Student-Centered Classrooms

Student-centered learning has been trending in the education world. At Beverly, it has become more than just a trend...it's our new way of thinking. ISTE states,

 "Student-centered learning moves students from passive receivers of information to active participants in their own discovery process. What students learn, how they learn it and how their learning is assessed are all driven by each individual student’s needs and abilities". 

There are many components of student-centered learning, but today I want to focus on the classroom environment. Students spend approximately 1200 hours in school each year. Teachers are transforming their spaces so that students can feel comfortable learning, taking risks, and staying engaged during instructional time. Here are just a few images of our student-centered rooms...

Kindergarten

Just look at those cozy little chairs, the curtains, the tree. I want to curl up in this corner and read a book all day. It's perfect for encouraging our littlest Bobcats to develop a love of reading and learning. 

First Grade

Look closely and you can see that the bench says "Safe Place". This is a place where students can talk out problems, cool down, or just take a moment to gather their thoughts. What a great reminder that it is OK and often necessary to do all of those things. 

Second Grade

Students love sitting on this bench to read! 

See those crates with bouncy balls? These are part of "flexible seating". Students can choose where they want to work in the classroom. Giving choices is the key to success in student-centered learning. They discover what they like or don't like and what works best for them.

Third Grade

I think I'd like to spend a day in third grade just reading in all of these cozy nooks. 

Fourth Grade

I love this faux brick wall/reading area! And how about those fonts on the Classroom Crew board.  

Fifth Grade

Flexible seating, cozy reading area, lots of choices...love it!

Specialists

Even though these are not classroom teachers, they are incorporating these ideas into their small groups.  

I have seen our Instructional Specialist on the floor with her students in this area reading and enjoying learning together. 

Flexible Seating in ESL

Library Makeover including a lego wall that was installed last year. 

Makerspace filled with STEM activities. Students can come to the library during recess for "Tinker Time" where they get to explore these fun materials. 

Ok, this is my office. My guidance classrooms are way more student-centered, but this was all cleaned up for our "Meet the Teacher" event so I felt the need to document.