A 3-5 page typed, double-spaced paper that includes all of the sections described below.
Part l. Description
a. The Physical Environment
Write at least one paragraph that describes the physical environment of the classroom. Include specific details about the classroom layout including all the different areas of the classroom and storage of supplies and materials. What’s on the walls? How is the furniture arranged? What about bulletin board displays: what’s on them? How is it arranged? What type of student work is up on the walls? Are materials store-bought/made by teachers/ made by students? Are there games/toys in the room?
b. The Curriculum
Write at least two paragraphs that describe in detail what the students are studying, what they are learning and what the teachers and the students are saying and doing. (Do NOT include what is said in the voice overs or when the teacher is just talking to the camera.)
c. Classroom Tone
Write at least one paragraph that describes the tone in the classroom. Use the questions below to guide your description:
Do the children seem comfortable and content?
Are the children engaged?
Are they able to use the classroom independently?
Do they express themselves easily with the adults?
Is there anything that gives you a clue about parental involvement?
Part ll. Analysis and Reflection
1.Compare what you saw to at least one of the philosophers, historical figures, or authors of articles we’ve studied. How does what you saw compare to that thinker’s philosophy and beliefs? What would the thinker’s reaction to this classroom be? Say why you think what you think. (This part should be at least one paragraph long.)
2. Refer back to the resources posted on Blackboard for our sequence on culturally responsive teaching (Learning Module folders 4,5, and 6), the Kentucky Department of Education website: https://education.ky.gov/educational/diff/pages/culturallyresponsiveinstruction.aspx and the reading: “What are Key Features of Culturally Responsive Teaching?” Does this classroom seem to be an example of culturally responsive teaching? Why or why not? Be specific. (This part should be at least one paragraph long.)
3. Refer back to the article we read at the beginning of the semester: “Want to Get Your Kids into College? Let Them Play?”
Would you say this is primarily a “skills-based” or a “play-based” classroom? Be sure you’re clear about what each of these means. Say why you think what you think. (This part should be at least one paragraph long.)
4. What is your overall reaction to this classroom? What would you do the same or differently from this teacher and why? Would you want your own child to be a student in this classroom? Why or why not? Overall, how did this assignment impact your ideas about teaching and learning? (This part should be at least one paragraph long.)
