Floor Plan
I created a floor plan in an effort to organize my thoughts and ideas to enhance physical space. I decided to create a space that allows for student interaction and collaboration. There are several distinct areas in my classroom, each serving a different purpose. By creating sections within my classroom I was able to designate certain areas for specific activities. I also incorporated technology into my classroom by including a smart board, laptop, and television. Utilizing the internet and other media sources in the classroom is important in remaining up to date.
Pieces of the classroom:
There are 16 student desks with chairs upon first entering the classroom. By making a clear pathway through which students can get to their desks, I exhibited Diller's advice to "create spaces to walk between tables to facilitate while kids are working there" (18). I placed my desk at the front of the classroom so that I can see all students when I am instructing. My desk also has a laptop to aid in technology use. On the wall behind my desk, I placed an easel and a smart board to further stimulate technology use. Next to my desk, I created a little separate area where students can read and sit in a comfortable area. There are also cubby shelves in the area in which students can put personal belongings or study materials. This design relates to Diller's "small-group teaching area" because I have complete access to my students when they are in the area (22). On the opposite side of that wall, I put a picture frame that is aesthetically pleasing and a bookshelf that can hold curriculum textbooks and novels that students can access at any time. Across from the bookshelf, there are more cubby areas in which students can store their backpacks, books, and other personal belongings. In the back section of my classroom I placed science-related items that can be used in lab. For example, there is an empty table in the middle of the room that can be used for lab group work and experimentation. There is also a table with four chairs on the other side which can be used to further aid in student collaboration and discovery. There is also a dresser/storage area that can have "manipulatives stored in containers by unit of study" (23). I can use the stove/sink area for lab experiments and demonstrations. Lastly, I put a fish tank and a cactus in the corner to catch students' attention and keep them interested and engaged.
How does it fit into Danielson framework of teaching and the component you identified?
Creating a floorplan fits into Domain 2: The Classroom because it allow educators to create a layout for their room that fits their students' needs. It further fits into the Danielson Framework by meting the description of Component 2E: Physical Space. Designing a room with items and furniture for student use allows teachers to demonstrate an understanding of classroom physical space. It is important that teachers realize the importance of creating a comfortable and stimulating environment so that students can thrive.
By what process did you create the floor plan?
I created my floor plan by first brainstorming different pieces of furniture that I want in my future classroom. I then thought about how I wanted to section off different areas. I knew I did not want to create separate rooms, as this would seclude students from teacher supervision. For this reason, I simply placed a few walls to define the space in the room and create opportunities for group interaction. I then placed different pieces of furniture and technology into my classroom to create opportunity for students to utilize educational tools.
Artifact Reflection:
What did you enjoy about creating the artifact?
I enjoyed creating a floor plan because it provided me with the opportunity to think about my future classroom in a realistic and literal way. By designing a space for students, I was able to put myself in the shoes of a teacher and think about how I will approach classroom set-up when in become a teacher.
How does this experience relate to Growth Mindset?
Creating a floor plan relates to a growth mindset because it enabled me to use a website with which I was not previously familiar. Thus, I was able to experience new ideas and concepts. Furthermore, I was able to think like a teacher as I created my own space that can be used for student education.
How can you use this tool in your future classroom?
I can greatly utilize the floor plan website in my future classroom. The tool allows me to put ideas down into a physical worksheet without actually moving furniture and buying new technology. It also enables me to think of new set-up ideas and change them as I see fit. By creating a classroom floor plan I can input different objects into my classroom and then decide if the set-up will be effective.
Danielson, C. (2007). Enhancing professional practice a framework for teaching (2nd ed.). Alexandria, Va.: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Diller, D. (2008). Spaces & places: Designing classrooms for literacy. Portland, Me.: Stenhouse.
Pieces of the classroom:
There are 16 student desks with chairs upon first entering the classroom. By making a clear pathway through which students can get to their desks, I exhibited Diller's advice to "create spaces to walk between tables to facilitate while kids are working there" (18). I placed my desk at the front of the classroom so that I can see all students when I am instructing. My desk also has a laptop to aid in technology use. On the wall behind my desk, I placed an easel and a smart board to further stimulate technology use. Next to my desk, I created a little separate area where students can read and sit in a comfortable area. There are also cubby shelves in the area in which students can put personal belongings or study materials. This design relates to Diller's "small-group teaching area" because I have complete access to my students when they are in the area (22). On the opposite side of that wall, I put a picture frame that is aesthetically pleasing and a bookshelf that can hold curriculum textbooks and novels that students can access at any time. Across from the bookshelf, there are more cubby areas in which students can store their backpacks, books, and other personal belongings. In the back section of my classroom I placed science-related items that can be used in lab. For example, there is an empty table in the middle of the room that can be used for lab group work and experimentation. There is also a table with four chairs on the other side which can be used to further aid in student collaboration and discovery. There is also a dresser/storage area that can have "manipulatives stored in containers by unit of study" (23). I can use the stove/sink area for lab experiments and demonstrations. Lastly, I put a fish tank and a cactus in the corner to catch students' attention and keep them interested and engaged.
How does it fit into Danielson framework of teaching and the component you identified?
Creating a floorplan fits into Domain 2: The Classroom because it allow educators to create a layout for their room that fits their students' needs. It further fits into the Danielson Framework by meting the description of Component 2E: Physical Space. Designing a room with items and furniture for student use allows teachers to demonstrate an understanding of classroom physical space. It is important that teachers realize the importance of creating a comfortable and stimulating environment so that students can thrive.
By what process did you create the floor plan?
I created my floor plan by first brainstorming different pieces of furniture that I want in my future classroom. I then thought about how I wanted to section off different areas. I knew I did not want to create separate rooms, as this would seclude students from teacher supervision. For this reason, I simply placed a few walls to define the space in the room and create opportunities for group interaction. I then placed different pieces of furniture and technology into my classroom to create opportunity for students to utilize educational tools.
Artifact Reflection:
What did you enjoy about creating the artifact?
I enjoyed creating a floor plan because it provided me with the opportunity to think about my future classroom in a realistic and literal way. By designing a space for students, I was able to put myself in the shoes of a teacher and think about how I will approach classroom set-up when in become a teacher.
How does this experience relate to Growth Mindset?
Creating a floor plan relates to a growth mindset because it enabled me to use a website with which I was not previously familiar. Thus, I was able to experience new ideas and concepts. Furthermore, I was able to think like a teacher as I created my own space that can be used for student education.
How can you use this tool in your future classroom?
I can greatly utilize the floor plan website in my future classroom. The tool allows me to put ideas down into a physical worksheet without actually moving furniture and buying new technology. It also enables me to think of new set-up ideas and change them as I see fit. By creating a classroom floor plan I can input different objects into my classroom and then decide if the set-up will be effective.
Danielson, C. (2007). Enhancing professional practice a framework for teaching (2nd ed.). Alexandria, Va.: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Diller, D. (2008). Spaces & places: Designing classrooms for literacy. Portland, Me.: Stenhouse.