“The classroom environment should do as much to foster cooperation and acceptance as the teaching methods that the teacher uses” (Bucholz). |
As educators, a lot of emphasis is placed on incorporating technology, instructional strategies and classroom management when discussing how to best engage and support all students. Equal emphasis should be placed on the design of classrooms as an approach to creating engaged and inclusive learning environments. Nicole Eridics, an elementary school teacher suggests that “the physical arrangement of a classroom environment will largely determine if and how inclusion will happen”(Eridics). For this reason, teachers must be mindful of what tone the physical space of the classroom sets and how the environment encourages or limits the goals they have for a variety of learners. Moving to an inclusive model of education can be intimidating for both teachers and students. Creating spaces that eliminate some of this anxiety and promote collaboration and community are vital in making this shift successful. Inclusive education requires staff and students to be flexible in approach and attitude in order to be effective. The physical environment of a classroom should also be flexible to accommodate the variety of learners in each class. Below are a number of suggestions for creating physical spaces that inspire, engage and encourage all learners to reach their full potential. |
Planning
Accessibility
Address Sensory Needs
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Work Spaces and Seating
Technology
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Inspiration
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References
“Autism Classroom Setup Tips.”National Autism Resources. 14 Aug. 2012. Web. 21 May. 2016.
Bucholz, Jessica L, Julie L. Sheffler. “Creating a Warm and Inclusive Classroom Environment: Planning for All Children to Feel Welcome.”Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education.2.4. Spring/Summer 2009.Web. May 22. 2016.
Eridics, Nicole. “Designing a Classroom for Inclusive Learning.”The Whole Child Blog. 18 Aug. 2011. Web. 22 May. 2016.
Hobgood, Bobby ED.D, Lauren Ormsby. “Inclusion in the 21st-century classroom: Differentiating with Technology.” Learn NC. N.d. Web. 25 May. 2016.
Wade, Mary. “Visualizing 21st-Century Classroom Design.”Edutopia. 29 Mar. 2016. Web. 20 May. 2016.
Bucholz, Jessica L, Julie L. Sheffler. “Creating a Warm and Inclusive Classroom Environment: Planning for All Children to Feel Welcome.”Electronic Journal for Inclusive Education.2.4. Spring/Summer 2009.Web. May 22. 2016.
Eridics, Nicole. “Designing a Classroom for Inclusive Learning.”The Whole Child Blog. 18 Aug. 2011. Web. 22 May. 2016.
Hobgood, Bobby ED.D, Lauren Ormsby. “Inclusion in the 21st-century classroom: Differentiating with Technology.” Learn NC. N.d. Web. 25 May. 2016.
Wade, Mary. “Visualizing 21st-Century Classroom Design.”Edutopia. 29 Mar. 2016. Web. 20 May. 2016.