Where to start…
The beginning of the academic year brings about every emotion. From frantically sifting through files, to coordinating scope and sequences, all the way down to scooting materials across the floor. Tape gets unpackaged, printers get warmed up, borders become pressed, rosters get reorganized, and furniture gets placed. The beginning of each school year requires educators to complete hundreds of tasks within a matter of weeks, most of the time days.
So, where does furniture come into play?
Systems
With every new year comes new expectations and new objectives. Every school, every grade band, every learning space includes its own unique set of systems. Processes and procedures which allow the space to function as best as possible, especially once learners are in the building.
Setting up systems for the physical learning space can be just as beneficial, if not more, than setting up systems for classroom culture, curriculum, routines, etc.
But how do we create a cohesive system for the physical space in our learning environments?
Strategy
Step One: Calibrate
Taking into consideration age group, curricular structure, learning profiles, and physical materials… The following criteria are monumental in preparing a space for a new academic year. Create a checklist which allows you to calibrate the space for a fresh start. How can a space be organized which allows for –
- Social Connection
- Pretend Play
- Confidence Building
- Growing Flexible Thinking
- Sensory Input/Output
- Restorative Opportunities
- Effective Organization
Step Two: Connect
The physical learning space is an extension of a larger ecosystem. As the facilitator, guiding experiences and harnessing curiosity is at the forefront. Guiding an ecosystem means considering others within the space – considering their capabilities, backgrounds, interests, processes, and communication styles.
How can we use interpersonal communication and authentic connection to drive how the learning space is designed?
- Learner profiles should inform the spatial layout, material use, resource assortment, and textural input.
- Communication capacities should inform the spatial layout, language nudges, work zones, and observation techniques.
- Developmental milestones should inform the spatial layout, suggested materials, textural input, temperature output, and overall mobility of each piece.
Step Three: Combine
Once the space is actualized, learners enter the community, and the ecosystem begins shaping norms… combining initial calibration efforts with established connections will bring the learning environment to new levels.
Calibrate – Connect – Combine
What does this look like?
Timeline
Responsive Classroom suggests taking a close look at the first 6 weeks of each academic year. With the hopes of establishing and maintaining solid relationships and norms for the duration of 1-2 semesters. Responsive Classroom breaks down these first 6 weeks into communication and cultural norms that are amazing when created and modeled successfully.
Can we establish norms for the physical space? Absolutely!
Bringing attention to the layout of a learning space, within the first 6 weeks of an academic year, allows the learning community opportunities in –
- Problem Solving
- Rough Draft Thinking
- Sequencing
- Idea Sharing
- Mirroring
- Etc.
Expressing and modeling the various uses of a learning space kickstarts learner curiosity, intrigue, exploration, and responsiveness to available physical resources.
What do facilitators need?
Stay tuned for educator resources on how to better calibrate, connect, and combine for an effective and meaningful start to the year.