Standard+D4+Teacher+establishes+an+effective+physical+environment

**Date:**
2010-11 School Year

**Evidence/Activity/Anecdote:**
The physical environment of my classroom is very neat and organized. Personally I don’t like clutter, and I think students learn better if there is not clutter on the walls or on the board. On the bulletin boards in the classroom there is student work. Also, there are literacy anchor charts displayed for the unit we’re currently working on so students have an easy time referring back to a mini-lesson. Every year I work hard to create a collaborative, independent working community within my classroom. The physical set up of my room reflects this. For the majority of the year, my desks have been arranged in groups to promote teamwork and collaboration. There is a large floor area that I gather students to do a mini-lesson. I’ve got easy access to the easel and the white board from this floor area. There are also several smaller floor spaces for students to work independently or together. In addition, there is a table for quiet work. At appropriate times, students have the option of where to work and with whom to work. Students are comfortable working in different parts of the classroom and are encouraged to work where they’ll be the most productive. Each student has his/her own desk and is responsible for keeping his/her materials handy and tidy. At the beginning of the year, each child gets a basket with the essentials. Everything is labeled with a number for organizational purposes. I find that giving students their own correction pen, crayons, markers, etc…. saves a lot of time in the long run. Students have what they need right at their desks instead of having to get up to get supplies. Reference materials and work materials that are not kept in desks are in labeled drawers, baskets, and buckets in the classroom. Students can easily and independently access anything needed during work time. The classroom library is organized and available to the students at all times. The evidence that I have for this standard is an IMovie that shows my classroom and students working. Please click below to watch the IMovie. media type="custom" key="8819138"