The Importance of the Physical Environment

Clayton & Forton explains to us how a whole-group meeting area is the “heart of the classroom,” and of central importance when arranging furniture. The meeting area is a place that is inviting, where all students feel comfortable, and all students are free to speak without barriers. This space should be big enough to where all students can sit in a circle, and all faces can be seen. Sitting in a circle minimizes distractions and allows the teacher to make eye contact with students. There should be atleast three passageways in and out of the area in order to avoid collisions, and passageways to exits should be clear. Also, the area should accommodate activities other than meetings, such as small-group lessons, drama, partner reading, math games and more.

Outside of the meeting area, Clayton & Forton explain how furniture should be arranged is vital to the learning environment. We should plan for enough work spaces. For example, assigned seating during time, workstations for independently or partner work, and quiet, cozy spaces for reading. The arrangement of furniture should be flexible, allowing the students space to move things around for activities. Round tables should be present for small-group lessons and for students to work on larger activities like maps and murals. Clipboards should also be available for student use so that they can work anywhere in the room. Providing options of variety and comfort will increase student engagement in learning.

During my lessons, I allow my students to pick areas in the classrooms to read, or do individual/partner work. I believe allowing your students to do so will helps them feel more comfortable and more relaxed when completing their work. Clipboards and whiteboards are available for students' use as well. The text explained how the morning meeting area should be used for activities outside of the meetings. One example of this is when I gathered the students and used the smartboard in a social studies lesson on maps. I found an interactive version of "There's A Map on My Lap," which the students loved.

Clayton, M. K, & Forton, M. B. (2001). Classroom spaces that work. Thunder Falls, MA: Northeast Foundation, Inc.

#feap2a #feap2f #feap2h #feap2i