Classroom Design

For my high school English classroom I wanted to section off certain aspects of the room for specific utility purposes. I like a layout that is both flexible, accommodating to suit multiple purposes, yet engaging and well-connected. Windows aren't noted in the design plan, but an abundance of lighting is crucial to overall well-being, but so are light-dampening blinds to allow for efficient use of the projector, smart board, tv, and computer screens. The large, darkened rectangle in the front of the classroom represents the whiteboard area, hence my positioning desks to focus on this multimedia area. I want each student to have their own personal space, but to be able to easily collaborate with their fellow classmates for group works. The extra kidney tables are also collaborative stations that can be centered on quiet work, or focus on more technology based learning through tablets, and tv resources.

Being an English classroom, writing and reading are essential components to the curriculum, and are accommodated with plenty of storage spaces and shelves for books of all sorts. To create a reading-friendly atmosphere bean bag chairs, rugs, plush, chairs, and sofas are integrated into the design to make reading comfortable and relaxing to keep the student engaged for extended reading sessions. I have tried to eliminate to many multimedia distractions from the reading area; however, a line of computers are arranged along the wall for student access to research materials, and do any necessary school work required. Last, but not least, the teacher's desk is tucked off to the corner of the room, as I feel like the focus shouldn't be so much on the instructor, but how the students interact with the material presented, and as a teacher I would like to be seen as a facilitator, who is there for whatever extra help is needed, moving throughout the room accordingly, and checking on everyone's progress.

I dreamed a bit big on the size of the classroom, but I felt that with the increasing class sizes, and the diversity of each student's needs, classrooms like the one I've created should become part of the norm to help propel students into educational experiences they'll feel comfortable exploring in.