Maria Kumor Portfolio
Domain 2- Classroom Environment
In an SED class we made a portfolio which helped us learn classroom management. I looked at it for guidance one or twice during my placement. Got to design our own classroom. We had to make sure that we had everything safely in the classroom. I tried to make my classroom as collaborative as I could. I put the tables kind of close together to provide collaboration opportunities, but we could also make bigger groups by pushing the tables together. In my library corner it would also be a calming corner. I think that it is important that we can give the students a space to be able to rest. The placement and feeling of a classroom is extremely important and it can help establish your classroom culture.
Reflecting on these group activities, I can appreciate how much structure supports learning behavior. By clearly explaining expectations it helps create a predictable environment where students know what behavior is expected. Which then fosters a safe and respectful environment. The consistency of procedures make it easier for students to focus and engage in their activity. The only downside that is also a plus is that I would have to go over directions over and over again even though I would explain it twice before sending the students to their center. When they come and show me they are done I have to tell half of them to redo the activity so they can get the most out of the activity.
Domain 2- Classroom Environment
I incorporated a variety of hands-on activities to engage students in exploring letters while encouraging discussion. Activities that included a letter scramble, Name Turkeys, and magnifying glass letter search prompted students to share, ask questions, and make connections between letters and their own names. By circulating among the centers, I was able to ask questions and encourage students to explain their thinking, which helped promote higher-level thinking and reinforced letter recognition which my students needed. The Ipad which is always a center and the dab center activities allowed students to apply their knowledge independently while still providing opportunities for them to interact with each other. Overall, the lesson fostered an environment where students were active participants in their learning, practicing both verbal expression and critical thinking in ways that align with Domain 2c.
I helped arrange the classroom in my placement to foster collaboration and student engagement, aligning with Domain 2e of Danielson’s framework. By rearranging the seating to create new groups, we aimed to encourage students to interact with peers they might not normally work with. That promotes diverse perspectives and cooperative learning. The new configuration allowed for easier movement, access to materials, and clear sightlines for all the students, which supported a more dynamic and inclusive learning environment. Observing the students, I noticed increased participation and communication, suggesting that thoughtful use of physical space can significantly enhance collaborative opportunities and positively impact student engagement.
