This is my third year teaching in the school I am currently at and each year I move, remove or add items to make my library more user friendly, comfortable and spacious. Over the last three years I've rearranged floating shelves, rearranged tables and chairs, added items to my walls, and moved seating and carpets. As I was reading the articles for this week, I was reflecting on what I currently have in the library. Reading the article from USC Rossier Online titled The Science of Classroom Design I realized my space is already conducive to learning. For example, my walls are blue which makes one feel comfort and secure, according to the author. Personally, I don't have clutter, so my walls are mostly bare. The infographic states, "keep 20-50% of wall space clear to optimize student learning." This is not an issue in the media center. Lastly, I am blessed with an abundance of windows that let in natural light, which the infographic states can increase math and reading scores. I typically keep the blinds shut due to the glare on my Promethean board, but with the shear number of windows I have, plenty of natural light still seeps in. A teacher once told me florescent lights can cause students with attention problems to be overstimulated so ever since then I only turn on half my lights.
Only about half the windows I currently have - most now open accepting light
Two areas for technology work or for looking up a book
Expectations are posted for all to see
This make-shift bulletin board is for students to write book suggestions
Extra seating areas for quiet reading or partner work
As students walk in, the area is free of clutter and free of floating shelves
The tables and chairs are arranged to encourage working as a team
What I Can Change
Since I have such an open area, there is not many ways I can change the arrangement. For instance, I already have particular areas for computer and partner work. Students are allowed to work anywhere in the media center on their projects, giving them lots of space to spread out. When working as a class, I have tables that provide a more intimate setting then personal desks. With my younger students, they have plenty of space to sit on the carpet and listen to me read a book. My students are also lucky to have comfy chairs to sit on while reading a book or working with a partner. The one change I did make was adding my bean bags. Typically, these are given out as "rewards" to students who are listening and following directions, but after reading the articles for this week, I realize the importance of leaving the bean bags out for anyone to use at anytime. Another idea that was sparked by this week's readings was making my MakerSpace less crowded. Today's assignment prompted me to move out a book cart I had placed in the area so that students had more room to make and take.
My "stuff" organized and out of the way
What I Would Like to Change
Having $1,000 to change the look for a classroom or library would be a teacher's dream! Right away, a feel ideas came to mind when listening to Rebecca Hare and Robert Dillion talk. First, I would love to add more color to the walls and shelves. Though blue is a nice color, I feel the space would feel more student friendly with bright colors. For example, being able to color the shelves of fiction, nonfiction and Easy books would really help students know where to find books.
Keeping themselves out of trouble while waiting for classmates to check out is a problem my students constantly struggle with. To aid in this, I would add areas that allow students to practice their STEM skills in the open areas of my library.
I would love to add some flexible seating in the open spaces on the sides of my shelves. Students are needing other areas to read or work with their devices. This is a picture of fun colored seating area that could double as a work area or reading area.
The last idea is to change the lighting and add in some plants. Since I already have lots of natural light, I don't need huge fluorescent lights. How great would it be to dim the lights a little instead of having it constantly glare in my student's faces? Being able to shut a few lights off at a time would also increase student concentration.
Closing Thoughts
In the end, my ideas might add up to be more than $1,000 but from the articles I read I do believe these would be important changes to make some day. The information in this unit really got me thinking about what it is that I could change to increase learning and make my students feel more comfortable. After reading the articles, what did you read or hear that really stuck out to you and made an impression on you?
References:
Shareski, D. (2017, March 07). A Conversation about Learning Spaces. Retrieved March 29, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6jYMf3BSV0
The Science of Classroom Design [Infographic]. (2015, October 05). Retrieved March 29, 2017, from https://rossieronline.usc.edu/science-of-classroom-design-infographic/
Nice job! I like the bean bag area!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I typically use the bean bags for incentives but giving a try leaving them for anyone.
DeleteAmanda,
ReplyDeleteYou have a great space already! Have you had much say in the design over the past few years or have most of the design decisions been made by administrators? Keep up the great work!
Thanks! Around 7 or 8 years ago, before I was teaching there, the school received a grant from Target who came in and redesigned the library. They expanded the library, added in the windows, changed the color and put quotes on the wall. Target did a really great job at making it inviting and comfortable.
DeleteYour library looks very inviting. I love the coloring on the table top idea, it would be relaxing for students and help tap into their creativity.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be relaxing too! Our kids are constantly in flight or fight mode that I really think an area for coloring would help them return to a green zone of regulation.
DeleteI love what you did with the space and the natural light that comes in is great. One thing we did with our makerspaces in our district is not only the bean bags but we added those net/mesh chairs and the yoga ball and the kids love them.
ReplyDeleteThose are great ideas! I like the yoga balls for students who have a hard time sitting still. Thanks for sharing!
DeleteLibraries have come a really long way. It looks like you have achieved a very engaging and functional space. It's great how you've already touched on a lot of what we've been exposed to this week. I do also believe your ideas of what you'd like to incorporate into library at some point is right on target. That table is would certainly draw kids to it.
ReplyDelete