These chapters made me realize that I should ask them. I know that they often comment on the open space in the middle of the room where we meet and do projects. They often say our room is so big! I’m not sure they would comment on all the books, even though there are thousands. This book is helping me really analyze my practice around promoting the library.
I think they’d say it is comfortable, a place where they can be themselves and where they know what is expected … a place where they can find great books and feel like they can talk with their peers.
I want then to feel like complacency isn’t the goal, but efforts, uniqueness, and creativity is.
Comfortable, welcoming. That was my initial answer before reading chapter 3. Now I still feel that way (and kids in the past have said that), but will definitely get input from my students this year for suggestions. I have comfy chairs and 4 new bean bags, but also have big round tables that are difficult to move. Will have to think about this.
Full. Of. Books. & Plants. & A. Fish Tank! My customers help choose books to put on the shelves. I’m a Title 1 teacher who works with small groups; that being said, I manage the HUGE collection of paperback books in a different room/lab. So my bookshelves in my very small room change-out all year long (every two weeks or so). I use EXIT SLIPS to determine input from my students about lessons & kinds of books they want to read. I wish my room was larger…..I’d display more books.
Heading to a new school where I’ll be sharing a room. So we’ll see. But I know my former students would say our classroom was relaxed and bright–we often used our outdoor space as an extension of our classroom.
In the beginning of year it’s comfy and cozy, but my computer area begins to take on a life of its own. It’s my goal to get rid of that monster of an area and to organize it so that it functions better. I do have lamps and comfy flexible seating.
My class is brightly colored with lots of books, posters with quotes, and other decorations. I like to think it is inviting and friendly. I have an area rug, and this next year I plan on bringing in throw blankets and pillows to allow freedom for pleasure reading (SSR).
They like it because they sit on couches, comfy chairs, Ben bags, high top tables, etc. I only have flexible seating my reading classroom. They like that. Most will say it’s their favorite room for comfort and that they get to read what they choose. I offer a variety of reading modalities throughout the week, month and year. My non readers still struggle a bit, though. . Instead of just being physically comfortable. They can now avoid reading comfortably, too! I keep pecking away, and there are fewer every year. Good classroom library and I buy anything they request within reason.
My students would comment on the amount of books and how much they like the couches. Two years ago I had more reading nooks, but I felt they were being misused, so I opened everything up, and sort of regret it.
Open, lots of natural light (I’ve got amazing windows)…but I need to ask them! I’m a K-5 library and struggle with flexible seating because my Ss come and go in 30 minute intervals and are such varying sizes (K-5). How do others do this?
I guess the thing I need to do (next year) is ask them! I think my classroom is more about physical space and/or arrangement. It’s about the culture. I’ve highlighted a lot in the book about the classroom library! Plus, I love the exercise ball chairs!! Coteacher and I actually ordered some exercise ball chairs in our classroom order only to have them shot down. But I’m working on it–screenshots from Pernille’s book, copies of research, etc.
Back to the culture. We’ve been gamifying for about 2 years now. We have teams of 3 or 4 who do everything from complete “minute to win it” challenges” to quests in Class Craft to completing group work. Team-based is the way to go, especially with larger classes of “differently-abled” students. Kids who lack certain study skills learn from their teammates who help them because they’re on a team!
At the end of the period, students dismiss themselves by shouting a word or phrase in unison that has to do with what we’re doing and learning. That’s usually a minute before the bell because “The bell doesn’t dismiss you!” And we find many kids stay after the yell to finish something before moving on to the next class.
There’s also a sign above the door that they tap as they walk out. It reads, “Take Over The World.” That’s always the answer to the question kids like to ask–what are we doing today?–when they walk in. (Stolen from Pinky and the Brain)
I also had 4 balls with option to sit in a ball chair. I gave up. Middle schoolers are too hard on them. Can’t keep them from deflating. Last one died in April. Hope you have better luck.
My students would have described our classroom as bright and social. I was in a brand new school last year and all seating was flexible, so work spaces were very open and student-driven. However, they still had trouble wrapping their heads around driving the decisions (I had to remind them they could move furniture and look for places they worked well), so I think giving even more ownership is the next step.
I think my students would probably say that the classroom belongs to them. On the first day of school, my students design the classroom deciding where all the furniture goes. They are in charge of all the boards, signs, pictures and art work. The walls represent them. They decide procedures for the daily sign up for all of our flexible seating. The students even give suggestions for new types of seating., depending on what works best for them. I think they would also comment on the maker space area in our classroom, a place where they can find all types of things!
My students always comment on the size of our class library and the wide variety of books available. They also like the very simple system I use to keep track of the books and that they are welcome to return in later years to check out books they still wanted to read. I use flexible seating, so that is also something they notice right away…no assigned seats and freedom to move from seating choice to seating/or standing choice throughout the day. All the walls are blank on the first day, and we create what will be hung on them throughout the year….I have no windows, so there is a lot of wall space. There is also the need to keep a 3 foot hallway in my classroom(which I create with book cases) because there is a class that can only access their class by walking through my classroom. This sounds strange, but the students get used to it very quickly. I work in a strange building, but wouldn’t change because we have a wonderful staff and principal.
I think my students think my room is “the best” ?. I have many choice options, and I’m constantly telling them that we are the best, the smartest, how much I love them and love being together. I try to brainwash them with love! ?
Work in progress. I am returning to the classroom after a 4 year absence. My former library was small, tired and invisible. My new one will be the opposite. My goal is 2500 books, so far I have collected or purchased nearly 700.
My students usually say that it is comfortable and calm. Other students look at my room and wish they were in my class. There are no desks and we use flexible seating. Lots of space and soft lighting make it feel like a good place to be. My students and I are not fans of the neon lights.
Ha, as I am not yet in my next school, I will have to wait and see. Last school- comfortable, a room filled with books.
These chapters made me realize that I should ask them. I know that they often comment on the open space in the middle of the room where we meet and do projects. They often say our room is so big! I’m not sure they would comment on all the books, even though there are thousands. This book is helping me really analyze my practice around promoting the library.
Agreed, I’ve not asked them, but I should. What am I afraid of hearing?!?
Choice of seating, some mixture of seating, and lots of books.
She’ll help you find a good book, time to read, choice of seats, you can take your shoes off.
Choice seating, homey – lamps, plants, handmade quilts on the wall, growing library.
Organized, simple, and functional
I think they’d say it is comfortable, a place where they can be themselves and where they know what is expected … a place where they can find great books and feel like they can talk with their peers.
I want then to feel like complacency isn’t the goal, but efforts, uniqueness, and creativity is.
Safe and comfortable! Colorful and cozy spots for reading and writing. Inspirational quotes. Smells good!!!
Safe, warm, comfortable… Their home away from home.
I think they would say comfortable and relaxed. ?
Structured, Mickey Mouse (literally covered in Disney), lots of books, teachers desk is a bit of a mess
Comfortable, welcoming. That was my initial answer before reading chapter 3. Now I still feel that way (and kids in the past have said that), but will definitely get input from my students this year for suggestions. I have comfy chairs and 4 new bean bags, but also have big round tables that are difficult to move. Will have to think about this.
So many books to choose from! ?
My students have told me that my room is inviting and comfortable, but small.
A place of comfort and trust, fun and loving.
Creative, comfortable
Flexible, their space, comfortable. Students moved tables, different chairs, the couch daily to build a learning space conducive to their learning!
A calm room that is oozing with books.
Comfortable, calm, uncluttered..
Bright, comfortable, often interrupted
Crowded
Almost always open to them, crowded, busy
Calm, comfortable, welcoming.
comfortable, messy, fun, family, filled with books
Busy, fun
Fun, welcoming, with lots of great books and time to read! ?
Fun, organized, super heroes, comfy couch, pillows, books!
Full. Of. Books. & Plants. & A. Fish Tank! My customers help choose books to put on the shelves. I’m a Title 1 teacher who works with small groups; that being said, I manage the HUGE collection of paperback books in a different room/lab. So my bookshelves in my very small room change-out all year long (every two weeks or so). I use EXIT SLIPS to determine input from my students about lessons & kinds of books they want to read. I wish my room was larger…..I’d display more books.
Heading to a new school where I’ll be sharing a room. So we’ll see. But I know my former students would say our classroom was relaxed and bright–we often used our outdoor space as an extension of our classroom.
They know I care about them, but I hope they’d also say it’s a place where they are challenged to think and question.
Busy fun like home
I’ve been told by students that my classroom is like a comfy living room at their house!
My students tell me that my room is very welcoming and comfy. They usually like to be there once they are in the room.
In the beginning of year it’s comfy and cozy, but my computer area begins to take on a life of its own. It’s my goal to get rid of that monster of an area and to organize it so that it functions better. I do have lamps and comfy flexible seating.
Crowded. Lots of books, but LOTS of desks.
My class is brightly colored with lots of books, posters with quotes, and other decorations. I like to think it is inviting and friendly. I have an area rug, and this next year I plan on bringing in throw blankets and pillows to allow freedom for pleasure reading (SSR).
They like it because they sit on couches, comfy chairs, Ben bags, high top tables, etc. I only have flexible seating my reading classroom. They like that. Most will say it’s their favorite room for comfort and that they get to read what they choose. I offer a variety of reading modalities throughout the week, month and year. My non readers still struggle a bit, though. . Instead of just being physically comfortable. They can now avoid reading comfortably, too! I keep pecking away, and there are fewer every year. Good classroom library and I buy anything they request within reason.
@Sarah, I am jealous that you have a classroom that is big enough for a couch ! I confess that I’m having a little classroom envy issue !
My students would comment on the amount of books and how much they like the couches. Two years ago I had more reading nooks, but I felt they were being misused, so I opened everything up, and sort of regret it.
My students describe my classroom as fun and comfy.
good question – I am going to ask them tomorrow!
Open, lots of natural light (I’ve got amazing windows)…but I need to ask them! I’m a K-5 library and struggle with flexible seating because my Ss come and go in 30 minute intervals and are such varying sizes (K-5). How do others do this?
I guess the thing I need to do (next year) is ask them! I think my classroom is more about physical space and/or arrangement. It’s about the culture. I’ve highlighted a lot in the book about the classroom library! Plus, I love the exercise ball chairs!! Coteacher and I actually ordered some exercise ball chairs in our classroom order only to have them shot down. But I’m working on it–screenshots from Pernille’s book, copies of research, etc.
Back to the culture. We’ve been gamifying for about 2 years now. We have teams of 3 or 4 who do everything from complete “minute to win it” challenges” to quests in Class Craft to completing group work. Team-based is the way to go, especially with larger classes of “differently-abled” students. Kids who lack certain study skills learn from their teammates who help them because they’re on a team!
At the end of the period, students dismiss themselves by shouting a word or phrase in unison that has to do with what we’re doing and learning. That’s usually a minute before the bell because “The bell doesn’t dismiss you!” And we find many kids stay after the yell to finish something before moving on to the next class.
There’s also a sign above the door that they tap as they walk out. It reads, “Take Over The World.” That’s always the answer to the question kids like to ask–what are we doing today?–when they walk in. (Stolen from Pinky and the Brain)
I also had 4 balls with option to sit in a ball chair. I gave up. Middle schoolers are too hard on them. Can’t keep them from deflating. Last one died in April. Hope you have better luck.
Their space, their second home
My students would have described our classroom as bright and social. I was in a brand new school last year and all seating was flexible, so work spaces were very open and student-driven. However, they still had trouble wrapping their heads around driving the decisions (I had to remind them they could move furniture and look for places they worked well), so I think giving even more ownership is the next step.
I think my students would probably say that the classroom belongs to them. On the first day of school, my students design the classroom deciding where all the furniture goes. They are in charge of all the boards, signs, pictures and art work. The walls represent them. They decide procedures for the daily sign up for all of our flexible seating. The students even give suggestions for new types of seating., depending on what works best for them. I think they would also comment on the maker space area in our classroom, a place where they can find all types of things!
My students always comment on the size of our class library and the wide variety of books available. They also like the very simple system I use to keep track of the books and that they are welcome to return in later years to check out books they still wanted to read. I use flexible seating, so that is also something they notice right away…no assigned seats and freedom to move from seating choice to seating/or standing choice throughout the day. All the walls are blank on the first day, and we create what will be hung on them throughout the year….I have no windows, so there is a lot of wall space. There is also the need to keep a 3 foot hallway in my classroom(which I create with book cases) because there is a class that can only access their class by walking through my classroom. This sounds strange, but the students get used to it very quickly. I work in a strange building, but wouldn’t change because we have a wonderful staff and principal.
I think my students think my room is “the best” ?. I have many choice options, and I’m constantly telling them that we are the best, the smartest, how much I love them and love being together. I try to brainwash them with love! ?
Work in progress. I am returning to the classroom after a 4 year absence. My former library was small, tired and invisible. My new one will be the opposite. My goal is 2500 books, so far I have collected or purchased nearly 700.
Go girl go!
My students usually say that it is comfortable and calm. Other students look at my room and wish they were in my class. There are no desks and we use flexible seating. Lots of space and soft lighting make it feel like a good place to be. My students and I are not fans of the neon lights.
It feels like home.