August 26, 2016
First weeks of School
Well, we just finished the first two weeks of school and they was awesome but also a BIG learning experience. The students LOVE the room and the furniture but we’re learning that mobile furniture takes some getting used to! We marvel at the concept that before the students moved TO the furniture and now the students move WITH the furniture. Because of that change, everything has to be accounted for. We now have formations that we get the students in. Below are the four examples and some architect specs for them. And the students have really responded to the formations and the routines around them. We started a project this week with small groups enjoying and utilizing the idea lounge area, counter space, tables and Node chairs. It was awesome to see them writing on the walls to brainstorm, swivel to collaborate and stay engaged during the task. It’s working!!!
The other thing we’ve been dealing with is half of the furniture has not been delivered yet, so students have been sitting on stools and other chairs instead of the selected furniture for them. We’re supposed to have it next week so we’re excited to have the room in the exact way we intended.
Lastly, the enthusiasm from other teachers has been surprising. Initially teachers reacted to the “mobile” part of furniture as a prediction of disaster for students rolling into each other. Then when they stopped to talk to us or look around, we heard more “I want that for my students” and “these walls are amazing”. We’re excited to spread the word about how awesome this space is, but word of mouth is working and people keep stopping in, some with whole classes of students to see it!
We’ll post more when we get the newest shipment of furniture!
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| Ms. Dabe leads a discussion in whole group (formation 1) |
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| Students working at the counter |
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| Working in small groups |
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