During school breaks, I am always making grand plans for the return. A larger construction area, some new classroom jobs, a week of letting the children create a sorting system for our beloved recycled materials...my lists are always massive. We have a really long break this year - we don't return to school until January 11th - so I just might be organized enough to prepare a few of these things.
Classroom rearrangements are on my mind this year. There isn't anything wrong with our setup, but some simple changes wouldn't hurt. I am thinking about a storytelling table (inspired by Turtlewings), and I am also thinking about this photo I saw over here. A meeting place in the center of the room, rather than in the corner, that our day centers around. It is the idea of the Italian piazza, where the community meets to eat, talk, and watch.
I could go on for a very long time about this, and walk you through my rambling thoughts, but I should probably leave it at this. Do you have any thoughts for the new year in your classroom, school, or home?
Happy Holidays!
My plans for breaks always center around getting my storage spaces organized. I know, not very creative. On the other hand, I almost never get around to it. =)
ReplyDeleteI would be a little concerned about any significant changes to the classroom over my breaks because I'm worried my 2-year-olds would find it disorienting after the long break. Last year, because of heavy snow, they missed nearly a month of school. It was like starting the school year all over again in January.
That said, I do like Kristin's idea of having circle time in the middle of the room. One of my colleagues has a space that's actually way to large for her needs. She has drawn everything into the center -- as you mention -- like a piazza, with her stations surrounding a large round rug. Pretty cool. The extra space around the outside is left toyless for kids to just burn off energy.
My thoughts have been working similarly. However, my classroom is so small and the space limits us a lot. We are due to move at the end of the year, so I will see what I can do.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of a center. I could imagine moving our carpet space there to be honest, and to move working spaces outside.
Designing a room for 8 and 9 year olds is different from a Pre-K room, yet I do find that inspirations from Preschool always work well in my class.
Have you got any suggestions for a small rooms for 11 students? (PYP)
I too think about changes and fresh starts for the return to school in January. I have changed my room around and think I have created more cozy areas. I have a small room and but even still, I know that the kids crave little spaces of their own.
ReplyDeleteOur daily schedule has been something I have tinkered with since day one. I have tried infusing the schdule with elements that seem more Reggio inspired. What does your daily schedule look like?