After the fifth grade students designed their learning space, it was time to analyze all of their blueprints and make a final decision for the arrangement of the room. Using a Google form to create an online survey, the students came to a consensus on the type of learning centers they wanted as well as their location in the room.
Reading center
- natural light
- saucer chairs (spider chairs create too much movement)
- bookcase positioned to serve as a dividing wall for creating separate space from the adjacent game center
- conversation table for discussion
- headlines and language of thinking for visual learners
Making thinking visible allows the students to build understanding of what they are learning as their thoughts are displayed around the room. The students decided to create a project/design center with space to exhibit their end products.
- long rectangle table for standing around when creating or designing
- an unmounted bulletin board for displaying thinking
- storage bins for organizing supplies needed for creating or designing
- Peel the Fruit thinking routine
- white board for making thinking visible
Writing Center:
The students realized that improving on communication skills is a huge goal for the class, and they decided to make room for a writing center for small group learning.
- round table for better flow of discussion
- ladder of feedback and brainstorming thinking routine
- comfortable rolling chairs
- location next to the reading center so there are fewer distractions
The final results:
