cLaSsRoOm EnViRoNmEnT mAtTeRs

If you were a teacher would you rather teach in this environment?

OR

This environment?

Now what if you were a student? Where would you rather sit and try to stay focused and learn?.....The messy one right?! haha I doubt any of you chose that one. I'm assuming EVERYONE would love to be in the organized and clean classroom whether you are a teacher or a student. It is the most appealing, hands down! 

In chapter 4 of Fulfilling The Promise, Tomlinson states that a classroom environment will most often be the first "messenger" on how learning will take place. Walls, bulletin boards, artifacts, furniture arrangement, materials and exhibits are all factors when considering the environment of your classroom. The classroom environment communicates loudly about personal affirmations and potential for individual contribution and power derived from knowledge. 

A couple of scenarios were shared in the book that I would like to share with you on ways to help create a good classroom environment:

Scenario 1: An elementary school teacher has 3 important goals she considers when planning her classroom environment:

1. She wants students to see themselves in the room. She does this by incorporating different student cultures in the room. She also has a "kids corner" where she has artifacts that would interest kids. Students can bring artifacts as well that reflect their own interests. 
2. She wants the room to convey a message of flexibility. She does this by using different kinds of furniture that are different shapes.
3. She wants students to understand that the work they do is important and interesting. She does this by having a bulletin board with adult professionals work and leads discussions about how their work is just as important as the professionals. 

Scenario 2: A high school teacher is sure to be at the classroom door as students are entering and leaving the classroom. This is one way to make personal contact with each and every student. He makes sure he is equal and calls on both male and female students frequently. He wants students to know what he expects of each of them no matter what their level. He also uses a system called "one-on-one" to hear and attend to student opinions and feelings. Finally he holds in class discussions to hear their perspectives.

Scenario 3: A middle school teacher understands that both teacher and student talk greatly affect the tone of the classroom. She teaches her students to listen respectfully to the ideas of peers and how to make suggestions positively. She is always modeling these attributes as well. She shares her own imperfections with her students and she finds positive humor that can lighten situations with out hurt. 

What teachers can do to help create a positive classroom environment: 

• Study Students' Cultures
• Convey Status
• Comment Creativity
• Make Room For All Kinds of Learners
• Celebrate Success
• Help Students Know About One Another (Morning Meetings *cough-cough*)