Jenna Scott

Visual Art
Dream Classroom in Elementary School
February 2, 2021
Arranging my dream classroom was more of a challenge than I expected. Of course, I
have a Pinterest board and a memory full of different ideas, but narrowing those ideas down
ended up being a bigger task than I thought it would be. Either way, I am happy with the plan I
came up with and am excited to share my rational behind my dream classroom map.

To the left of the door is where I would like my water station. This will be a hanging shoe
organizer with the students’ names on each pocket. They will keep their waters here and be
allowed to get a drink whenever they need. I chose to place the water bottles away from the
desks because kids will find a way to distract them with whatever is in front of them. It is also
right next to the sink and a water fountain in case they need to fill their bottles up. Continuing
down that cabinet space is my therapy station, homework turn-in spot, and a place for extra
worksheets. I afforded the therapy station to have lotion, Vaseline, q-tips, tissues, and hand
sanitizer for the students to use when need be and placed it next to the sink so they can have
access to the lotion right after washing their hands. The extra worksheets will be for when the
kids get done with their projects, so they have other activities to do to help reduce behavioral
issues that typically occurs when there is downtime. The cabinets below and above the sink
would be full of my teaching materials, craft supplies, and items for projects. In the bottom left
corner is my reading nook. I have bookshelves angled to create a space separate from the
classroom. The very corner of the nook will be a tall book display in the shape of a tree. This tree
along with the green carpet, tent, and camping chairs will help create an outdoor feel and really
incorporate the fun and enjoyment key in my class. I also have a shelf in the corner that will have
blankets for the kids to use throughout the day to ensure they are comfortable.

Continuing up the left wall are two lamps to create more light since there are no windows
over there. This is also where the word wall and art/work hang up spot that would be to display
the students’ work throughout the year and coincides with the success and love and belonging
keys. Next, I have my desk facing toward the class, so I can see everyone when I am sitting at
my desk. The supply station is also next to my desk, allowing me to keep a good eye on what
supplies are being used and when I need to put out more. On the top wall is where I would have
the classroom expectations in place; the kids will always be looking toward the front of the
room, so I placed them where they can always be seen. Having clear and easily seen classroom
expectations also covers the safety and valued purpose key. Below the whiteboard, I would have
shelves to hold storage and in the middle of the two shelves would be seating bins that the
students can pull out and place around the room during our literacy activities. Behind the carpet,
are more colorful bins. These are for students who do not want to sit directly on the carpet during
morning meeting and classroom lessons. My cooperating teacher had a similar system in place,
and I appreciated how it gave the students autonomy and introduced the freedom and
independence key to decide what they need in that moment.

In the top right corner of the room, is where I would have a kidney table for guided
reading lessons. I wanted this area to be colorful so the students would look forward to the small
group work with me. I have this table angled and facing the class, so when I am working with the
small group, I can see the tables and into the reading nook affording me the opportunity to have
clear view of all my students. Next to the table is a place where I would keep more storage and
classroom supplies, along with our classroom plant. I would hope this would bring some fun and
enjoyment into the class and would allow the students autonomy when it was their turn to take
care of the plant. On both sides of this table there are two large windows to bring in natural light
to help the students as they work.

Rather than individual desks, I wanted tables set up so I could incorporate quite a lot of
partner and group work. The setup of the tables will also allow me to circulate around the room
easily so I can reach students when they need help. To include the success key, at the end of the
tables are shelves with bins holding the students’ personal supplies, book bins, and table bins
with all needed supplies. On the chairs I would have phrases like “I am brave,” “I am smart,” and
“I am loved” to ensure the students feel the love and belonging key. There is a lot of storage
around the room and places for specific items. I love to be organized so having specific areas for
all items will help the students not only know where materials are but will understand to put
them back where they found them.