Classroom Environment Supporting the literacy and numeracy classroom Opprotunity for us to take a look at the components of a comprehensive literacy and numeracy classroom and hear from your fellow colleagues as to the process they went through to enhance their classroom environement. Purpose for this morning is to: 1/ let you know this room is here and consider the components of this set up 2/invite you to think about how you could incorporate some of ideas into your classroom and use this room during your literacy/numeracy block

Importance of Planning Classroom Space Provides purpose to each area of your room May reduce classroom behaviours Allows opportunity for student ownership Encourages teacher to consider important materials Before we look at the components of the room, here are some reasons to plan classroom space. Helps organize your thinking /planning of what you are going to do and where you are going to do it in your class 2. If students know what they are supposed to be doing and using in each area of the room it may reduce behaviours 3. This design allows for student input which encourages ownership 4. Encourages us to think about what we need in each area –where do I put books for guided reading and the works that goes with it, what about my leveled books, for that day

Student Learning and Achievement Expected Practices .Component #1 Student Learning and Achievement classrooms are inclusive learning environments so that all students feel safe and they belong Considerations for Planning Your Classroom Environment The expected practices supports the idea of planning your classroom environment.

Instructional Leadership Component #2 Instructional Leadership the comprehensive literacy model reflects the needs of students and ensures the gradual release of responsibility considering space and materials for this is important at any grade level designated literacy and mathematical areas to house extensive selection of leveled reading materials, and math manipulatives. Also a range of technologies support the need of all students and their learning

Curriculum and Instructional Strategies Component #4 Curriculum and Instructional Strategies Teachers and students co-create instructional tools (e.g. word and strategy walls, anchor charts, rubrics and exemplars, processes for mental math)

Getting Started Large group meeting area Small group meeting area Plan your space by drawing a map. Suggested order of set up Large group meeting area Small group meeting area Classroom library Word walls and wall space Works stations Student Desks Teacher desks A great time and energy saver is to draw a map – use post it notes to move things around Here is a suggested order to guide you through a possible set up

Large Group Teaching Area What you will need: Large rug to define area Writing easel/big book stand/white or chalk board Table for writing supplies *place by large wall space (chalk/dry erase board)* Links to Instruction Model how to read, write and do math skills Read-aloud, shared reading Modeled and shared writing GO TO LARGE GROUP TEACHING AREA Lesson design requires a large group teaching area for sharing new information, modelling of skills, and concepts. Having an area that allows all students to see the board, anchor charts and have large group discussions is a primary consideration in setting up space. REVIEW WHAT IS IN ROOM.

Large Group Teaching Area Here is an example of a large group teaching area in a junior classroom. You can see the space for the group to gather, chart stand, table for supplies. Relate to classroom.

Small Group Teaching Area What you will need: Table for small group teaching Shelves/file boxes for small group reading materials Tool box of materials (markers, post its, pencils, pens etc) Bulletin board/display space for posting anchor charts Links to Instruction Supports 4-6 students at a time for reading, writing or math instruction (specific to needs) Supports small group discussion groups Position so teacher can view the entire class

Classroom Library What you will need: Links to Instruction Bookshelves Plastic bins, or baskets for books Labels for book baskets (made with students) Links to Instruction Place to self-select books for independent reading Cozy area to read in during literacy work stations Place to practice what we have been learning about: genre, authors, content, strategies Ways to Organize Books theme author magazines levels No matter what you teach a classroom library offers students exposure to text related to your subject area. It supports program through themed or unit bins, levelled books , magazines etc. It can support literacy stations, place after work completion or free time.

Classroom Library

More Classroom Libraries

Word Walls What you will need: Links to Instruction Cards with upper and lowercase letters words (picture cues) Word wall words typed in black for all students to see Low, interactive placement for students (students can see/reach words) Unit word list linked to science/social studies/math etc High-frequency words commonly misspelled words Velcro or magnetic strips for words (makes words detachable) Links to Instruction Displays words we’re paying attention to as readers and writers Make connection to these words while modeling how to read and write Use and spell these words correctly in reading and writing Able to take the words on/off wall as needed for reading/writing

Word Walls Primary Word Walls interactive -magnetic strips -velcro position at eye level interactive -magnetic strips -velcro add words as they are introduced after lessons taught consider size of words personal word walls

Word Walls position on bulletin boards theme /unit specific Junior/Intermediate position on bulletin boards theme /unit specific lists of words that should be spelled correctly

Wall Space

Displaying Student Work

Anchor Charts Anchor charts are visual reminders of lessons taught. They are created with the students (student language) well organized and easy to read. Reflect current teaching.

Anchor Chart

Math Anchor Charts

Work Stations Writing Area/Work Stations What you will need: Small table or 2 desks put together Trays for stacking and organizing paper Containers for writing utensils Work station activity package Links to Instruction Space to practice writing during literacy work stations time Support centre based learning – no matter what the subject. Creating areas for partners or small groups to work together. Stations might include listening, computer, writing, science math centres. Spread them around the room for dispersing noise level.

Student/Teacher Desks What you will need Students desks grouped together to save space Teacher desk in small, out-of-the-way space Links to Instruction Places for students to work independently to practice reading, writing, math, etc Personal space for kids and for teacher Last area to set up. See screen

Do you know???? What is the first area you should consider when planning your classroom? What is the last area to consider in your plan? Why is it important to consider classroom space?

Consider what you heard and saw this morning..... Exit Pass............. If there was one thing you could alter in your classroom to move towards a more comprehensive literacy and numeracy classroom what would it be and how could you do it ? On a sticky note write down what that would be. Is there a way we can help you do it? Create a design for your classroom environment for you fall set up.