One Saturday this fall I worked with early childhood educators at Hearne Elementary in Hearne, TX to help them use resources they already own to create literacy work stations in their classrooms. As part of the day, we did a classroom makeover.
Bethany, a kindergarten teacher, volunteered her room. In one hour, we redesigned her environment and moved all the furniture to create more space for her students. As described in my book, Spaces & Places, we mapped out the important areas in her classroom first, thinking carefully about where to situate each. Then everyone pitched in and we moved things around using the map. It was a bit like an Amish barn-raising, where we all worked together. As the photos show, we got rid of unnecessary furniture that was taking up room for children. Here are a few before and afters:
BEFORE: several pieces of furniture block the classroom entry
AFTER: after moving furniture, the classroom entry is now inviting
BEFORE: looking to the right from the entry computers line the wall
AFTER: now the right-hand wall will be used for a word wall and a writing stations; computers were moved to a location that won’t distract young children during whole group
BEFORE: back wall is covered by portable cubby units
AFTER: back wall now houses a science station at a low table under a window and computer stations
Teachers work together to move furniture in Bethany’s room
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