This week I have taken a lot of time to think about the kind of classroom I hope to have.  Of course, in my head, I have an unlimited budget and a classroom that is double the normal size; but on the serious side the main ideas of the room rarely change. Mainly I would like my ideas for my classroom to follow my beliefs, as well as be a comfortable, collaborative space between my students and me.

First, I want books everywhere.  My goal is to teach first, second or third grade.  Since reading is such of big portion of their schooling, I want them to see it everywhere.  I got this idea from Debbie Miller's book Teaching with Intention.  She talks about having books all over the classroom, so children see how important reading is.  Another idea I like of hers is having baskets of books that are related in some way.  I would love to make these baskets after talking to the students about what kinds of things they are interested in.  This kind of conversation will give me some sort of idea of what my students are into, as well as make them feel like they hold some power in the classroom.  Hopefully these ideas will either keep my students interested in reading, or jumpstart their interest.

Second, I want my classroom to be a representation of my class.  I love the idea of starting each year with a clean slate and building a classroom from scratch with each new group of students.  With this in mind, I want my classroom walls to be filled with different projects and things that have been done or are still in progress in my class.  I want the students to feel at home in the classroom.  I want them to be able to see their work up around the room and have a sense of ownership over the space they spend half their day in.  Even though my organization OCD will want to get in the way of this, I know I must keep it at bay!

Lastly, I want my classroom environment to reflect my belief of a gradual release of responsibilty.  I want different stations set up in my classrooms that allow my students to explore and learn.  I want to be able to tell my students that we are starting to work on some subject, and have them know exactly where those materials are, and what they will be working on.  I want to teach students how to think instead of what to think, and I believe this is the best way to do so.

As well as these major areas I will, of course, have meeting areas, room for students to get together and discuss, and as much space as I can manage in the room I am given.  I would definitely love to have a state-of-the-art classroom with brand new tables, chairs, technology, etc.; but I have accepted that there is little to no possibility of this (I can still dream though, right?). I realize that creating a classroom like the one in my head will take a lot of work, but I believe it will be worth it if it benefits student learning in any sort of way.