K-12 Teachers Guide
Managing the Physical Environment in an Enriched Classroom
INTRODUCTION
The physical structure of a classroom is a critical variable in effecting student morale and learning. Students' involvement in the process of creating their environment can empower the develop of community and increase motivation. Because gifted children are different in their levels of emotional development, interactions with peers and learning characteristics, they require special support to ensure their giftedness is nurtured. It is critical to establish nurturing learning environments that do provide the opportunities for children to develop self-esteem, to be engaged in activities that generate long term interest, and to become knowledge producers and the physical environment must be considered as a component of that enrichment.
ARRANGE DESKS THOUGHTFULLY
Consider your teaching style, management style and the needs of students using the room when ARRANGING THE DESKS. You may decide to use rows, clusters, a circle or some other configuration. Design with a purpose in mind!
PLAN FOR INSPIRATION
Use a portion of your space to inspire students. This could mean hanging engaging posters about content or attitude. If you are planning to display student work, post a sign above the area that says “ALL of my students are capable of excellence. These really showed it on a recent assignment!” (Make sure you print letters large enough for students to read!)
INTEREST CENTERS
THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT MAY INCLUDE INTEREST CENTERS AND/OR LEARNING CENTERS, A VARIETY OF WORKING SPACE FOR INDIVIDUAL AND SMALL GROUP WORK, RESEARCH AND OTHER TASKS. INTEREST CENTERS THAT INTRODUCE STUDENTS TO NEW TOPICS OR CHALLENGES CAN BE OF PARTICULAR BENEFIT TO GIFTED STUDENTS.