Classroom+Organization

Mrs. Spears' 10th Grade English Language Arts ===Classroom Organization ===

A well-organized classroom:
 * provides the foundational structure necessary to an effective learning environment
 * facilitates effective use of classroom time
 * streamlines tasks and transitions between instructional modes
 * creates a harmonic flow to instruction

I will vary instructional modes to keep students motivated, ward-off boredom, and appeal to the needs of all types of learners. Please see my page on Instructional Modes for details.
 * Scheduling **
 * Each class will be framed by a warm-up exercise, or Bell Ringer, in the first few minutes of class, and a review or question and answer period in the last few minutes. (//Note: the only exceptions to this format will be during school-wide testing, assemblies, or field trips.//)
 * My lessons will provide an even balance between the three instructional modes, as well as variety in the types of learning activities.
 * Students will generally not spend more than 30 minutes in a given mode, to help maintain their focus and interest.(//Note: Time spent in all modes will be shortened to counterbalance especially trying times in the day, such as: the last period and after lunch when students are tired/sleepy.// )
 * All time spent in independent and small group learning modes will follow a period of direct instruction.


 * Classroom Configuration **
 * I will configure the physical space for a high-structure classroom.
 * I will assign seating according to various criteria:
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">By student's individual needs; for example I would place a student with vision impairments where they could best see the board.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">In reference to their Home and Away groups (see Instructional Modes, Small Group Learning for more details.) I want these groups in close proximity so they can pull their desks together, and back in place, quickly and quietly.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">To separate combustible or problematic personalities.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">My basic classroom arrangement is as follows: