"Which is the most ideal of the two spaces?" My answer is: both and neither. Truthfully if I wanted the ideal working space it would be on the floor. Throw away the desks, and give me washable wide open floors with carpet squares, drawing boards, and huge windows for gallons of natural light.
I ordered clipboards my first year teaching for drawing outside. The kids sprawl on their bellies and CHILL. Not fall asleep I'm tired chill, but become centered, focused and peaceful, chill. In the winter the clipboards reside in a class Art station. When students finish projects early they can draw in their sketchbooks on the floor. Soon they are asking to do regular projects down there too.
I discovered The Ordrup School in Denmark on Imagine School Design. The website is dedicated to featuring innovative school design from around the world. The Ordrup School was designed by Bosch and Fjord Architectural Firm, with a lot of collaboration from teachers and students. The architects focused on 3 learning concepts when designing the spaces: "Peace and Absorption," "Discussion and Cooperation," "Security and Presence."
Question for the class:Why is it that a typical Public Elementary Classroom almost hits the target:
But apparently once they hit puberty they learn best with... ?
6 comments:
Oh I love it! I was just thinking about alternative seating in my classroom. Perhaps pedal exercisers, stools & high top tables, stationary bikes, exercise ball, lawn chairs, rocking chairs. I'd love to hear how other teachers are doing this.
That is unbelievably cool!
I love it. My goal has always been creating a non-school class environment. I posted a video about this on my blog: http://jtspencer.blogspot.com/2009/05/tour-of-my-classroom.html
I'm not sure if you ever saw that. I really wish I could have separate zones with couches, bare floor, tables and maybe some beanbags. In terms of computers, I'd just switch to laptops.
I sure missed the kindergarten days and how I could smuggle in a shank at will once I hit high school. Damn metal detectors.
...It is to prepare them for the real life -insert image of gray cubicle here - He, he, he!
I know I'm evil but I have an excuse - I grew up in a communist country :) (they prepared us for the real life since kinder garden :(
Any way, I just want to wish you a happy 4th of July!!!
Very interesting Brazen, I like this whole concept!
Another thing I like is your change in your blog, very nice! :)
By the way, I've got a mission for you over at my blog http://www.weeklyinjectionofchuckles.blogspot.com if you're interested in accepting it!
Post a Comment
Something from the class?