Cozy Classroom
Students typically spend 35+ hours a week in the classroom. In light of this, I feel very strongly about creating an environment that is both welcoming and conducive to learning...a home away from home.
My classroom is filled with lots of cozy elements. There are curtains, live plants, and several soft surfaces, such as papasan chairs, floor cushions, a small sofa, etc.
Harsh lighting tends to overstimulate students, so I rarely (if ever) turn on the overhead lights. Instead, scattered throughout the room are desk lamps, floor lamps, and a variety of twinkle lights that make our classroom feel warm and inviting.
On the walls, I have also placed motivational posters and interactive bulletin boards that reinforce concepts across all subject areas. Students frequently refer to these to remind them of helpful strategies, ranging from the properties of multiplication to the 4-step apology.
Desks are arranged in clusters so students can easily work with partners or in small groups. Additionally, we regularly meet on the large carpet, where students have the opportunity to share with the whole group or turn and talk with various partners.
One of the most important spaces in my classroom is the library. Here, students have access to well over 1,000 books that I have accumulated over the years. Each book has been labeled with its reading level on the back cover, then grouped by subject area or author. This allows students to choose books based on their individual interests.
When students enter my classroom, I want them to feel comfortable to ask questions, share about their lives, and express themselves. My hope is that the environment I have created will allow them to do all of these things and so much more.
Check out the photos below of my cozy classroom and scroll to the bottom of the page for an infographic regarding the benefits of flexible seating.
My classroom is filled with lots of cozy elements. There are curtains, live plants, and several soft surfaces, such as papasan chairs, floor cushions, a small sofa, etc.
Harsh lighting tends to overstimulate students, so I rarely (if ever) turn on the overhead lights. Instead, scattered throughout the room are desk lamps, floor lamps, and a variety of twinkle lights that make our classroom feel warm and inviting.
On the walls, I have also placed motivational posters and interactive bulletin boards that reinforce concepts across all subject areas. Students frequently refer to these to remind them of helpful strategies, ranging from the properties of multiplication to the 4-step apology.
Desks are arranged in clusters so students can easily work with partners or in small groups. Additionally, we regularly meet on the large carpet, where students have the opportunity to share with the whole group or turn and talk with various partners.
One of the most important spaces in my classroom is the library. Here, students have access to well over 1,000 books that I have accumulated over the years. Each book has been labeled with its reading level on the back cover, then grouped by subject area or author. This allows students to choose books based on their individual interests.
When students enter my classroom, I want them to feel comfortable to ask questions, share about their lives, and express themselves. My hope is that the environment I have created will allow them to do all of these things and so much more.
Check out the photos below of my cozy classroom and scroll to the bottom of the page for an infographic regarding the benefits of flexible seating.