1. Classroom Environment
Supporting the literacy and numeracy classroom
Opprotunity for us to take a look at the components of a comprehensive literacy and numeracy classroom and hear from your fellow colleagues as to the process they went through to enhance their classroom environement.
Purpose for this morning is to:
1/ let you know this room is here and consider the components of this set up
2/invite you to think about how you could incorporate some of ideas into your classroom and use this room during your literacy/numeracy block

2. Importance of Planning Classroom Space
Provides purpose to each area of your room
May reduce classroom behaviours
Allows opportunity for student ownership
Encourages teacher to consider important materials
Before we look at the components of the room, here are some reasons to plan classroom space.
Helps organize your thinking /planning of what you are going to do and where you are going to do it in your class
2. If students know what they are supposed to be doing and using in each area of the room it may reduce behaviours
3. This design allows for student input which encourages ownership
4. Encourages us to think about what we need in each area –where do I put books for guided reading and the works that goes with it, what about my leveled books, for that day

3. Student Learning and Achievement
Expected Practices
.Component #1
Student Learning and Achievement
classrooms are inclusive learning environments so that all students feel safe and they belong
Considerations for Planning Your Classroom Environment
The expected practices supports the idea of planning your classroom environment.

4. Instructional Leadership
Component #2
Instructional Leadership
the comprehensive literacy model reflects the needs of students and ensures the gradual release of responsibility
considering space and materials for this is important at any grade level
designated literacy and mathematical areas to house extensive selection of leveled reading materials, and math manipulatives. Also a range of technologies support the need of all students and their learning

5. Curriculum and Instructional Strategies
Component #4
Curriculum and Instructional Strategies
Teachers and students co-create instructional tools (e.g. word and strategy walls, anchor charts, rubrics and exemplars, processes for mental math)

6. Getting Started Large group meeting area Small group meeting area
Plan your space by drawing a map.
Suggested order of set up
Large group meeting area
Small group meeting area
Classroom library
Word walls and wall space
Works stations
Student Desks
Teacher desks
A great time and energy saver is to draw a map – use post it notes to move things around
Here is a suggested order to guide you through a possible set up

7. Large Group Teaching Area
What you will need:
Large rug to define area
Writing easel/big book stand/white or chalk board
Table for writing supplies
*place by large wall space (chalk/dry erase board)*
Links to Instruction
Model how to read, write and do math skills
Read-aloud, shared reading
Modeled and shared writing
GO TO LARGE GROUP TEACHING AREA
Lesson design requires a large group teaching area for sharing new information, modelling of skills, and concepts. Having an area that allows all students to see the board, anchor charts and have large group discussions is a primary consideration in setting up space.
REVIEW WHAT IS IN ROOM.

8. Large Group Teaching Area
Here is an example of a large group teaching area in a junior classroom. You can see the space for the group to gather, chart stand, table for supplies. Relate to classroom.

9. Small Group Teaching Area
What you will need:
Table for small group teaching
Shelves/file boxes for small group reading materials
Tool box of materials (markers, post its, pencils, pens etc)
Bulletin board/display space for posting anchor charts
Links to Instruction
Supports 4-6 students at a time for reading, writing or math instruction (specific to needs)
Supports small group discussion groups
Position so teacher can view the entire class

10. Classroom Library What you will need: Links to Instruction
Bookshelves
Plastic bins, or baskets for books
Labels for book baskets (made with students)
Links to Instruction
Place to self-select books for independent reading
Cozy area to read in during literacy work stations
Place to practice what we have been learning about: genre, authors, content, strategies
Ways to Organize Books
theme
author
magazines
levels
No matter what you teach a classroom library offers students exposure to text related to your subject area. It supports program through themed or unit bins, levelled books , magazines etc. It can support literacy stations, place after work completion or free time.

11. Classroom Library

12. More Classroom Libraries

13. Word Walls What you will need: Links to Instruction
Cards with upper and lowercase letters words (picture cues)
Word wall words typed in black for all students to see
Low, interactive placement for students (students can see/reach words)
Unit word list linked to science/social studies/math etc
High-frequency words commonly misspelled words
Velcro or magnetic strips for words (makes words detachable)
Links to Instruction
Displays words we’re paying attention to as readers and writers
Make connection to these words while modeling how to read and write
Use and spell these words correctly in reading and writing
Able to take the words on/off wall as needed for reading/writing

14. Word Walls Primary Word Walls interactive -magnetic strips -velcro
position at eye level
interactive
-magnetic strips
-velcro
add words as they are introduced after lessons taught
consider size of words
personal word walls

15. Word Walls position on bulletin boards theme /unit specific
Junior/Intermediate
position on bulletin boards
theme /unit specific
lists of words that should be spelled correctly

16. Wall Space

17. Displaying Student Work

18. Anchor Charts
Anchor charts are visual reminders of lessons taught. They are created with the students (student language) well organized and easy to read.
Reflect current teaching.

19. Anchor Chart

20. Math Anchor Charts

21. Work Stations Writing Area/Work Stations What you will need:
Small table or 2 desks put together
Trays for stacking and organizing paper
Containers for writing utensils
Work station activity package
Links to Instruction
Space to practice writing during literacy work stations time
Support centre based learning – no matter what the subject. Creating areas for partners or small groups to work together. Stations might include listening, computer, writing, science math centres. Spread them around the room for dispersing noise level.

22. Student/Teacher Desks
What you will need
Students desks grouped together to save space
Teacher desk in small, out-of-the-way space
Links to Instruction
Places for students to work independently to practice reading, writing, math, etc
Personal space for kids and for teacher
Last area to set up. See screen

23. Do you know????
What is the first area you should consider when planning your classroom?
What is the last area to consider in your plan?
Why is it important to consider classroom space?

24. Consider what you heard and saw this morning.....
Exit Pass
If there was one thing you could alter in your classroom to move towards a more comprehensive literacy and numeracy classroom what would it be and how could you do it ?
On a sticky note write down what that would be. Is there a way we can help you do it?
Create a design for your classroom environment for you fall set up.