Classroom design is one of those 21st century ideas that seems to be considered last when thinking about making necessary changes to meet the needs of our 21st century students. However, I believe this is one of the first steps we need to take to bridge "what we use to do" with "what we are doing today." When talking about the skills that our students need, these soft skills of collaboration, critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and time management, we have to look at classroom environment to help encourage these opportunities. When I think of today's classroom, my first vision is Starbucks. Not just because I love their Caramel Frappuccinos, but because of the environment that Starbucks has created. Starbucks has given thought to the design of the door handle when you enter, the flow, lighting and visual cues, seating options, and more. It might be why this coffee shop has become a multi-billion dollar company. It's not enough to have just good coffee. My first thought when thinking about changing the layout of my classroom, is always Starbucks. How do I create this type of environment that provides my students with the best opportunity to learn and become activite and engaged learners? I know, you might be saying, BUT what about the money, where will I get the funds or materials to create this awesome environment for our students. I too know the constraints of funds of a school district, but here are some great resources to help you redesign your classroom:
Donors Choose Connecting teachers in high-need communities with donors who want to help. My favorite place to go and view pictures of what other teachers are doing in their classrooms. A place for inspiration, and building your own. Online Garage Sales People are selling furniture all the time on Facebook garage sales, and sometimes you can find some items for FREE! (Teacher's favorite cost: FREE!) Grants Yes, this is work, but worth every penny. This year, I wrote a grant called "A Grand Invention." I had asked for $1000 to help students build and create their own classroom furniture. So next year, students will be helping build furniture in their own classroom. If you want to redesign your classroom, then don't let anything stop you! If you have great ideas of how to redesign on a budget, then please share. How did you get your inspiration? Where did you get the funds to redesign your classroom? Let's reach out and connect on building better classrooms. I will continue to use Starbucks as my inspiration for the redesign of my classroom! I hope to have students walk into my class and say, this is awesome. While, I hope to have teachers, parents, and administration walk in and see amazing things happening. Not because they are silent, sitting in rows of desks, but because students are engaged and active in their learning. So while I drink my Caramel Frap, I will dream of the redesign I will create for my classroom next year. Thank you Starbucks, not only for the amazing coffee drinks, but for the classroom inspiration.
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Kelly GarnerMy goal as a teacher is to inspire and equip students to dream big and take risks! Archives
August 2016
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