Their "Own" Space

Learning space is shared space, space where students feel comfortable, where they feel ownership, where they feel valued, and where they feel respected.

As you look at the below examples, consider how students feel connected to your classroom space.  By increasing student ownership of the space, you send a clear message to students:  you are valued!  Thinking about last week's post "Analogous Learning," I feel the need to be explicit in my comparison:

Student ownership of the classroom space is a metaphor for the ownership of their learning.  

The library shelves invite students to know the Mark Twain and Truman books -- even when they aren't currently available!

Student "Shelf Leaders" are identified on sections throughout the library; their job is to straighten and clean the shelf, ensuring displays are full and inviting.

Students own the classroom beyond it's physical space through Google Classroom. 

Clearly identifiable learning objectives (targets) give students the chance to own their learning.  It's enhanced by their requirement to articulate (today's MAP word of the day) it in their own words.

Students visually represent their learning, determining the images that will help them build understanding.

Use bulletin boards to expand learning, encouraging students to take risks.

Recognize students!  Or, better yet, have students recognize each other.

Those are pens...on every single table!  What a great way to make the classroom feel like home and ensure that students have access to the necessary supplies.

That's student writing on the "Expectations" board.  By creating the rules, they are more likely to follow them.