CHALLENGE 7
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While we as educators hear much about the skills necessary for our 21st century learners to practice (collaboration, creativity, communication), we also need to consider creating learning spaces that foster such skills. This challenge--which spans your summer break--asks you to look at your classroom with a critical eye, to re-envision it, and to rehabilitate it. Follow the directions provided in each module, complete the modules in order, and be sure to ask questions if you need help. Good luck!
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PRE-CHALLENGE
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This pre-challenge will be tough for some of us. Teachers are notorious hoarders, always thinking: "I may need that some day!!!" But recent research suggests that classroom decorations, posters, anchor charts, etc. actually achieve the OPPOSITE of what we hope them to. In fact, a classroom with too little "clean space" is more distracting to students than it is enhancing.
So here's the pre-challenge: STRIP YOUR CLASSROOM TO THE BARE MINIMUM. Get rid of the stuff on the wall; purge all those papers in your file cabinets; donate the books, games, and manipulatives. Use the acronym ROLL to make decisions about what to keep and what to pitch. R is for repeat (Do you really need more than one?); O is for outdated (Do you use it regularly?); L is for level (Do the materials match the grade level you are teaching?); and L is for love it (Do you really appreciate the item?). Finally, consider this rule of thumb: If you haven't used it in the past year, chances are you aren't going to in the near future. If you're really tempted to keep something, ask yourself this question: Is there something web-based, app-based, or online to replace it? If the answer's yes, then say goodbye to it. The point of this challenge is to minimize distractions, clutter, and decorations in the classroom. Need some more convincing? Take a quick look at this article entitled "5 Signs Your Classroom is Overdecorated and How to Fix It," or review this forum from recovering teacher-hoarders. Read this article from Scientific American entitled, "Classroom Decorations Can Distract Young Students."
Read this article entitled, "20 Things Educators Need to Know About Learning Spaces." Read this article entitled, "To Foster Productivity and Creativity in Class, Ditch the Desks!" Watch these videos featuring the teachers who won the 2015 "Classroom Cribs" Makeover Challenge: Take this brief quiz about what you learned in Module A.
Here's the challenge: Transform your classroom into a brain-friendly and uncluttered learning space that promotes deep learning and engagement through design.
Complete this brief survey about this month's challenge.
Share with me your thoughts and photos for inclusion in a future WCS Weekly. In addition, I'm gathering material for a future presentation about transforming learning spaces and would love to feature your hard work, so please consider it. Thanks! |