high & low tables, rocking chairs, beach chairs, blocks, pillows, benches, sensory cushions, thera bands, plain ol laying down on the carpet with a clipboard. Whatever is comfortable for learning #learnlap
A4 I learned about this concept recently. Eventually I hope to open to it more....for now students will know that seating arrangements/setup may change class to class depending on lesson. I am gamifying my instruction #xplap so it’s going to be learn as I implement #LearnLAP
Q4: Flexible seating is something that I always done in my IPR classes because it’s less restrictive and allows kids to feel comfortable when talking about our somewhat sensitive topics. Meet them where they are, even if that means on the floor! #LearnLAP
A4 - One of the best ways is to have some flexible seating options that can be put away. Also, using the hallway, library, anywhere else makes it easier to ensure you’re not cluttering your room. #LearnLAP
A5 There are many adorable ideas on Pinterest and you can purchase materials for fancy displays in many places but the best way to Showcase student work is to let students create the area and fill it with their Joy! #LearnLAP
A4: I have tennis balls on the bottom of desks and cheap foldable camping stools. Lets students change desk formations/groupings quickly to meet their needs without the screeching! Camping stool is GREAT for conferences. Saves my knees! #LearnLAP
A5: I display student work on the front board that I think serve as excellent examples for students. I also let them present their findings like with the Turn of the Century Inventions Shark Tank Project we do! #learnlap
I no longer do this physically due to moving rooms so often. Technology has become how I do this with digital portfolios, student blogs and I will try a class instagram this year. #LearnLAP
A5: I spend a lot of time creating a culture of error and open discourse where students feel safe sharing their thoughts, opinions, and writings with each other. Everything can be discussed and argued, nothing is off the table, and we're all in it together. #LearnLAP
A5 every year this seams to become more and more important for me to promote. We have student work all over our halls and in our rooms and our students have created several murals through out our building. Kids have so much pride when their work is displayed #LearnLAP
A5 I had the plant operator install a clothes line type display outside my class door. I have ribbons on my cabinets and bulletin boards ...all the classics. @Seesaw and other apps are great for digital display #learnlap
A5: I have a @Flipgrid board with QR codes so kids can scan and get to their class grid easily. I have a “Learning A Latte” Board (I’m doing a cafe theme). The kids will choose what work goes up there. I’m still working on other ideas #LearnLAP
A4 - this year Im going to be creating student profiles where they can share their work with others! Maybe a class blog where they are required to view others’ work? #LearnLAP
A5: oh goodness, I suck at displaying student work! I sometimes display stuff on the walls, but it always struggle to keep it up to date. A lot of my kids work isn't displayable in an easy way, either. #LearnLAP
Trying a “Wonder Wall” or sometime referred to as a Parking Lot that showcases S questions and comments. Putting up examples of work that show different kinds of thinking in designated areas. I want to really stress questions and expanding on them this year. #LearnLAP
A5: With so much digital creation, interactive bulletin boards have been helpful. Students create a cover and it gets posted w/ a QR code to their video/presentation #LearnLAP
A5 Trying a “Wonder Wall” or sometime referred to as a Parking Lot that showcases S questions and comments. Putting up examples of work that show different kinds of thinking in designated areas. I want to really stress questions and expanding on them this year. #LearnLAP
A5. We use the library. We showcase the Ss work from variuos classrooms, STEM, art, etc. on top of bookshelves for the entire school to view! #learnlap
A5 We showcase learning through daily conversations. Book talks, poetry readings, invention conventions, explaining problem solving. Discussion based that leads to feedback. Our S generated blog posts and twitter feed help connect to the outside community. #LearnLAP
A.5 Display it to the public whenever possible. Use YouTube or a class Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat... It is amazing how much more effort students made when I required public posting of their work.
#LearnLAPhttps://t.co/cSFxVLE8L7
A5: When they draw me stuff or write me a note, it’s always put up on the board behind my desk, otherwise I display stuff for Open House and such... it’s hard in SpEd, but that’s no excuse and I need to display their work more. #LearnLAP
“Words are not the sole medium of exchange in teaching & learning - we educate with silence as well. Silence gives us a chance to reflect on what we have said & heard, & itself can be a sort of speech” - The Courage To Teach
A6: There are sometimes in class where I ask for silence. Either I need it or I see that a significant number of students needs it. I also allow students to work quietly in the hallway and I check in with them. #learnlap
Q5: I love making one of my bulletin boards to support whatever unit we’re doing and the student work goes on the adjoining one. These 2 bulletin boards are the only decorative areas I have in my room though, so it’s very limiting :( #LearnLAP
A6: Reading time (which I give in class) is sacred. I do everything in my power to create a space where students can get lost in the books they are reading. I can think of no better gift for introverts/students than to carve out this time every day and give it to them. #LearnLAP
A6 in some of our classrooms teachers have created these spaces. I think this is the hardest area to create and have with an active collaborative classroom. It is an important concept though #LearnLAP
A6: I kept some desks so Ss could sit by themselves if they wanted. I have extra chairs & they can move around the room if they want to go off by themselves. I kept empty space in the back corner of our room so Sa can go back there if they need time to be alone as well. #LearnLAP
#learnlap A6 I have a small room (still waiting on what furniture I will have—tables🤞🏻or desks) so space is issue. I hope to have a area I can put a rug for kids to sit separate if they wish
A6 I've been in rooms with various lighting options, small pop-up tents for one person shower curtains room dividers and stackable baskets for privacy walls #LearnLAP
A6: I’m creating a space now for kids to go to cool down, take a break, etc and going to include a timer in it and something where they can show how they are feeling based off a color (using Inside Out people to represent emotions/colors). #LearnLAP
A6: I’m creating a space now for kids to go to cool down, take a break, etc and going to include a timer in it and something where they can show how they are feeling based off a color (using Inside Out people to represent emotions/colors). #LearnLAP
awesome chat tonight and several great ideas. I need to step out for a bit but i feel strongly that I have truly grown from all of you tonight #LearnLAP
A6 I have an office in my classroom that I typically use for this type of learner. I have two closets too—I am going to try to flip one into another “quiet” space. It’s hard with so much Science equipment and supplies to find storage but I’m going to try! #learnlap
A6. Ss can move to benches in library or sit behind a bookcase for reflection and quiet time! Introverts sometimes need time to collect themselves, before they feel like joining the group where they can sit alone. #learnlap
A4. @pqschools has received a grant for two kinesthetic classrooms. It is a great option for our students who like to stay busy while learning. #LearnLap#EliteLearning
A6: My room is rarely quiet, but often, some of the collaborative elements of activities are optional. We also have Student Commons spaces that are pretty quiet so if a student asks to use them I always say yes. Finally, nothing like learning outside when possible. #LearnLAP
You don’t want to miss the Captain steering the ship in #tlap tonight!
All Qs=inspired by the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. RIP.
See you in 12 mins!
It’s sure to be a soulful time!
@burgessdave + wisdom from the legendary Queen☠️👑❤️
#Learnlap#leadlap#KidsDeserveIt
A7 I love to get kids creating and working together—why I change environment to fit the task. Hopefully I will have tables 🤞🏻🤞🏻that will make that more conducive #LearnLAP
A7: I create a space where students can focus on "deep work" (as Cal Newport puts it), without distractions from tech, or other things. They must focus deeply on highly complex cognitive work. Once this happens, collaboration is much more effective. #LearnLAP
A7 Besides the office, ANYWHERE in the room that kids want to work together can be collaborative. I had lots of students want to work at my desk in my rolling chair so that got the idea of flexible seating going at the end of last year. #learnlap
A7: I was always big on "meet-'em-where-they're-at" small-group instruction for my varied spectrum of students. My space usually needed to be conducive to getting groups in and out of stations. Tried to use collaborative tables of 4-6. Dug it. #LearnLAP
A7: one station is puzzles but lots of times it turns into them fort making or I let them make stuff with paper instead because they love to draw and cut stuff out. They love making books with copy paper! ...they just have to translate later what it says 😂 #LearnLAP
A6: my room is rarely quiet, but some of the collaborative parts of activities are optional. We also have student common spaces that are quiet so I always say yes if a student asks. Finally, there’s nothing like working outside. #LearnLAP
Could it be seen as a display? Almost like a "design process" in process table. Maybe outside the classroom to celebrate and highlight the steps? #LearnLAP
I’ll send you a picture tomorrow. It has stationary bikes and ellipticals with mounted desk. It uses medicine balls as chairs. @effortfuleduktr it takes a strong classroom manager, but the Ss love it. #Learnlap
In reply to
@effortfuleduktr, @pqschools, @effortfuleduktr
Collaboration happens in my classroom every day. We don’t make projects that require physical space, but we do solve historical problems, create policies and model ethical discourse. We benefit from the fact that Social Studies is portable. #LearnLAP
A8 I said this earlier too, giving up my teacher desk! I only need space for my desktop and that’s really it. So that’s moving to the permanent table fixture next to where the desk was. This will provide a good 5 ft of space for Ss. #LearnLAP
It is a classroom. It is all day every day. The teacher can schedule the media center if she needs a different type of learning space on a particular day. #LearnLAP
A8: Our teacher desks are not actually in our classrooms. They’re in a common collaborative space with desks for teachers from many other disciplines. In our classrooms we only have a teacher table that is on wheels and is often used by the kids doing simulations. #LearnLAP
A8: I am paperless and I use Getting Things Done by David Allen. I don't overly rely on tech. I can go anywhere where there are students and teach! #LearnLAP
A8: My teacher workspace takes up a very small area of the room. I think having a space for me helps me passively also teach students about boundaries. I try to give my students a lot of space in class to expand and explore what the content! #learnlap
Thanks to everyone who participated in this evening's #LearnLAP chat! Thanks especially to @ingrid_beaty for moderating tonight's discussion!
Please join @khoggardGRT next Monday at 7pm Central - TOPIC: "Student Choice in Process and Product."
For now, jump on over to #tlap!
A8(2): When I did have a teacher desk in the C-Room, I would always have my desk facing the wall instead of the students. That way I would not do work at my desk because that would cause me to turn my back on my students. It also opened up more room for them. #LearnLAP
A8 I lost my teacher desk a long time ago. Replaced the space with a small bookcase to hold some of my folders and a table for Ss to use. More space = more comfort = more engaged learners. #LearnLAP
A8: I’m working on eliminating amount of papers for progress in SpEd, if it works, I can eliminate my teacher desk and use a chrome book if I need a computer. #LearnLAP
