My kindergartners have been busy learning, creating and sharing projects using 21st century digital tools that have transformed our learning. Now we want to transform our physical classroom into a learning space that will motivate and encourage students to be flexible and creative!
I teach kindergarten at an elementary school in Montana that is large for our area, with over 500 students.
We are a technology-rich Title I school, however, students do not have a lot of freedom in the way they use this technology. It is often used for specific learning programs or assessments. Students sit at desks or tables as they work. My kindergarten students are active, eager kids who are busy learning, creating and sharing using 1:1 iPad minis that we received through generous grant donations. The students have developed independence and ownership over their learning by using these digital tools in creative ways. The kindergartners are kind, hard workers who like to help one another. They are bright, fun and curious, and it has been incredibly rewarding to watch them grow over the first quarter of our year together. I am so excited to see what they will accomplish!
My Project
The iPads in our classroom have transformed my teaching and their learning. Once expectations for using these digital learning tools were established, students began using learning apps on the iPads for reviewing specific skills. As their confidence and independence grew, they have blossomed and have begun using the iPads as a tool to create and share what they have learned, what they know, or what they still wonder. They use a variety of applications to write, draw, make videos, or create movies. The kindergartners are then able to share their creations using our class Twitter or Kidblog accounts.
As our learning is transformed, my goal is for the physical learning environment to also be transformed. My students need 12 soft seats and a couch for fun, comfy seating for flexibility while learning and creating in our classroom. The soft seating will be our first step in designing a more creative space where students have flexibility and choice in where they work and learn. Students will be able to use the seating as they create, read, and work on iPads. It will empower them to think creatively!
As the students' begin thinking in more out-of-the-box, creative ways, it only seems right that the space in which they learn should be changing, as well.
This seating will (hopefully) be only the first step in designing a classroom where students have freedom and flexibility and can find comfy little nooks in our classroom to read, write, think and create. Establishing an environment where their choice is respected will allow them to feel safe and will encourage creative thinking & learning!
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