DREAM ROOM

I designed my dream room layout from the perspective of a special education classroom. First, I arranged the seating around the room so that my future students could have flexible seating while having options. There is a high chance that my future students will have various needs that vary in severity so arranging my classroom so that the students' needs can be met is vital. I intend on allowing my students to have seat cushions of their choice as well as comfortable seating. I strongly believe that students should be given the option to complete their learning in a seat and environment that helps them thrive best. I will allow my students to give me feedback on what they think would help them in the classroom and allow them to bring suggestions to me as long as the equipment will benefit their learning. As long as my students are growing in their learning (and keeping themselves safe), I believe that they can complete their work in any seating.

I also have soft lighting and a sensory table in the back so that my students with sensory processing needs, anxiety or self-regulation challenges can feel comfortable. These additions will help those students feel welcomed, warmed, and supported in their learning.

I have arranged multiple spaces in the room where learning can take place. I have arranged a small group table in the back where paraprofessionals or other teachers in the room can have students in a small group. I have added a table at the front to support instructional flexibility as well. My intentions with those spaces and the comfortable seating in the back is for there to be multiple areas where small group instruction can take place.

I have contributed flexible seating into the outdoor classroom as well. The outdoor space can be used as a reinforcement or reward so that students can have the opportunity to learn in an environment that is different yet still appropriate. I placed a garden in the outdoor space so that the students can practice experimenting with their learning. The picnic table seating can have a space where students with physical disabilities (they can sit on the end) can be supported as well as fostering community among other students.