Above is a room arrangement for my ideal classroom. I will go into some depth and explain the process I took in designing the classroom. The door, although it is not labeled, is in the lower right hand corner of the diagram.

The teacher’s desk is central in the room, facing students, and able to see the door as to who is coming and going. It is also close to the rug area, round work tables and computer so that from my desk I will be able to oversee these areas of the classroom. I will have a basket for all work to be turned in on my desk. I will also house extra pencils, crayons/markers, erasers, etc. on the shelves behind my desk.

Shelves and storage space line the room enabling the room to be organized so that students can easily locate materials when needed. I will also have room to store seasonal items, or items not consistently in use throughout the day or school year, for example science or art material.

The rug and beanbag chair area would be the classroom library with books on shelves and displayed above the shelves for students use. Students would be able to sit on the rug or in a beanbag chair comfortable to enjoy a book.

The kidney table would be utilized in working with small groups. Working at the kidney table I would still be able to view the students at their desks working or student’s at the class library. Also, even though I would be involved with the students at the table, I am close to the door so as to be able to again, note students coming and going.

There are two round tables located in the room also. These would be utilized for group work. I think it’s important for students to work collaboratively in small groups and this would give them a place to bring their books, papers, and/or pencils to work together. The tables are spread far enough apart that the two groups will not disturb each other, yet still within view from either the teacher’s desk or the kidney table. One of the round tables is obviously much closer to the teacher’s desk and kidney table and would be utilized for the louder of the two groups.

Within my classroom I would house a minimum of three computers. I think technology is important within a classroom and an ever growing academic area for our students. Students may not have access to computers at home, making it even more vital to have access in class. The computers will be housed towards the front of the classroom so that they are easily monitored, yet far enough away to not be distracting to students not utilizing them.

There will be a smart board and at least two white boards within my classroom. The white boards will house items such as the schedule for the day, other important notes for students to be reminded of throughout the day, and some instruction. The smart board will be used for instruction and centers. The position of the Smart Board will enable all students to be able to view it easily. The white boards will be able to be utilized off to the sides for writing websites for the computer area, or working with small groups of students at the round table.

Finally, the students are truly in the center of the room because they are the most important part. Their desks for the first month of the school year will be in rows until I determine who will work well together. Then groups will be formed as to who will complement each other, what students can help others, and students that will be able to get along with each other and grow the most together.