Dream Classroom

Have you ever thought of what your dream classroom would look, sound, smell, and feel like? Me neither. I never truly sat down and thought about what I would love to come to work to each day. I was recently given the opportunity to explore how and why I would design my dream classroom a certain way. Turns out more details went into it than I thought it would require.

1. Accessibility

My classroom would be built to exceed all ADA guidelines for both students and adults. Students would have access to the classroom while at school but also remotely through the LMS system. This would allow students to continue their learning outside of the classroom.

2. Electrical access

Coming from a classroom that had 2 outlets and one was on the ceiling (I wish I was joking) I know how important having SAFE access to electrical is. My classroom would have work spaces that resemble kitchen islands for students to collaboratively work at. These workstations would have outlets located on the sides. They would also have USB power charging stations for their phones or other devices we use in class. I would also take an idea of an industrial classroom and have electrical hookups that come down from the ceiling. You can pull them down to your workstation and then they recoil and are stored from the ceiling. It is a great space saving measure. These would be located around the room as well.

3. Private and collaborative space

I love flexible seating and student choice. My dream classroom would have an array of seating options for students. Standing desks, workstations, quiet independent work areas (think cubicles), futons, regular desks, pillows, rugs, etc. Centrally located would be a meeting area where we would start our learning and then students would be able to go and work wherever around the room they wish.

4. Display/work surfaces

The work surfaces would be industrial. These materials need to withstand the wear and tear of numerous students. They would have dry erase tops so students can work and collaborate within the same space. I’m not sure what is meant by “display.” I am guessing it means how to showcase student work? My classroom, as described later, is very minimal decorating and no flashy colors. Student work is what decorates the walls. Students are responsible for anchor charts and displaying helpful information.

5. Connectivity options

Our classroom will utilize what our building uses as our LMS and that is Canvas. Students know how to access Canvas both at school and home and their coursework is loaded accordingly. I also use ClassDojo and SeeSaw as communication and portfolios. Students have a Lenovo Chromebook and are 1:1. We also have an interactive whiteboard, 3 desktop computers, and 3 extra Chromebooks. We also have 22 kindles, a 3D printer, Microbits, and WonderWorkshop Robots. We use headphones and have an all in one printer, scanner, and fax. Students may also bring their own device on specific days for activities we are doing in class.

6. Classroom environment

My classroom would have natural light with windows and skylights. If we needed extra light we would have the option of typical classroom lights but would only use them when necessary. Light blues and dark blues would be the paint and soft greys would compliment. Calming colors help students focus and stay calm. I have plants, pictures of my family, and maybe a few decorations but not many. Student work is the focus. I previously discussed furniture. It needs to be durable and serve a purpose. I also Scotchguard everything to help protect it. Since it’s my dream classroom I would also have a saltwater fish tank.

7. Support for active learning

My teaching style and my classroom are the key to student learning. Expecting them to take responsibility for their learning makes students rise to the occasion. Guess what? They do! All students can learn this way. It doesn’t matter if they are ELL , SPED, Gifted, or average; they all have control over their own learning.

8. Learning styles

My classroom is well equipped for all learning styles. I hold small groups and students are welcome to join at any time. I encourage students to learn the way they learn best.

9. Goals for teaching and learning

I am a facilitator and not a teacher. I give students the resources and opportunities to learn. We set learning outcomes and goals and then it is up to them to work towards it. I just help guide them and keep them on track should they get lost. Students are able to drive their own instruction and understanding.

10. Student engagement

Using an APB model of instruction students are naturally engaged because they are doing. Students are willing to behave so that they are able to take part in the cool projects we are doing. Service Learning is another great way to have students reflect and think about the bigger picture. It provides amazing learning opportunities for real life and academic. I use Class Dojo as a reward system. Students can earn points to cash in for prizes.

I then took these ideas and used Google Drawings to try and map out what this might look like.

At the end of the day it doesn't matter what your classroom looks like, as long as it is student centered and filled with love.