Guided Observation #2 Physical Arrangement

Name: Kellie Thornton

Date: April 28, 2017
Course: EDUC 2300 Introduction to Education
School: New Center School

1. Draw classroom map:

2. Effectiveness of:
a) Technology:
The teacher had a Smart Board in the front of the classroom. She had a huge mat
with squares on it. She would play Go Noodle on the Smart Board for the students to
be more active within the classroom. Also, there is a computer lab at the end of the
kindergarten hall. The teacher utilized it every day for a minimum of 45 minutes. She
had 1 computer in the classroom for her.

b) Traffic Patterns:
The teacher had a desk, but she chose to use a small table closer to the students.
Her desk had several activity centers around it. It was very hard to get to her desk.
She was not close to any of the doors in her room, nor was she near any windows.
She had the tables placed, so that the disruptive students were close to her desk.
Because it is so tedious to leave her desk, the teacher does not get up to walk around
very often. As far as discipline is concerned, this is somewhat effective. If a student
misbehaves during Go Noodle, the teacher can have him or her come to her desk.
 Even though the discipline is not completely private, it does move the disciplining
away from the group.

c) Instructional Displays:
The walls are covered with inspirational quotes, educational concepts, and cute
posters. The bulletin boards are covered with little pictures that has the childs name
and his or her birthday. At the door that leads to the outside, there is a calendar and
weather display. This is effective, because that is the only way to see the outside
world.

d) Classroom Management:
The students were very well behaved each day that I was in the classroom. The
students remain on task and ignore the other student that is disruptive. There was one
child who was a little rambunctious, but he is only five years old. I do not expect
kindergartners to sit quietly for 8 hours a day. Consequences for disruptive behavior
include being told to put their head on the desk, being removed from the activity, or
having to walk during recess. The teachers involvement and movement around the
classroom play a major role in classroom control. I have seen teachers walk around
and check on students while they are working. Students know that the teacher is
watching and they choose to remain on task. It also cuts down on talking during
individual work. Another option is to be strict in the beginning, then become more
lenient as the year continues. Teachers are able to have control, while slowly
rewarding personal responsibility. The first factor was not utilized in this classroom.
The teacher chose to sit at her table; therefore there were some slight issues. I was
surprised that there were not more interruptions, but the students were very well
behaved overall. If the teacher had utilized those variables or other preventive
measures, the few disruptions that were occurring would most likely stop.

e) Motivational Elements:
I did not witness the use of any reward system for academics or good behavior.
She would make comments to the students such as This makes me happy. Such
comments would be made when a student was on task or completing the work
correctly. Students really did not have any major incentives for academics or good
behavior. She did not praise the students privately, nor did I witness negative
reinforcement by a teacher or peer.

3. Draw your perfect classroom