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Setting Foundations

This observation document summarizes the researcher's observation of a first grade classroom setting and students. Some key points: - The classroom was bright and well-organized with student cubbies, tables, a rug area, and storage space. However, the three square tables that seated four students each were far apart. - Recommendations included replacing the three small tables with one large table to encourage cooperation. Classroom items like the alphabet chart should be at students' eye level for better learning. - A revised classroom layout is illustrated to improve the learning environment based on the observation and research on effective classroom designs. The researcher enjoyed interacting with the welcoming students and conducting an activity.

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33 views2 pages

Setting Foundations

This observation document summarizes the researcher's observation of a first grade classroom setting and students. Some key points: - The classroom was bright and well-organized with student cubbies, tables, a rug area, and storage space. However, the three square tables that seated four students each were far apart. - Recommendations included replacing the three small tables with one large table to encourage cooperation. Classroom items like the alphabet chart should be at students' eye level for better learning. - A revised classroom layout is illustrated to improve the learning environment based on the observation and research on effective classroom designs. The researcher enjoyed interacting with the welcoming students and conducting an activity.

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© © All Rights Reserved
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Observation 1

I. Observation I
Setting
II. Grade:
First
III. Students:
5 girls, 2 boys
IV. Setting
First grade class
Same- age (7 year olds) classroom, 7 students, 1 head teacher.
V. Pre- Observation:
The purpose of this observation was to examine and asses how the setting of the
classroom and the placement of the furniture affect the way the students learn. Its also to
make recommendations to better set up this classroom to ensure the best learning
environment for the students. In order to prepare myself for this observation, I read What
to Expect in First Grade (Ngeow 2015). I read this to better understand what they are
teaching in first grade so i have a better understand when I come into the environment.
VI. Data:
Observations were conducted on January 28th 2016.
VII. Analysis:
The first grade classroom was big and bright. It was well set up for the students in there.
I noticed when I walked in there was a lot of room and things on the walls. It was very
organized as well. Each student had his or her cubby to put their things in them. They
have centered tables in between the cubbies and near the bathroom. One of the things
that caught my attention when I first walked in was that were were a lot of books. There
are three square tables that seats four at a table. In front of the classroom there is a big
rug where the white board is. This is where they start their mornings. They sit in a circle
on the rug and do the calendar, reading, etc. The teachers desk was close by. In the back
there is a huge cabinet space where there is storage, art supplies, sink, microwave, and
trashcan. Nearby is a little play area/ learning center. In that area, there is a bookshelf
full of books. My overall impression was that its a nice place.
VIII. Recommendations:
This classroom was very put together, however there are some things that can improve.
Instead of having three square tables that only seat four, there should be fewer tables and
one big large table so the kids can sit together at least once a day. Jessica L. Buchholz
states, Patton, Snell, Knight, Willis, and Gerken (2001) found that 94 percent of the

K-3 teachers they surveryed use a semicircle or cluster to arrange the desks in their
classrooms. These teachers felt that grouping desk offered several benefits including
encouraging cooperative learning, building a sense of class community, and making the
best use of the space. The three tables in the center if the classroom are far away from
each other, and the other table is far away where the cubbies are. There is an alphabet
chart in the classroom, although it is not eye level to the students. Items that are eyelevel to children or below are great tools for learning for children ( Funk, 2013).
Illustrated below is what I think the classroom should look like.
IX. Post- Observation:
I wasn't sure how to feel coming into the first grade class, but I came to really enjoy it.
When I first got there, I felt welcomed into the class. The students introduced themselves
to me. Later on I did an activity with them. It was overall a good experience.
X. Citations:
Funk, J.(2013). Creating a Literacy- Rich Environment. Early Childhood News.
Buchlolz, J.L., & Sheffler, J.L. (2009). Creating a Warm and Inclusive Classroom
Environment: Planning for All Children to Feel Welcome, Electronic Journal for
Inclusive Education, 2 (4).

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