Classroom Environment

Classroom Environment

Classroom environment plays a critical role in literacy learning. During a read aloud experience the students need adequate space relatively close to the teacher in order to see and hear the story. They need to be seated in a way that is mostly free from distractions. The decorations in the classroom should facilitate the learning not distract or take away from the learning. In my classroom set up I have a large carpet area where all the students have enough space to sit. I assign carpet spaces first spaced on alphabetical order and then after I get to know I the students I seat them in spaces that best meets their needs. 

The classroom environment for a shared reading experience is similar to that of a read aloud. The main difference is that I choose to use a big book so the students can interact and engage in the reading experience. A big book allows the students to see the text in large print and come up and interact with the book using a pointer or other materials. I pre-teach how to get up from the carpet and come to the front so no one gets stepped on. 

Classroom environment can be an after thought but it plays a critical role in literacy learning. The teacher should be mindful and intentional when preparing the classroom for learning.