SWC #11: Reset the Space

During winter break, I had a dream about my classroom.  I'm one of those teacher nerds.  In my night time vision, I saw that desks were on the wall for more floor space to sprawl out and learn comfortably. 

Upon return to school this Thursday, I shared my dream with my learners.  At first, they laughed at their silly teacher.  Then, we had an earnest chat about the physical layout.  They agreed that it needed to be reset. 

As co-creators, I asked my learners how they envisioned the new space.  At first, they were stumped, so I shared an example of two sets of tables on the wall with an exposed corner where a learner could sit while silently reading.  This woke them up to the possiblities.  Here is what it looks like now. 

Our class decided to rip off the name tags on each seat and make it a more fluid space.  My learners want to be able to move every two weeks and work with different people.  Sometimes, they will only want to work with a partner and this is okay.  Other times, they will be open to working in a big group, which is equally alright.  The big thing is that they feel comfortable with their living space. 

Immediately, one of my learners commented on the extra space to stand and collaborate.  This sparked a different discussion of bringing in blankets, additional rugs, and pillows to make the space more our own. 

The learners who sat at this table group wanted to be with others to share ideas.  It became a table of only girls, which is fine right now.  We will have to sit by those silly boys soon. 

My desk area got a facelift as well. My learners shared that I should have a special place where I can put my things with organized cords and materials.  What a lovely sentiment. I can look out when it is snowing too. 

As we begin the next installment of learning (mid-term or beginning of the year), how will you set the space with your learners? 

There is more to come.  I need to capture more images when I go back to school on Monday.