Middle School Classroom

Middle School Classroom

In designing my middle school classroom, I wanted to keep many things similar to my elementary classroom, but do it in a slightly different way.

Tables & Flexible Seating: 

When arranging my classroom, I wanted to continue to nurture collaboration. To do this, I still felt sitting in pods allows my students to have conversations with their peers in a smaller group setting before sharing with the class. Because students are growing a great deal during this time period, it is important to create an environment that fosters a family atmosphere.  I also wanted to give my student choices to help them feel like they have input to their learning. To do this, each table has a different style of seating. In the back of the class, there are two high-top tables. In the front three tables, there are stools, yoga balls, and traditional chairs.  

When looking at how the tables are arranged, I wanted to create a layout that allows every student to see the front of the classroom easily. Similarly, because the students are bigger than they are in elementary school, it is important they have enough room to move between the tables. 

Collaboration Center:

Similar to having a Maker's Space in my elementary classroom, I created the collaboration center in my middle school room. This allows my students to have a place where they can work in a different place in the room. This center has dry erase wall paper so they can draw on the wall and display their thinking. 

Supplies:

While in middle school, students have lockers and often times backpacks that they carry with them from class to class. Because of this, I did not find it necessary to dedicate a much space to individual student supplies. While I do have space for students to use supplies, I feel that during this time, students are learning independence and responsibility. This means that they may need to be responsible for bringing their supplies from their locker to class.