My Model Classroom

My Model Classroom 

 

“The environment must be rich in motives which lend interest to activity and invite the child to conduct his own experience.” Maria Montessori

 

“But in our specially prepared environments we see them all at once fix themselves upon some tasks, and then their excited fantasies and their restless movements disappear altogether; a calm, serene child, attached to reality, begins to work out his elevation through work.  Normalization has been achieved.”  Maria Montessori 

 

I will go back to work at the Montessori school I work at before, located at Braintree, MA, and I will teach age group 3-6. Usually, each classroom will have 17-20 students; among them, one or two may have ADD/ADHD, and about 1/3 of them are ELL, according to my experience. The students are great, and they can take care of themselves, such as dressing themselves, serving snacks, cleaning up after them, and putting materials back to their original place on the shelf most of the time. They are also able to choose the work they are interested in.

 

 

  The classroom I worked at before 

 

A good classroom environment encourages students learning and increases teaching quality. I don’t how other people feel about the working environment, but a neat and organized working environment makes me happy, helps me focus, and improves productivity. So what is my model classroom? 

• Enough natural light

I was working in the classroom, which is a church basement and not enough natural light. I felt a little depressed working there, especially during the winter. Exposure to natural light helps our bodies produce Vitamin D, improves our circadian rhythms and sleep patterns, helps us to focus, enables us to get more done, and even makes us happier. Ensuring we get enough of this vital resource is key to our physical and psychological wellbeing. Therefore, natural light is the priority condition I consider. 

• Open space and well organize 

            Open space is good for classroom management. In the Montessori classroom, teachers have work with children one-on-one, and they still have to make sure the rest of the class still under their control. Teachers have better control work in an open space classroom. 

 

            Classroom setup is an essential component in a learning environment because it is a critical piece in classroom management to support both teaching and learning. The physical atmosphere of the classroom can help prevent behavior issues as well as promote and improve learning. The structuring of the learning environment is essential for teachers and students.

           

 

 

 

• Observation nook (for teacher)

I like to observe my students while they are doing their work every day when I have a chance. It helps me better understand my students and their behaviors. Identify their “special needs” and come up with some solutions. Hence, I need a great location in my classroom as my observation nook. 

• Live plants

My classroom must have some live plants; plants make the classroom full of vitality. Indoor plants can reduction in stress and increased productivity. Some time working with younger children is stressful; I need to reload their energy and calm myself down. 

 

• Drama play/ open-ended materials area

I believe social-emotion development is essential for younger, so I want my classroom to have a Drama play area or an open-ended materials area. Open-ended materials allow children the opportunity to be curious, creative, and directive their own play. Dramatic play teaches and promotes expressive language. Children are inspired to communicate their wishes to their peers and, therefore, must learn to speak from the perspective of their pretend roles. Dramatic play is often a good avenue for children who are shy or with low self-esteem to participate in a group.

 My ideal classroom I design couple years ago