Creating the Classroom Environment

Navigation Links:

• ETAP 623 Fall 2023
• Michaela Libutti's Portfolio Page

Overview and Purpose

Introduction

First year teachers seem to have enough on their plate. Applying to different positions, preparing for interviews, new-teacher orientations, learning new curriculum, the list goes on. On top of all of this, new teachers have to set up their classroom and be sure that their students have the best educational experience they can provide. The intent of this course is to outline the important elements that go into a classroom environment, and first year-teachers will walk away with a plan on how to implement all they learn in their own classrooms.

This course, Creating the Classroom Environment, looks into the elements to developing and maintaining a welcoming and safe classroom environment. The content presented in this course is primarily directed at first year teachers, and can be completed in approximately four weeks, depending on how much time is dedicated to the course.

Course Overview

This course includes four units, expected to take approximately one week to complete, based on how much time is dedicated to the course. Learners will investigate the topics presented as well as how these topics can be implemented into a classroom. They will participate in scenario-based questions, reflect on what was learned, and develop a plan on how to implement these elements into their classroom. Each unit will end with plan development, and learners will then compile all these plans at the end of the course into a final product that can be used when designing their classroom.

Preparing for the Course

In order to complete the final product of this course, your personal classroom environment plan, you will need to have a Google account. To access your final product template, you need to join the course's Google Classroom by entering the code shown to the right. Once you are a member of the course, you will be able to access your individual Google Slides presentation, where you will develop your plan.

Needs Assessment

A survey was completed by teachers in New York State and across the United States in which participants were asked questions regarding the topics of this course. Based on the results, Intellectual Safety is a major component of this course. It is the primary focus in Unit 1, however it is incorporated throughout the course. Advice from veteran teachers was given regarding what they wish they knew in their first year of teaching, which is implemented throughout this course.

Performance Objectives

After completing this mini-course, learners will be able to:

• Understand how to implement and maintain intellectual safety, classroom community, routines and stability, and an overall inviting design in their classroom.
• Apply the knowledge gained from this mini-course in their own classroom as they begin their first year of teaching.
• Adapt and alter different scenarios resulting in an improvement of a classroom environment.
• Create a plan for how they will implement all they have learned from this mini-course in their classroom.

Course Units

This mini-course includes the following units. Click the title of a unit to go to its page.

Extended Resources

These are some additional resources to view at your leisure. They are not necessary to complete the tasks for this course, however can deepen your understanding of creating the classroom environment.

List of children's books that focus on classroom community: https://teachergoals.com/5-classroom-community-books-to-help-create-a-supportive-environment-for-your-students/?v=7516fd43adaa

The Welcoming Classroom by Johanna D. Ernst (website allows a 30-day free trial): https://www.everand.com/book/374995650/The-Welcoming-Classroom-Building-Strong-Home-to-School-Connections-for-Early-Learning

Creating a Welcoming Classroom for English Language Learners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FegO4Gh3uyk