Do Dreams Really Come True??

My Ideal Class...is something to ponder.  I have to say I don't think it's the classroom I am in now.  First off, it's too small.  I have 30 kids and there isn't much more room in there for them all once we give them desks.  I guess that would be my second change, no desks.  I really do love desks. I think there is a place for them in the classroom. But moving forward in my thinking of the modern 21st century classroom, they are obsolete.  So I would put in tables.  I like the idea of different sized tables.  Small, tall, short and long tables would all work.  It gives kids options.  I think making them comfortable is key.  When you are somewhere you feel comfortable, you will take risks and try new things and that is what we are asking our kids to do.  I also think we need our classrooms to be carpeted with nice comfortable carpet, not industrial carpet we see in classrooms now.  The kids need places to collaborate, read and just have fun.  Throw in some couches, bean bags and pillows and the kids have a place to do just that!  I would also want a gathering place where we could come together as a class.  It could be a huge rectangle or round table we could all be around at once.  I want them to have technology at their fingertips, so I want all kinds.  I have my preferences as a teacher and learner myself, so I know the kids do too.  Some things work better on one device rather than another, we need options.

This looks nothing like what I have now, but it is something I think I would like to pursue.  Like with everything, we can make small changes.  Chuck the desks, get tables.  Get rid of the teacher clutter and make room for the couch.  Buy nice carpets with pillows and bean bags.  I'm not sure how I can get a bigger room, that might be tricky.  But it's definitely something to think about.  I know if I asked my kids on Monday what they want our classroom to look like, it will be more like my ideal classroom rather than what we have now.