Guided Observation #2 Physical Arrangement

Name: Kaitlyn Harrison

Date: 4/22/2017
Course: EDUC 2300 Introduction to Education
School: Hancock Elementary

Instructions for the Observer: First, draw a map of the classroom you are observing, including
seating arrangements, placement of furniture, computers, telephone, and other equipment. Give
a brief critique of the effectiveness and use of: technology, lighting, traffic patterns, instructional
displays, management, and motivational elements. Then design your own perfect classroom

1. Draw classroom map:

2. Effectiveness of:
a) Technology:
There was a Smart Board in the classroom that was utilized daily. There were two
computers in the classroom; one for the teacher and one for the students. The
student computer use was mainly for AR testing during RTI. However, students
sometimes used it to play Prodigy Math if assignments were completed early. The
 fifth-grade also shared a class set of Chrome Books. Mrs. Sherry used them to let
the students play Prodigy Math as a class. The students enjoyed using this website
and it seemed to really help their understanding of the content giving them a
chance to practice their skills.

b) Traffic Patterns:
Mrs. Sherrys desk was located at the front left of the classroom. The student
tables were located in the center of the classroom with 4 chairs per table in order
to utilize station and group work. Mrs. Sherry utilized flexible seating where one
table had stools, another had crates with pillow, another had exercise balls, and
another had large pillows on the floor. The two remaining tables had regular
chairs. The left-hand wall had two dry erase boards, but the Smart Board was used
the most. The layout worked well in the classroom; there was plenty of space
between tables which allowed students to move easily. There was also a kidney
shaped table on the right side of the classroom. It was far enough away from the
rest of the tables so students working with the teacher there were not disturbed by
their peers.

c) Instructional Displays:
Mrs. Sherry had a multitude of instructional posters on her walls. There was a
poster about volume control over the whiteboards, and several posters with math
facts all over the room. Mrs. Sherry also teaches science so there was an area that
showed how group work would be divided up when working with microscopes
and other science equipment. Mrs. Sherry also had all of her storage organized an
labeled so students always knew where to find what they were looking for.

d) Classroom Management:
Classroom management was the best part of the classroom. Mrs. Sherry had
incredible control and the students responded well to her control. She never had to
raise her voice which seemed to keep students calm and working. The students
knew what Mrs. Sherry expected of them and they worked diligently to meet her
expectations. I was also able to see the mutual respect that Mrs. Sherry had with
her students. She told me early on in my Service Learning, It is important to
show them that you appreciate them. A lot of my students dont receive enough
appreciation at home so I want to give that to them here. That really stood out to
me, and her appreciation for her students is evident by watching her manage her
classroom.

e) Motivational Elements:
Mrs. Sherry rewarded her students by letting them pick from the candy bucket
when they followed directions, or answered difficult questions correctly. She also
let the students who followed directions line up first for lunch or recess. I was not
 at Hancock Elementary long enough to see if there was a 9-week reward for
students.

3. Draw your perfect classroom: