Miss Coffey’s Philosophy of

Classroom Organization and Management

A classroom is like a home and we are the family living and operating
inside it. Just like our actual homes, everyone wants a classroom that is
warm, welcoming, and provides the feeling of comfort and safety. I believe
that a classroom with bright colors, fluffy pillows, and a visible community
helps to promote that ideal environment from the moment one steps through
the door. I believe in the importance of designating classroom spaces. I think
every classroom should have a gathering space, such as a carpet, for whole
class instruction, read alouds, morning meeting, etc. While the entire
classroom is our domain, this specific gathering space indicates we are all
working together and collaborating in learning. In addition to the community
space, I believe it is important for students to have independent workspaces
around the room different from their desk or seat. Whether this is some
stools at a counter, crates turned into small chairs, or large pillows pushed
up against the wall, these small spaces allow students the opportunity to feel
special in their space and translate that into their work. In my classroom I
would prefer desks to tables. While both have the opportunity to promote
group work, I have learned from my experience that desks provide more
flexibility and range. I would have my student’s desks arranged in clusters
that changed shape and location each month. I believe it is important for
students to be surrounded by different peers and also learn to adapt to
different situations. Arranging the classroom desks in clusters promotes
group work in all subjects (science experiment partner, local editor, reading
buddy, and math center groups).
When considering classroom organization, I think it is also important to
consider not only what is where in the classroom, but what fills the
classroom. I am a strong believer in displaying student work. Displaying
student work gives students a sense of pride and teaches them to
demonstrate their best effort for all to see. In addition, classroom walls will
also be filled with anchor charts we make together to support students
throughout the year or in the current unit. Finally, in a very student
accessible location, there will be materials. My classroom will have buckets
of markers, scissors, glue sticks, etc. for students to use throughout the class
day when needed. Students may have their own materials as well, but it is
unrealistic to assume every student will have the necessary materials to
allow themselves to explore their creative potential. Giving students the
materials to do so links back to the creation of a class that is warm,
welcoming, and provides the feeling of comfort and safety.
Like classroom organization, is it important that classroom
management considers a warm, welcoming, comfortable and safe
environment. From my experience I have seen that coming together as class
and setting rules and expectations for everyone is important. This
demonstrates a level of respect the teacher has for his or her students and in
return sets the expectation of the students returning that same respect to
the teacher and each other. Students are never too young to hold
themselves accountable and setting rules for themselves can help build their
sense of responsibility. In setting these classroom expectations, it is most
important to be consistent. I believe in the power of positive reinforcement
and celebrating student successes. Most importantly, I understand that all
classes are different. Something that may have worked really well the year
before, might not work with the next class. I believe when considering
classroom management, it is important to be flexible and not afraid to try
things. If something is not working, it is okay to make adjustments.