In this video, you will see the setup of my classroom. You will see student-accessible shelves where they can retrieve the materials they need independently and put them away independently. Every item is in an individual, clear plastic bin, and each item is labeled with both words and pictures. Additionally, they are labeled with a number so they can put bins back in the right place to find them the next time they are needed. There is also the same label on the shelf, so they have an additional scaffold to match.

Each student has their own iPad that they can access from pull-out drawers. The drawers are labeled with names and pictures. There is also a charging station at the top of the drawers where students can independently plug in iPads if they see they are low battery (and we discuss in length what that means so they know the routine). I intentionally put the two sets of drawers in different parts of the room to minimize student bottlenecking. Students' headphones are also kept in the drawers, and there is a bin of extras in case of a technical issue so they can attempt to solve it independently. We spend a lot of time talking about how to plug the headphones into the iPad jack because, if done too roughly, it can damage the devices. 

You’ll see a good amount of alternative seating options. Those are free for students to use on the carpet, chairs, or the floor for independent work. We spend a lot of time reviewing how to use them appropriately and what happens if they are not used appropriately so students aren’t surprised if they are taken away. 

You will see many islands of small desk groups. Those are for the rotations but also work well for independent work. Students often like to get cozy on the carpet or with alternative seating options on the floor and can sit where they please. The table in the back of the room is where I run my small groups or 1-1 practice. I intentionally sit with my back facing the wall to scan the whole classroom as I teach. My teaching assistant sits at the table farthest away in the other corner to be able to scan from her side and visually. 

We have specific paper bins where students can find copies of mastery checks or other necessary materials and different bins for them to return to me.