4. Learning Environment

Artifact: 

• Pre-planned Teams for Unit Gameplay

Rationale: 

This is a list of teams for each class during a unit. This was used so that students could remember their teams and it allowed class to start off smoother - due to students already knowing what they are doing and where they are going. 

This strategy of team choosing works really well in my opinion. Like I said, it lets students know where they are going rather than having to assign new teams every time. More importantly, however, it allows students to develop chemistry with other classmates, which will help during gameplay.

Having students stay with the same team for an extended period of time is something that they may not want to do, but it's something that will benefit them if done right. If you do not allow students to choose their own teams and teammates, make sure that all teammates on each team are capable of working together in a competitive environment. 

Artifact: 

• Gymnasium Aesthetic

Rationale: 

These are photos of inside the gymnasium at my second student teaching placement. There are signs, a scoreboard, reminders about expectations, and banners of other rival schools. Along with that, there are bleachers and a screen if need be.

With clear expectations and sports inspired decor (to a degree), you can tell the gym is a place to be active. It should be an inviting place. On top of that, making sure that the locker room environment is kept good and that the classroom environment is positive is also key because it ensures students are being treated right.  

The environment of the gymnasium is an important aspect of class. It doesn't have to be rainbows and unicorns, but it does have to be well kept and looking nice. On top of that, putting meaningful things up that students will read is something that should be done as well - such as expectation on the wall or supporting other schools in the area with banners.