PLANNING 101: Classroom Vision

Summary

In this educational planning video, the host, Money, addresses questions about her classroom vision drawing and shares her approach to classroom organization and management. She emphasizes the importance of planning for control over classroom content and offers insights on flexible seating, space utilization, and creating an inviting learning environment. Money also discusses her process for subject planning, using state standards and district unit plans to prioritize teaching objectives and ensure she meets educational expectations. She encourages viewers to try new classroom setups, like flexible seating, and provides tips for implementing changes while being prepared to adapt if necessary.

Takeaways

• 📈 The importance of planning in the classroom for better control over content and classroom management was emphasized.
• 🎨 The creator shared their classroom vision drawing which included elements like closets, library shelves, and flexible seating arrangements.
• 🤔 Addressing questions from followers, the video clarified that the classroom layout is a realistic representation of the available space.
• 🏫 The absence of a traditional teacher desk was highlighted as a way to maximize space and create an inclusive learning environment.
• 💡 The use of 'islands' or separate areas for individual and group work was discussed as a way to cater to different student preferences.
• 🌿 The incorporation of plants in the classroom as a metaphor for growth and the importance of nurturing both plants and minds was a unique point.
• 📚 The creator's approach to planning involves considering what furniture and resources are already available before purchasing new items.
• 📝 Tips for subject planning were shared, including printing out state standards and district unit plans to align teaching with expectations.
• 🔄 The flexibility to adjust teaching plans based on student needs and understanding of different learning paces was mentioned.
• 📐 The strategic placement of different activities and furniture in the classroom to optimize space and minimize distractions.
• 📋 The planning of bulletin boards in advance to save time and ensure a smooth start to the school year was discussed.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to address questions about the classroom vision that the teacher shared on Instagram and to discuss the importance of planning in a classroom setting.

Why does the teacher emphasize the importance of planning in the classroom?

The teacher emphasizes the importance of planning because it provides more control over content and can benefit classroom management, making it easier for students to recognize the structure and flow of learning.

How does the teacher plan the physical layout of the classroom?

The teacher plans the physical layout by drawing a vision of the classroom, identifying the placement of closets, library shelves, and flexible seating, and ensuring there is enough space for students.

Why did the teacher choose to not have a traditional teacher desk in the classroom?

The teacher chose not to have a traditional teacher desk to create more space in the classroom and to make the entire classroom area feel like it belongs to both the teacher and the students.

What is the significance of the 'islands' in the classroom layout?

The 'islands' represent separate areas where students can work individually if they prefer, allowing for a choice in learning environments and accommodating different student preferences.

How does the teacher plan to use plants in the classroom?

The teacher plans to use live and artificial plants to bring life into the classroom, teaching students about growth and the importance of nurturing, which is a metaphor for the development of their minds.

What is the teacher's strategy for shopping for classroom supplies and furniture?

The teacher's strategy involves assessing what is already available in storage, planning what is needed, and then shopping at stores like Michael's, Hobby Lobby, Ross, and Goodwill for the required items.

Why is the teacher considering covering the whiteboard with fabric or contact paper?

The teacher is considering covering the whiteboard to use it as a space for creating and displaying anchor charts, as they found using anchor charts with students to be effective and preferred over a traditional whiteboard.

How does the teacher plan to organize bulletin boards in the classroom?

The teacher plans the bulletin boards in advance, deciding on the content and layout, so that when it's time to set them up, it can be done quickly and efficiently, saving time during the school year.

What advice does the teacher give for subject planning?

The teacher advises to print out state standards and district unit plans, prioritize content based on the timeline, and be flexible with the plan to meet the needs of students where they are in their learning process.

How does the teacher approach implementing new classroom ideas that may be met with skepticism?

The teacher approaches it by doing research, having articles and data on hand to support the effectiveness of the idea, and being willing to try it out with the understanding that if it doesn't work, they will be ready to change it.