Writing Classroom Ideas!
Hi all! This space is decided to ideas for my classroom focused on writing.
Beliefs
I strongly believe that the classroom should be a representation of the students and that the environment itself can be a teacher. Recently I have been reading Working in the Reggio Way by Julianne Wurm, which was changed some on my views on education. This book is eye opening and differs from the way school in done is the States. From my reading, my view on the classroom has grown. I want my future classroom to be a canvas, where students create their own body of book. I want the space to be clean and uncluttered so my students can make the classroom a home for learning. I want my classroom to provoke wonder,curiosity, and investigation with the materials it is filled with. With this, the classroom will be set up for children to pursue their different interests.
To wrap up my belief I will end with a quote :
"It has been said that the environment should as a kind of aquarium which reflects the ideas, ethics, attitudes and cultures of the people who live in it". - Loris Malaguzzi
Above is an idea I have for a possible classroom. Here are some things I strongly desire in my classroom:
Blank walls- This is probably the most important. At the beginning of the school year my classroom may look drab. Fear not- this is not forever! I want my students to fill up the space with their ideas,works, and topics we navigate.
Tables- Great for collaborative learning, working together, and centers.
Guided Reading Table/ Writing conferences center
Circle Time/Sharing Mat Rug
Library- Reading and writing nook
Smart Board and White Board
Cubbies
Role Play/House Keeping Center- Great for Social development, communication skills and more!
ABC wall/Word Wall- Learning letters and sight words
Windows- I love the outside
Doing Whole Group Writing (A space for whole group writing instruction is a must)
While modeling how to write during whole group in a primary class , I follow these steps:
1)Pick your topic
2)Draw a Picture
3)Add Labels
4)Write a Sentence
5) Add Detail
(A mentor text can also be use during this time)
My model writing lesson fits into numerous pillars of an effective classroom from the Classrooms That Work textbook by Patricia Cunningham and Richard Alllington. These authors state that an effective classroom is well managed, has high levels of engagement, and strategies that are explicitly taught!
Writing Journals!
I want each of my students to have a journal that they decorate and make their own. These journals will be used daily and will be personal to the students. I will also have journals to use during centers if a student has a passion for writing (which hopefully I foster in all my students).