1. The Non-traditional Classroom
Chaos Or
Comfort?
The Non-traditional Classroom
Jana Pote
EHS Lg. Arts Teacher

2. Basic Needs of Students

3. Traditional classroom:
Uninviting
Sterile
Busy
Issues I wanted to address:
Sound sensitivity – soft seating absorbs sound
Homework – couches, beds, floors, dining tables, kitchen counters
Safety – a place that feels a bit like home
ADHD / fidgety students need to move in order to focus.
--Bungee chair, rockers, swivel chairs

4. This room is more than just a physical space.
It is a reflection of my attitude toward kids
and my philosophy of teaching.
I want students to look forward to coming to my class.
I want the physical needs of my students to be met so they can focus on academics.
I want to have high academic and behavioral expectations.
I want to provide deterrents to students’ desire to leave the room.
I want to be the teacher I wanted my own kids to have.

5. Procedures that make it work
Backpacks along wall
Papers are passed in and
out methodically around
the room
Hand in baskets on shelf
Check in – attendance sign in on table; makes it easier to take attendance without assigning seats (first time in 32 years I have ever tried to go without seating charts,
and it works!)
TV trays, white boards, clip boards for writing
Dining table = good writing surface
Natural groupings for collaborative learning
There IS structure in this classroom!

6. Student Survey Responses (Suggestion for improvement)
 Arrangement
Change arrangement once in a while.
Space gets cluttered without backpacks. (RUGS)
A little unorganized and random; could trip if you don’t pay attention.
Difficult to see over other students’ heads.
Choosing seats
First ones here always get the same places.
3rd person has to sit on crack in the couches.
Some people don’t make good choices who to sit by.*
Having people sit with different people in different areas would be an improvement.
Additional things
Have more goofy, bouncy types of chairs (bean bags, yoga balls)
Add a bar with drinks
More blankets.
Maybe adding some desks.
Pillows for back support would be nice, please.
More individual chairs with foot rests.   
Other
Stand up every so often.
Turn lights off.
I drop my pencil in the couch.
It may be slightly easier to lose things.
The chairs make me really hot and little uncomfortable.
The couches smell weird.

7. Parent Survey Responses
My daughter loves the changes..  She says she sits in a chair because of her long legs.  Very forward thinking idea to reach the “kids of today”.  It’s all about comfort and easy peasy!
My daughter likes not having to sit in a desk. She is usually sitting on our couch at home to do her homework so she likes the set up. She also like that it is a non-traditional classroom setting and she is more at ease.
My daughter says she feels more awake while sitting on the couch than a hard, uncomfortable desk.
She has a broken tailbone.  She goes to dance practice at 6 AM and some nights is at the dance studio until 930.  She likes this class and seems to be doing very well.  Since she has a broken tailbone, this is probably the only class she is comfortable in.  I know there are days she also really needs a snack mid morning since she got up at 445.  I can honestly say I was skeptical about kids eating in the classroom and this set up. However, it is working wonderfully for her. 
My son loves the set up in your classroom. It's an awesome reward for kids who try hard and care about learning. Very appropriate and conducive to learning!
My daughter LOVES your flexible seating.  She is a creative, relaxed student and learns best in that type of environment.  I love that you are giving kids choices in how they learn best.  Thank you for your flexibility on homework due dates too.  You have made her transition to high school so easy! I love what you are doing!  Keep up the creative choices for kids!
My first thought is, Who cares what they think it’s your classroom!  They must learn to adjust to the differences in the world.  A well rounded education with lots of new experiences is what life is about….I will find out what my little spoiled lady says and let you know.  I LOVE the idea.  IT’s OUT OF THE BOX!
Your new comfy seating is exactly how she does writing assignments at home. She sits on couch with lap-top computer on her lap.
My son rarely talks about anything from school, but I’ll tell you I think it’s a great idea. Hopefully you will start a trend. Glad to hear that the USD supported you on the attempt.
I like that you are trying something different to make the kids comfortable. I’m sure it is a nice change from the desks they sit on in every other classroom. My daughter has always studied on the couch at home so I feel this is a great idea. Hopefully makes them more attentive if they enjoy coming to your class room.

8. Challenges and obstacles
(discussion)

9. Your dream classroom How would you design your dream classroom?
What items would you need?
How would these things meet the needs of your students?