(click any section below to continue reading)
Contents
Introduction: Jessica shows readers that just because you have 25 students in a classroom, doesn't mean you need 25 desks. Consider flexible seating your new best friend. Allow students to do their work where they are most comfortable. When students make their own decisions about where they learn best, engagement increases, potential behavioral issues reduce, and students are given autonomy over their learning. See this in action in the introduction where Jessica walks you through a day with Jayvon and allows his classroom experience to show rather than tell just how strategic classroom design works.
Chapter 1: What do we mean by classroom design? In this chapter we’ll explore the basic layout of your
space from the ground up. We’ll consider how to make room for a whole-group space, small group spaces, individual work spaces, and your teacher space. When you are reimagining your
classroom, it can feel overwhelming, so I’ll show you how to start with a simple layout plan.
Chapter 2: How can we set up our classrooms in strategic ways to cultivate curiosity, belonging, and academic growth? In this chapter, we’ll explore the other classroom work spaces—the library, multimedia learning space, maker space, play area, content area, and art space—and think about how
they can be designed to help breathe life and inspiration into your learning journey with students.
Chapter 3: How can we help students move, transition, and interact with one another and the classroom
environment in ways that feel conscious and connected? We’ll highlight the most commonly
congested traffic areas and challenges. In addition, we’ll consider ways to help students transition with more intention and purpose and how to co-author plans with your students to efficiently
gather supplies and complete assigned tasks and projects.
Chapter 4: Which elements of design make the most impact on teaching and learning according to research,
and which are the most budget friendly? We’ll take a closer look at what the research says about
the effects of light, color, sound, and natural elements on the classroom environment. Then we’ll
explore practical ways to incorporate these design elements into your own classroom.
Chapter 5
Follow one teacher’s journey as she strategically designs her classroom space. See before-and after images and learn about the ups and downs she encounters along the way.
In Depth
This book is designed for educators interested in learning more about the factors that contribute
to well-designed classroom spaces that connect with students and help teachers more effectively
navigate the world of teaching and learning. Each chapter is full of photographs of classrooms ranging
from grades K to 8. I share predictable challenges, one or two transcribed sample lessons, a chart
with specific lesson suggestions, and answers to some common questions in an "If–Then" section.
You can read this book from cover to cover or jump into a section that resonates with you;
perhaps it connects to a challenge or opportunity in your classroom, everything from How can
I create a learning space where everyone feels welcome and a sense of belonging? to What
do I do about the daily traffic jam that occurs at the supply station? to How long should it take
for my students to transition into the classroom from recess? We get used to constantly juggling what is in and out of our control. Sometimes we start off the school year without certain
supplies, the arrival of new students with only a moment’s notice, and broken classroom furniture, but we make it work. I am confident that you’ll find the information, makeover stories, and
photographs from educators—just like you—helpful and inspiring. You, too, have permission
to be creative and resourceful in your practice, going beyond the surface-level work of simply
creating aesthetically-pleasing learning spaces. Attention to classroom layout and co-authoring
with students about each space’s rituals and routines will inspire a greater sense of belonging as
well as provide students with opportunities to be part of an engaged, focused, and collaborative
community of learners.
