September 1, 2009

By: Kimberly W. from Muskegon Heights, MI
Comments: 5

Paul I hope your lesson plan is added soon. We do not start school until September 8th so I still have time to plan for this exciting adventure. I will definitely keep you all posted on how things work out.

Posted By: Kimberly Washington
On: 8/28/2009 6:43:04 AM

This year I have opted to let my students design the set up of the classroom. This will be very interesting because I am very organized person and like to feel prepared. I have nothing on the boards and the chairs and desk piled up in the middle of the class. I want them to design what they believe to be a workable room. School does not start for me until Sept. 8th and I am not sure if I am going to make. To walk in my class everyday like this makes me feel as if I am not prepared. In the end I am hoping that both the students and I will feel a sense of gratification.

Posted By: Paul Verstraete
On: 8/29/2009 4:04:40 PM

I created a lesson plan, which I hope to upload to this site in the next couple of days, based on having the students redesign my classroom. The room starts out in rows and then after a few days of rules, procedures, and getting to know activities I ask the students to redesign the room based on groups.

Posted By: Rosalind Allen
On: 8/29/2009 9:23:00 PM

I think this sounds like a very interesting idea. I'll be curious to know how it turns out and how the students ultimately decide to group themselves. I also would love to hear if you decide to let them keep it that way after a few weeks. Please keep us posted!

Posted By: Jennifer Manglicmot
On: 8/29/2009 10:44:14 PM

Involving the students in the design of their classroom will be a very engaging and teambuilding process! I applaud your decision to commit to this opening design project...I know it may be an uneasy feeling at first to have your classroom start out this way, but I do believe that you will see great benefits from having your year start out like this. What age group do you teach?

Posted By: Andrew Doyle
On: 9/1/2009 11:44:40 AM

Great idea! My kindergarten class had to start this year in a temporary space as a new modular building was being set up. It's been a bit frustrating to know that all of the time spent on making it a welcome environment is just practice for the real room. I really like this idea to help wrap my head around the move. The new room is MUCH larger and I am already worried about getting it just right. I think that by involving the students in brainstorming what their classroom needs is a super way to promote ownership and responsibility. By having a hand in staging the new room, I hope that they will take extra care to make sure the room is well maintained!!

Posted By: Kimberly Washington
On: 9/1/2009 12:29:28 PM

Paul I hope your lesson plan is added soon. We do not start school until September 8th so I still have time to plan for this exciting adventure. I will definitely keep you all posted on how things work out.