Dream Classroom - Blog 1


 

Dream Classroom Sketch
Dream Classroom

What Questions we Investigated

During our class, we investigated with a partner what our "Dream Classroom" would look like and what we would have in our classroom. In my classroom, I want to know how my students are feeling; I implemented a temperature check bulletin board that will allow students to rate how they are feeling and also have a note bin where they can write what they need from me to have a successful week. Another thing in our classroom we included was a therapy dog that wills occasionally visit to help ease the anxiety of life for our students. We investigated the National Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and went to their website to learn about the standards and how to read them. We did this due to Iowa switching from Common Core standards to the NGSS; we learned why they did this and how the two education systems are different. 

What Did to Investigate 

In our lab, we had to come up with how we wanted our classroom; we had to collaborate, make hypotheses, and then arrange and configure our classroom, colors, and themes. We put our ideas on paper using colored pencils and a white piece of 9x11 paper. We used different colors and even gave our classroom a calm pastel-colored theme. We were asked to make this classroom our dream, so we got to put whatever we wanted in it and use whatever colors we wanted. 

What we Figured Out

One of the biggest things we realized about our classroom was that the most important thing we wanted was for all of our students to feel safe and comfortable. We wanted to offer different places in our classroom to go when their desks are not where they can focus. We had a quiet reading nook, a game nook, and a carpet which would offer the student to be closer to the teacher. We also made sure our desks were in groups; this allowed the students to collaborate and quietly ask their peers questions before coming to us with them. 

Remaining Questions

How can I incorporate the NGSS into my classroom? How can I make it fun for my students? How can I offer my space to be fully inclusive? When are there too many decorations?


Location: Iowa City, IA, USA

Comments

  1. Rachel AllenJanuary 22, 2023 at 7:53 PM

    Hi Lexi!!
    We came to similar realizations regarding what was most important about our classrooms. My partner and I talked about how comfort and accessibility were important aspects we wanted in our classrooms. I like your idea of having a game nook for the students. I think that would be a fun addition to a classroom that would definitely add to its comfort factor. :)

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  2. Siddharth SharmaJanuary 22, 2023 at 8:09 PM

    I had the same question regarding NGSS in the classroom. I don't know how to balance NGSS and Common Core in my lesson planning. I also really liked the temperature idea to see how your students are feeling as well as the note bin. The classroom should be an outlet for students to express how they're feeling, and you're temperature check and note bin are great additions to the classroom.

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  3. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2023 at 1:51 PM

    Hi Lexi! I loved your idea about the Game Center for your students. My partner Ava and I kind of made the same thing but instead of games we made it a mini library. I also was wondering how I will be able to use NGSS in my classroom as well.

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