Kellie+McRobert

__**Term 2 update**__ Last term I asked my class who wanted to be deskless -and many did. I decided to hold off this decision though because I could see there were some social issues to be developed first. In the meantime my syndicate leader decided to instigate a syndicate wide action inquiry into classroom environments. We have done syndicate readings, watched Ann Kennally on EDtalks, developed our own philosophies, and planned our own environments -with some being more adventurous that others. As we had a robust discussion (euphemism for heated debate) over the validity, research, proof behing the impact of classroom environments. It made me think hard about my trial last year. My evidence: I have 6 students again this year. Of those repeat students two of them were below Nat Std in writing. There was no difference in anything I did with those kids last year in term 4 other than give them the option of working where they wanted to. Between term 4 and term 1 those two students in particular have shown a huge improvement in quality and quantity of their written work. I know it's not reasonable to call that proof but something was different for them and the only change was the classroom environment. Natahn Mikaere Wallace might say it had something to do with the calm relaxed atmosphere allowing endorphins to work their magic, but what ever it was I am convinced this is the right path for my students this year as well.

So Term 2 2012... All but 5 of my class opted for no desks last week. So out they went. Tote trays are the biggest problem with that but we decided on a stacked system where friends could "bunk together" and take turns on the "top bunk" (their tray is on top and therefore easier to get to). I think giving each student a photocopier paper box will be even better as they will fit on the shelves better and we can get more on, but we have to wait for more teachers to photocopy stuff (ha! I never thought I would be pushing for more photocopying!!). Will be a fun design project to personalise their box. The desks are still available. Last year I took them out of the room completely but this year I have made small circles towards one side of the room so the students can opt in or out of sitting at them -I was surprised that they really don't impact much on the shared floor space. There were 4 table with no home so I decided on an "outside classroom". We have an awesome deck and big sliding doors so 2 x 2 desks (seats 4 students at each) are now put out in the mornings and brought in at the ned of the day. Students can opt to work outside (thank goodness we are having such a warm Autumn) so long as they are quiet and therefore don't affect the other classrooms. I have 12 banana boxes from the supermarket in the greenscreen corner (at the moment) and they are taped together in twos to make 6 big building blocks. This means we are getting a variety of 'fort' designs as secret working spaces. I have had to discuss that secret spaces are for individuals to work in as there was some excitement in the introduction of these and blankets for tents. 2-3 kids in one space was lots of fun but not much work. Here is the feedback from the kids after 4 days; Desks outside Space on the ground to lie down Choices of where to sit. Low group table Secret space (fort / boxes) Trays on shelves Desks are in smaller areas Book area -couches We can work wherever we want Nice to lie under desks in the sun
 * We like... **

entry but no exit to desk group at the back (this is the desk layout by the greenscreen corner) Trays are stacked –traffic jam when getting books Knees could bang People not spreading out much –everyone is squashed into the popular spots Same people in same spots each time -it might get unfair. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Kneeling tables are in demand -can we have more? <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Equipment –cushions, boxes -we want to build more secret spaces.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Not so much... **

It's interesting, and we have some small issues to iron out but I have had the best week this year. The kids are super relaxed and on task -there have been one or two who have needed to be reminded that this can only work if it improves their learning. I can't wait to build on this and develop more integration of subjects. I have started a whole different way of working my writing programme as a result of the freedom in the classroom environment so watch this space...

The "Whare" -Book corner / secret space Classroom layout

" Outside classroom" Choosing floor, kneeling table or desks

Some new thinking this year;
 * Term 1**
 * Listened to Nathan Mikaere Wallace at teacher only day regarding the importance of the first 3 years in child development, and the need for a calm start to develop feelings of safety (and therefore a small brain stem) so kids can allow full development of the frontal cortex (and reach their potential). Development of this takes place in the first 3 years so I can't change their development but I can see parallels to the start of the year-getting used to a new teacher etc.
 * Three activities which release the most endorphins - #1 Singing, #2 Laughing, #3 Moving. The more endorphins : the easier it is to learn new things.
 * Starting the day with songs, and making sure I have plenty of movement breaks.


 * I have set my room up in groups of 4 in a wagon wheel around my 2 classroom computers (the Hub). I am planning to give kids the option to choose their own <range type="comment" id="396970">learning spaces after week 5 - after that I can hopefully remove some tables so that access to the Hub is easier.
 * I am developing base eLearning skills by teaching one student in each table group. They are then responsible for teaching the others in their group -We have 4 pods of 4 laptops but bookings are intermittent and often only 1.5 hours with 1 computer shared by 2 students per week. Some obvious challenges here but am working through ways to ensure we are able to develop high level skills, and products to share.


 * Class blog room3nps.blogspot.com we use KnowledgeNET as an internal shared space (forum) and personal space (learning journals)