The+Classroom+Space

= Welcome to our kindergarten classroom! =

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As I walked into the classroom, I could immediately tell that the classroom was a comfortable learning environment for the students by the orientation of the classroom and the energy coming from the teacher. The students were able to move freely from their desks to their cubbies, and even the carpet, where the morning meeting and most instruction took place. During the morning meeting, the teacher would assign a helper for the entire day, giving a student the opportunity to become the teacher and run the entire morning meeting on the Smart Board. This was incredible to observe because the students were completely independent throughout the entire lesson and the daily helper would call on different classmates when the teacher asked anchoring questions. Interaction between students occurs during the daily 5. Students are given the option each day to choose a one out of five stations that they would like to work at, which is shown on a chart.However, students are only allowed to go to each station once per week. This method is great for students because it gives them a sense of responsibility and independence but they are still working at each targeted area. The carpet is another place where interaction between students and with the teacher can happen easily because they are able to talk to each other and participate in the lesson. In the back of the room, there is a red table, also known as the “rainbow table,” where students meet with the teacher to complete assessments or complete small group activities.

The walls in the classroom have several instructional posters that were written by the teacher throughout the year. The teacher, Ms. Kamm, explains how she wrote and created each poster after introducing different rules to the students because if the walls were covered with posters beginning on the first day of school then the students could become quite overwhelmed. Unlike, many Kindergarten classrooms, Ms. Kamm does not display a poster with class duties or a calendar by the carpet. The classroom integrates technology in a very effective manner and the calendar, weather, math activity and literacy activity are all done on the Smart Board. Therefore, the teacher took down all the posters on the dry erase board because they were no longer an effective tool in the classroom. The classroom calendar that was once used daily during the morning meeting is now on the bathroom door for students to see as a daily reminder.

Strategic planning on the room’s structure is essential in any classroom. If the structure of the classroom is not planned out, than problems could arise throughout the school year that could be as simple as not having enough space to transition between lessons. Ms. Kamm is a great example of an effective teacher that makes strategic planning a priority. The teachers desk is placed by different stations that are frequently used throughout the day. On the left side of her desk is the library, to the right of her desk is the Smart Board, and in front of her desk is the “rainbow table.” From my experience in the classroom, it was evident that Ms. Kamm kept in mind the structure and operation of the classroom, so it conveys positive messages to students and any visitors. The reflection the room gives about math specifically is valued her. Manipulatives are stored on shelves along the window neatly with labels for the students to access on a daily basis. During the morning meeting, a new method is being used to help students understand subtraction and addition on the Smart Board. Students are able to interact with the smart board by writing in their answer and moving cubes from one side to the other.

The classroom make up has a great deal of effect on student learning and attitude towards school. To have a classroom that integrates technology at such a young age is incredible, and I feel blessed to be placed in such a fantastic classroom with such an amazing cooperating teacher. Not only is Ms. Kamm organized, but she has created a wonderful and powerful learning environment for all her students. In this classroom, as well as others in South Brunswick, community and forming close relationships is a philosophy that has been keep for years. And I believe that when students build trust within each other they will be able to support each other in active learning. Overall, the classrooms physical structure, relationships, and messages it expresses are all essential components to student success and to create a positive learning environment.