How to get into Play-Based Learning: Part 3 - A Playful Classroom Environment

Summary

Azadeh's classroom is a dynamic, play-based learning environment that encourages exploration and creativity. By integrating science and numeracy into hands-on discovery stations, students have the freedom to explore and learn through play. The classroom is intentionally organized, with accessible materials, clear labels, and a shared responsibility for maintenance. Azadeh fosters a safe and supportive space, where students are encouraged to self-regulate, collaborate, and engage in meaningful learning experiences. Instead of focusing on perfection, her classroom walls tell the story of student growth, reflecting their ideas and work over time.

Takeaways

• 😀 Azadeh uses a play-based approach to teach science and technology to second-grade students.
• 😀 She combines two different curriculum strands into multiple matter discovery stations.
• 😀 The classroom environment is well-organized with materials that are accessible and not cluttered.
• 😀 Each discovery station provides clues for student exploration, but students are encouraged to use materials in creative ways.
• 😀 Numeracy is integrated into the activities through opportunities for sorting, classifying, counting, and measuring.
• 😀 The classroom is stocked with versatile loose parts and materials that can be reused in various ways.
• 😀 Play materials are stored at student height for easy access and storage.
• 😀 Azadeh uses affordable storage solutions like dollar store baskets and recycled materials, rather than expensive options.
• 😀 Classroom maintenance is a shared responsibility, and labels and photos help students tidy up and transition smoothly.
• 😀 Azadeh aims to provide at least one hour of self-directed exploration time daily for students.
• 😀 Azadeh creates a safe and supportive classroom environment where students feel comfortable exploring, taking risks, and contributing ideas.

Q & A

How does Azadeh incorporate play into her science units?

Azadeh uses a play-based approach by creating multiple matter discovery stations that combine science and technology curriculum strands. These stations are designed to allow students to explore materials in various ways, enhancing their learning through hands-on experience.

What is the setup of Azadeh's classroom like?

Azadeh's classroom is well-organized, with a carpeted area for circle time and tables for collaborative work. It is stocked with materials that are easily accessible to students, stored at their height for convenience. The space is inviting yet not cluttered, and discovery stations are designed with clues to guide exploration.

How does Azadeh integrate numeracy into her students' learning?

Azadeh integrates numeracy by providing opportunities for students to sort, classify, count, and measure during their exploration of materials. This approach connects mathematical concepts with the play-based activities in the classroom.

How does Azadeh manage classroom storage and organization?

Azadeh uses affordable solutions like dollar store baskets and recycled materials for classroom storage, which are just as effective as more expensive options. She also relies on labels and photos to help students maintain order and transition between activities.

What is Azadeh’s approach to creating a safe classroom environment?

Azadeh strives to create a safe environment where students feel comfortable exploring and taking risks. She fosters a positive classroom culture by welcoming students warmly, paraphrasing their ideas without criticism, and promoting self-regulation and respectful language.

How does Azadeh address student emotional development?

Azadeh supports emotional development by encouraging self-regulation and creating a quiet area in the classroom for students who need a break. She recognizes that changes in the brain and body can make learning difficult when students are stressed.

How does Azadeh handle conflicts between students?

Azadeh encourages students to resolve disputes on their own before seeking adult intervention. She models respectful listening and communication, promoting the development of conflict resolution skills in her students.

What changes did Azadeh make in how she decorates her classroom this year?

This year, Azadeh chose to leave the classroom walls almost blank at the beginning of the year. Over time, as students create work, the walls gradually fill up, reflecting the ongoing learning process instead of curated perfection.

Why is time considered an important resource in Azadeh's classroom?

Time is crucial in Azadeh’s classroom because she believes that students need a minimum of one hour each day for self-directed exploration. This allows them to engage deeply with materials and ideas, fostering independent learning and creativity.

What is the role of Azadeh’s classroom walls in student learning?

The classroom walls play a role in documenting student progress. Rather than being used for perfect displays, they tell the story of student learning over time, showcasing the journey of discovery and development.