Classroom Environment Plan
Loris Malaguzzi states, " It has been said that the environment should act as a kind of aquarium which reflects the ideas, ethics, and cultures of the people who live in it." My art room will reflect the beliefs and ideas of my students and myself. It will be a place where students feel open and safe to explore the many ideas and curiosities that they hold. The environment acts as a third teacher. It should be a room where all feel welcome and feel respected. An environment built of support and teamwork. In order for the art room to be this collaborative open space there should be few simple foundations to build upon - respect, expectations, and organization.
Respect & Relationships
Respect is built through building relationships. With out respect there is no way for the art room to be a safe, shared space. Students should demonstrate respect for themselves, others, the room, and the materials. Respect allows for strong relationships to form, allowing a positive environment to emerge.
Expectations.
Some may call them rules, but I prefer the term expectations. Expectations are needed in order for work to get completed and class to run smoothly. They need to be clear, simple, fair and involve the students. Expectations allow for students to create valuable work goals and have a voice in how they wish the environment to be.
When expectations are not met, I believe in the Responsive Classroom practice of being proactive and providing logical consequences. Also allowing for a dialogue to happen allows students to take ownership of their actions. This allows students to fix and learn from their mistakes while still keeping their dignity.
Staying consistent and true to your expectations is important for students to see and experience. Positive reinforcement allows students to understand acceptable behavior in the classroom and staying proactive and on top of your expectations can prevent negative behavior from emerging.
Organization.
The room itself should be set up in a way that allows for student achievement and success. Materials should be clearly stored and accessible. When you put effort into the way a room is set up, and routines are implemented a room will run smoothly and will help students learn how to make decisions and take responsibilities.
When the environment is set up in a way where everyone knows what it is expected and is involved in the process, students will be engaged, motivated, and successful.
Ms. Bergh’s Classroom Expectations
Always be on time and prepared.
Respect all people, tools, & space
Take responsibility.
Immediately follow directions.
Stay on task
Try your best.
Respect & Relationships
Respect is built through building relationships. With out respect there is no way for the art room to be a safe, shared space. Students should demonstrate respect for themselves, others, the room, and the materials. Respect allows for strong relationships to form, allowing a positive environment to emerge.
Expectations.
Some may call them rules, but I prefer the term expectations. Expectations are needed in order for work to get completed and class to run smoothly. They need to be clear, simple, fair and involve the students. Expectations allow for students to create valuable work goals and have a voice in how they wish the environment to be.
When expectations are not met, I believe in the Responsive Classroom practice of being proactive and providing logical consequences. Also allowing for a dialogue to happen allows students to take ownership of their actions. This allows students to fix and learn from their mistakes while still keeping their dignity.
Staying consistent and true to your expectations is important for students to see and experience. Positive reinforcement allows students to understand acceptable behavior in the classroom and staying proactive and on top of your expectations can prevent negative behavior from emerging.
Organization.
The room itself should be set up in a way that allows for student achievement and success. Materials should be clearly stored and accessible. When you put effort into the way a room is set up, and routines are implemented a room will run smoothly and will help students learn how to make decisions and take responsibilities.
When the environment is set up in a way where everyone knows what it is expected and is involved in the process, students will be engaged, motivated, and successful.
Ms. Bergh’s Classroom Expectations
Always be on time and prepared.
Respect all people, tools, & space
Take responsibility.
Immediately follow directions.
Stay on task
Try your best.