What I Observed in the Video
In the video titled Classroom Tour! 5th Grade Flexible Seating 2017 that has a length of 26 minutes and 26 seconds, I observed that middle school students are provided with flexible seating, which is evident from the spacing of their desks. The space between the students’ desks is large enough to enable group discussions. Also, the students are given the option to choose where to sit (Ried, 2017). Such choices are important for middle school children since they interact on individual levels and understand different personalities. The classroom is also well organized to provide adequate space for different sections necessary for the teaching process. In addition, the presence of a flag and the pledge of allegiance in a classroom portray belief in the system and loyalty to the nation. I also observed the artwork on the wall described as being the results of the students’ work. Such work is imperative in the growth and nurturing of talent. Moreover, the poster near the bathroom wall is effective for middle school students to know when the bathroom is occupied, controlling movement in and out of the bathroom.
What I Learned from the Video
I learned from the video that middle school students must be encouraged to work together as they learn much from each other. By being given the option to sit where they want every week, the students engage in rotational interaction hence gaining different perspectives from peers. Such situations also help formulate group discussions that enable students to see from each other’s point of view. The teacher mentioned that the students do not keep school supplies. The situation is critical since it promotes sharing while in the classroom. Sharing between middle school students is also necessary as it enables the students to see each other as equals. Nothing belonging to nobody in the classroom is an important aspect that can help to prevent discrimination. Textbooks and exercise books are very well arranged to show the middle school student’s sense of responsibility.
The students have a time-timer wall clock with a red fraction that distinguishes elapsed from remaining time. The clock acts as time management, an important aspect of everyday living. A class library, just like any other library, is also important in the acquisition of new knowledge when needed. A school setting, in whichever case, is required to have a library where students can source new information. I have also learned that setting up a middle school classroom requires considering students’ requirements. After gathering all the requirements, such necessities should be kept to access what they need while in class easily. All the student’s educational needs self-contained in a classroom appear to create a learning atmosphere that ultimately is bound to produce good results.
Ideas and Strategies Best Fit for Middle Schoolers
While designing a middle school class, consideration of the children’s height is necessary. Hence bookshelves and other storage spaces should be erected at a medium height accessible to all students. I also believe that security is paramount, especially where students are involved. Middle school students are bound to be playful and clumsy, resulting in injuries or accidents. Therefore, I would ensure security features like fire extinguishers and alarms are well in place to deal with fire cases. Sanitation is also necessary; hence would ensure there are high levels of cleanliness to prevent infections and diseases.
References
Ried. (2017). Classroom Tour: 5th Grade Flexible Seating. Web.