CFF Communities

There seemed to be a lot of interest in the classrooms without desks idea, and how it could translate to the middle school level. I wanted to address this briefly. We don't have any middle school classrooms in Santee without desks. However, we have seen some teachers make environment modifications that support student learning in similar ways to the ways Gillian and Robin discussed.

We have a middle school Algebra teacher who moved her tables in a configuration that freed up the front of the room. In the front, she put some carpet remnants. And just like kindergarten classrooms, she has carpet time with her students. When I asked her about it, she said the kids love this time, as it allows them to connect on a more intimate level before starting the day's activity. They discuss homework issues, expectations, etc. In addition, she bought some of those large exercise balls that people use for situps. These"alternative seating" solutions let the squirrely student wiggle while sitting. She also has a small couch in a corner for more "alternative seating" options.

 When we were trained at UCLA, there was an emphasis on the classroom environment nurturing the student. To do this, the staff recommended bringing pieces of home in to the classroom. Lamps, couches, carpets, etc. As I'm sure you know, we are much more comfortable in our living room than in our office. The idea is that students will also learn better in an environment that is welcoming to them.

I offered people tours of classrooms in our meeting, not because I feel we have "the answer" but because I think we need to continue the spark that was lit on Tuesday. That offer stands for anyone who wants to come check out what we're doing. Just shoot me an email and let me know when you'd like to head over - lspencer@santee.k12.ca.us

And for those of you interested in checking out the UCLA Seeds experience, the 8 day session we attended was called the Critical Thinking Institute. The website is: http://www.labschool.ucla.edu/outreach/critical_thinking.php 

Originally the drive behind removing desks was a means to increase space and opportunities for critical thinking. Removing desks has created a collaborative learning environment beyond my wildest dreams. As I made the decision to radically change the physical environment in my classroom, I was unaware of the myriad of changes in learning and student engagement that my students would undergo. Without an assigned seat, my students are learning about themselves and each other. They are realizing what they need in order to be successful in their journey of learning. Some work best in a quiet, little corner. Some work better in a more social situation. I also hadn't anticipated how relationships, both student to student and myself to student, would change. They are learning to be learners, not simply receptors of information dolled out by the teacher. They are learning to be teachers as they help one another with tasks. Now, in my classroom, learning feels more like a team effort rather than an individual task. Students also seem to be more aware of the needs of others, and are always looking for ways to help one another. Like many of us, I've had classes that have seemed more difficult than others. The way my classroom feel today, I frequently think that maybe it's because I've got one of the great, magical classes that comes along every once in a while. But then I think back to this class in September and October. This group had several unmotivated, "difficult" students. One student slept through 3rd grade (according to his teacher) and just passed by doing "seat time" in 4th grade. During the beginning of the year, he did nothing. He did not do a single assignment, even with modifications and one-on-one. Now- he is setting and meeting reading and math goals as well as writing! Wow! Even the VP has commented on the change in his attitude and behavior. Well... I could go on and on, but these are my first thoughts. I'm happy to talk with anyone who is interested in exploring this opportunity. Gillian Ryan 5th Grade Teacher gryan@santee.k12.ca.us