The Physical Literacy Environment

 

There is only one experience I've had in a classroom growing up that was different from all the rest. In third grade, my teacher had been teaching for quite a long time and she incorporated a huge treehouse that you could climb up and read during independent reading time or if you gained special privileges through how you behaved- as part of the rewards system in her class. I remember thinking how amazing that was because it was a focal point in her classroom and I almost wish I could go back and be in that class just one more time. I definitely have a very specific classroom setting theme and it's geared towards nature. I've seen so many "cute" classroom themes but none of them really stood out to me in the way that fits my personality. I've been purchasing plants since my first year in college to prepare for my classroom and to incorporate real plants that can serve as a health aid for my classroom, cleaning the air and helping students with asthma. Not only will it boost the health of my classroom, but it's visually appealing and gives the students a sense of "home" and peace. Often mistaken for a "jungle" or "rainforest" theme, I am going for something that is simple and can be maintained over time. I would love to include a tree, similar to the picture listed above that will be near the front of the classroom, where I will lead whole group instruction and read alouds to the class. I want my students to have leap pads or leaves on the floor that will be their spot throughout the year and they will be velcro where I can change them around throughout the year. The tree will be decorated at the beginning of the year and the students I imagine will feel as though they're apart of a special community where they're welcomed. We can decorate them for the holidays and really have something that we've made our own for the year. I want my students to feel like they're walking into another home for them, with a small gallery wall dedicated to classroom pictures or anything the students would love to share with the class, or artwork given to me. 

The challenges I believe most teachers face when they are trying to create a space for a literate environment are finding the proper space for one. Another issue or challenge could possibly be finding the correct seating. I've seen tires used as a seat, chairs, small couches, flexible seating etc. Personally, the challenge I believe I will run into is figuring out a system for labeling the books in the classroom. I want to have a ton of different levels of books and representing socioemotional challenges, showcasing different families, ethnicities etc. I'm sure many of the issues stem from overthinking and trying to "fill up" a space but I really want to focus more on purposeful placement of objects and the flow of the classroom, what books I am representing and showcasing to my students, and providing them with comfortable places where they feel comfortable to practice metacognition. 

Below is an example of something I hope to refer back to as I am starting and planning for my first classroom. A bit hard to read but you can find the resource available for print and download listed at the bottom of the blog post. 

 

I absolutely love this visual because it breaks up the classroom into different areas that promote literacy in a multitude of different ways. For example, the classroom library is a kid-friendly height and is carefully organized and thought out so the students are able to use the area independently. This visual brings up the great idea that anything hung inside the classroom should be meaningfully thought out and should be placed in areas around the classroom that support the learning going on. Being a mindful educator is a great way to make sure you are staying on track and can accommodate for all of your students. One of the areas I'd like to highlight in my own classroom is having a space designated for students to create their own work through writing independently about topics that are interesting to them, as well as providing options for students who have a hard time coming up with ideas. 

Resources Mentioned: 

 Lynch, E. (n.d.). Elements of a literacy-rich 21st century classroom. Retrieved April 01, 2021, from https://www.sadlier.com/school/ela-blog/3-elements-of-a-literacy-rich-classroom-environment