TAYLOR LUCAS 10/ 5/ 2014

FIRST GRADE

Classroom Design

Security and Shelter

My practicum teacher has a reading area set up in the back of the class with cushioned crates as seats and stuffed animals to read to.

The pencil sharpener and supply shelves are also located next to the door and away from the tables where the students work.

Social Contact

The desks are set up as clusters and students can move to different ones for centers.

I have not seen her change the desks around for different lessons though.

Symbolic Identification

There are many visuals around the classroom; from classroom rules, class schedule, and weather charts.

I thought that there could have been more visuals throughout the room like chore chart graphics, word walls, and behavior visuals.

Task Instrumentality

The class was set up so that the teacher’s desk was to the side of the classroom. The whiteboard and presentation materials were at the front of the classroom visible to all students. Also, the bathroom is located in the back of the class to avoid distractions.

There was also a station that included a set of drawers with all the students individual extra materials in their corresponding drawer. On top of the shelves there were extra pencils and paper.

Pleasure

There was not a lot of color or texture in the room. The only decorations on the wall were bland rules or posters. The reading area was just crates with fabric of the same color on top.

I really like reading areas that have different types of seating options and stuffed animals available.

Growth

There is also not a lot of growth options in the classroom. There are no play centers or drawing centers. The most creative center in the room is a dry erase board to practice writing.

I think it is important to have creative ways to practice what you have learned or even learn without realizing.

Resources

Nelson, H. (n.d.). Literacy Stations for 1st Grade. Retrieved October 6, 2014.

First Grade Math Unit 9. (n.d.). Retrieved October 6, 2014, from http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Grade-Math-Unit-9-1220316

Squish Preschool Ideas. (n.d.). Retrieved October 6, 2014, from http://squishideasforpreschool.blogspot.com/2012/08/back-to-school-classroom-decoration-and.html