Classroom Layouts that Work

This month's focus, classroom layouts that work, is another monthly update from Teacher Source newsletter...effective teaching strategies from Betsy Weigle and the latest additions to Classroom Teacher Resources, the website dedicated to your classroom and professional success.

August, 2011

Betsy Weigle's Classroom Commentary

I've been "playing house" in my room lately.

Late July is about when I start itching to get back with kids, so in addition to continuing with my summer homework, I usually start rearranging my classroom, searching for the elusive, ideal first-day-of-school classroom layout. My classroom organization job is made harder by the fact that my room has four doors, one in each corner, that cannot be blocked.

Day one of school is very focused on building a classroom community as quickly as possible, while launching curriculum in reading, writing and math. I have found that my "go-to" desk arrangement is groups of four to six surrounding my teacher desk, which I keep in the middle of the room for ease of student observation and interaction, and as our technology hub.

That's not to say it stays that way! Far from it...it is almost guaranteed that I'll be moving desks before the second day as I take the measure of student numbers and personalities. And as far as classroom layouts go, there is nothing magical about desk groupings; if your kids are part of a cohesive community, they will be able to interact no matter how you have your desks arranged.

As you can glimpse in this video, taken a couple of months ago, I've had desks set up in a giant horseshoe if the situation or behaviors call for it. And then there is "testing configuration," as you see below.

My kids quickly get used to to the fact that they may be moved at any time. My often-repeat mantras of "school is for learning, friends are a side benefit" and "we are willing to work with anyone" reinforce my expectations for their interaction with their new neighbors.

How does your classroom organization look on the first day of school? And how long does that last? Please share them on my FaceBook wall!

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Competition Update

As I mentioned last month, I was selected to attend the 2011 Microsoft Innovative Education Forum national competition to present my topic: "Connecting Classrooms with Skype." It is a kiosk-based judging competition.

Here's a peek at my kiosk...I was rushing, so it's a little herky-jerky!

It was a great time. I met lots of dedicated teachers and got a tour of a "top-secret" Microsoft development lab (I actually had to sign a non-disclosure agreement). I didn't win this year, but I've linked up with a partner to develop a student Skype collaboration around the scientific process for next year.

There are lots of opportunities to expand your teaching horizons. Look for them and give them a try!

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"Education is what survives when what has been learned
has been forgotten."
~B. F. Skinner

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Hot Topic from the Question & Answer Pages

Question:

How much can I inspire students in just one day of substitute teaching?

Answer:

A Lot!

First of all, if you are interested in becoming a teacher full time and want to get called back to sub again, you must do everything you can to inspire students. That begins the second you come through the door and write your name on the board...read the full response under the Becoming a Teacher Q&A Section

Ask YOUR question!

What's New at Classroom Teacher Resources

Facebook commenting on every page

Now you can share your insights at the bottom of every single page on my site! I look forward to hearing from everyone as you add to the conversation.

New videos on YouTube

As you can see from two of the video clips on classroom layouts I linked above, I have started a YouTube channel called The Teacher Resource. More videos on the way! Gotta get my two kids off to college first!

New website pages

Effective teaching strategies for homeless students

During the past month (in addition to playing with classroom layouts) I have been devoting all of my spare time to creating a new charity center on my website: The Teachers' Homeless Student Action Center. Homeless students have been one of my causes for several years, ever since I shared a building with our district's homeless liaison office. This is my chance to give back, using my online presence as a platform for awareness.

It's not done yet...I have a downloadable resource section to complete, plus a welcome page and video...but I want to give my newsletter subscribers a heads up on the first pages.

I'll let you know when it is ready for the grand unveiling, and you can help me spread the word on this extremely important topic.

Teachers.net columns:

I'm writing a monthly column for Teachers.net Gazette with the ongoing theme of "BUSTED: Myths Exposed for New Teachers."

Myth #4:
It's Possible to "Leave No Child Behind"

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See you next month...with more teaching insights and articles.

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