Learning Environment: Setting the Stage for Academic Success From Leading and Managing a Differentiated Classroom (Ch. 4) Katie Boyle

The importance of a positive classroom climate… “Learning occurs best in a positive environment- one that contains positive interpersonal relationships and interactions, that contains comfort and order, and in which the learner feels appreciated, acknowledged, respected, and validated.” -Barbara McCombs and Jo Sue Whisler

In a Differentiated Classroom, the Expectation is that Students Will: Increase their proficiency and comfort while working independently, in small groups, and whole class Think at high levels Support the learning of their peers actively and effectively Help the teacher make the classroom work

In a Differentiated Classroom, the Teacher Will: Study students consistently in order to teach more effectively Build a community in the classroom intentionally and explicitly Work with individuals, small groups, and the whole class on a regular basis Use flexible student groupings Address readiness, interest, and learning profile needs for each learner

Teachers Must Get to Know Their Students!!

Strategies for Getting to Know Students (Figure 4.2, page 82) Greetings at the door “All About Me” Bags Communication Journals Note Taking Surveys One to Ten

Building Community in the Classroom In differentiated classrooms, a teacher leads students to craft a common vision of a class in which there is room for everyone and individuals make a commitment to support one another in learning A community provides a support system that helps the teacher oversee and maintain the effective operation of a classroom designed to operate flexibly and maximize the growth of each student

Strategies form Building a Classroom Community (Figure 4.3, p. 89) Purposeful Talk Keeper of the Book Integrating New Students Welcoming Guests into the Classroom Working on a Sustained and Meaningful Product Model What Matters

Using Student Groups… Integral to building a productive, positive community Provide an opportunity for students to share ideas, get input, encounter alternative ways of approaching problems/tasks, and get support.

Principles of Effective Grouping: Flexible Teach up Use multiple ability tasks Assign individuals roles within groups Make content accessible to everyone Assign competence

The Physical Environment…Furniture Arrangement/Floor Plan The physical environment in a differentiated classroom should provide the structure and predictability that is needed in order for students to feel secure.

The Physical Environment…Furniture Arrangement/Floor Plan Opt to use tables instead of individual desks Arrange 4-8 individual seats/desks in one area of the room Arrange the room so you can easily walk among students Maintain “private space” as much as possible Position your desk in an out of the way place, not front and center

Wall Space and Bulletin Boards These environmental elements humanize a classroom and contribute to learner independence and success.

Wall Space and Bulletin Boards Make sure assignment charts are large enough for students to see from anywhere in the room Designate wall/bulletin space that will contain information about key assignments Consider a “hint board” Designate space that will contain exemplars of student work

Materials, Supplies, and Organizers The idea here is to give students access to what they will need as they work in a way that maximizes efficiency and minimizes disruption.

Materials, Supplies, and Organizers Store materials that are used often in accessible places Store material that should be unavailable to students in places where it is difficult for them to see or access Use bins, tubs or boxes to keep supplies organized Designate places in the classroom where students will turn in classwork and homework as they complete it