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Map the Classroom Reflection

Using information presented in course texts and classroom discussion,
evaluate your classroom layout on the other side. Identify pros and cons of
the layout and explain how you think the layout could be improved.
Pros
Cons
What should be changed?
Many Resources
Not a lot of empty
Maybe by removing some of the
available the
space in the
unneeded furniture/tables she would
classroom
classroom
have more space throughout the class.
Bug rug for class
discussions

Classroom only
seats 20 students

Excluded areas
for stations

Small area for white

board discussions

Students are
close in range

Walls too busy/

distracting

Sink and water

fountain
available inside
of classroom

Not easy to circulate

around room with
many barriers

By switching to desk Ms. Sommer would

then be able to seat however many
children she needs instead of limiting her
classroom with tables to only 20
students.
By removing her actual desk she doesnt
use or by moving her resource table over
to her desk area the students would have
more space to sit in front of the white
board.
By eliminating some of the instructional
posters on the walls the room would look
less hectic.
Again, by switching to desk Ms. Sommer
would be able to create a more effective
walking path to reach each one of her
students without any barriers.

Analysis of classroom arrangement:

Mrs. Sommers classroom has a lot of great elements, but there seem to be
too many. Although I like many of the things she has in her room, the clutter makes
it hard to notice the good. The layout of the room is quite unusual, especially since
she cannot use the whiteboard while her children are at their desks. Rather, they
move to the whiteboard, which inevitably causes disruptions. Mrs. Sommer is
aware of some of the downfalls to her room. She told me that she would prefer
individual desks for the children in order to allow for more children. This showed me
that it is not always going to be easy to get the exact layout that I envision for my
future class. I like Mrs. Sommers idea of having class discussions take place in the
same area. It helps to create a space specifically made for the students to be open
and creative. I believe these discussions help foster the childrens learning. Im
sure I will take elements from Mrs. Sommers room with me into the future, but I
am glad I know that there is such a thing as too much.

Analysis of teachers movements:

Mrs. Sommers movements throughout the day were quite varied. During
most of the day she stayed at her resource desk in the middle of the room or
seated at the small group table. During lecture Mrs. Sommer usually stayed at the
front of the room near the white board. This kept her close to the students, allowing
her to keep an eye on all of them as group while she taught. However, during
independent work or tests she made laps around the room to ensure everyone was
on task and provide assistance to students in need. One of the things I enjoyed
most about Mrs. Sommers interactions with the children was during their individual
reading time. She sat with each child to make sure they comprehended the
material, as well as providing one on one time with each child.
Reflection:
Mrs. Sommers classroom is arranged in an unconventional manner. Although
breaking the norm can be a nice way to spice things up, the classroom needs to
maintain order. The limited ability to have a direct path to each student in the
classroom inhibits Mrs. Sommers mobility. Unfortunately, mobility is key in a
classroom to eliminate behavioral issues or for guidance during classroom
activities. Ms. Sommer also has issues circulating during independent instruction.
Although Mrs. Sommer is very close to her students during instruction, she may be
too close with that many students sitting at her feet. Also, if the room is busy the
students will constantly be tempted to look around. For example, her wall
decorations seemed a little too extravagant. The walls were filled with her past
lessons (written on giant post-it notes) stuck on top of Dr. Seuss decorations. One
of the things I enjoy about Mrs. Sommer is that she establishes a connection with
her students. Everyday she has reading stations with the children individually,
which gives them a chance to grow closer to her. Beyond Ms. Sommers classroom
she is an excellent teacher who always teaches to mastery at a perky pace. All in
all Im very glad that I got to observe Mrs. Sommer. Although my room will be much
less cluttered than hers, I hope to engage with my students as well as she does.