Grade 1 Classroom Design

 Dear Parents/Guardians, 

    Above you will see a map of your child’s classroom. The intention for this classroom design is to encourage student learning through inquiry exploration while keeping the flow of the day in mind. The round tables encourage student collaboration and discussion which will be necessary for students to partake in and inquiry-based learning program. These tables also reflect flexible seating which is also useful for inquiry based learning as projects will evolve and students will work collaboratively with their peers. The kidney table will allow for small group discussions and small group work based on students strengths and needs. 

    The art supply storage, tech supply storage, toys/clothes storage, and bookshelves all have there designated areas within the classroom so students learn organization skills, such as how to put things back where they are found, and that certain classroom tools belong in designated areas within the classroom. This will promote organizational skills and will learning overall as I believe students benefit from learning in an organized environment. Students will have access to the bookshelves during independent reading periods, partner reading times, or when an older buddy class comes for reading opportunities.

Children's learning will be reflected in the learning environment as they will help decorate, add personal touches to spaces in the classroom, and have their work put up on the walls. Within my classroom I would like to have a family wall where students can bring in a photo of who their family is for their peers to see, a birthday wall where we have the months of the year with all students and classroom teachers displayed, a “what we’re learning wall” where we can display various pieces from inquiry projects that students are taking part in, and an art wall to display the students latest art pieces. Within the bookshelves their will be various books that represent and relate to the students lived experiences, the books on the shelves will also be rotated monthly to ensure students are enjoying new and different reading materials.

    The classroom environment can be adapted in any way to fit the various strengths and needs of all students that will enter this classroom. This classroom will look different year to year, and even throughout the school year as different cohorts enter the room, and even throughout the year as students come and go and as students progress through their learning and their strengths and needs change. Some adaptations that could be made include : 

• Removing chairs and making space for a student who may be in a wheelchair. Ensuring there is space for them to move around the classroom with ease. 
• Adding sight words in the classroom for ELL and ESL students. 

• Providing space for students to take sensory breaks within the classroom. 

• Providing space for students who need extra floor space to be comfortable

    I will also be extending the students’ learning beyond the classroom by integrating outdoor lessons, utilizing spaces in nearby forests, park areas, grassy areas, and we can bring our learning back into the classroom by taking materials we find outside and integrating those materials with our toys and tools we have inside the classroom.

If you have any question about your students learning environment please feel free to reach out.

- Ms. Hamilton