Raji Dhami July 15, 2015

Genius Hour Project

Question: How do I set up a Grade 1 classroom?

1. How do I arrange student desks?

- Assigned seating in rows may be preferred at the beginning of the year to provide order and structure, until you get to know the students better.

- I want to emphasize co-operative learning, so I will eventually place the desks in groups of 4 or 5.

- In order to minimize distractions I will move the students around and make a seating arrangement as I get to know them better.

2. Where should my desk go?- Teacher’s desk should be placed in a way that all areas of the classroom can be

monitored.- Chances are, I will rarely use my desk during class time so it should be out of the way,

perhaps at the back of the room- If students will be accessing my desk (for questions, materials, handing in assignments)

then traffic flow should be considered.

3. What should I place on the walls?- Class rules on front wall; emphasize discipline- Daily learning activity (e.g. daily letter or morning message) on front wall - Front wall should be engaging, but not distracting (not too many images or colors)- Calandar should go on front wall- Student work- Posters: relevant, inspiring- Flip chart paper: stick sheets around the room with bare minimum written on them,

during session invite students to write on them. - Laminated signs: any words, abbreviations, definitions that need to be used during the

day.

- Props: use props on your wall to create a bit of fun and intrigue.

- Leave some walls bare so students can take ownership of their classroom by contributing with their own work

- word wall: sight words

4. How do I make my classroom fun and engaging?- Have a lot of manipulatives available to students- Set up learning centers that offer various materials and opportunities for hands-on

learning at individually appropriate levels. - Set up room based on theme in the class

5. How do I set up my classroom library?

- Need access to quality literature, a warm inviting space, sensible organization, ample supplies and furniture

- What type of books to include: promote thinking, believable characters, enjoyable- Books should have variety of text structures and be multicultural- Keep space for student made texts- Space should be organized and comfortable, calm and quiet

6. Do I need a carpet area?

- Having a colorful, organized carpet area will help build community and make carpet learning time

more effective.- Help refocus students attention

- This is where calandar activities take place