Entry 3.5 Domain B5 3.5: Making the physical environment as safe and conducive to learning as possible

1. Entry 3.5 Domain B5 3.5: Making the physical environment as safe and conducive to learning as possible How does the physical environment affect learning?

2. Bullet #1 • Identifies ways to make the environment physicallyandemotionallysafe and conducive to learning

3. Exploring Question • What are some descriptive examples of ways a teacher can make the physical environment safe?

4. physically safe environment • Room arrangement and organization • Aisle ways are clear • Easy access to exit door(s) • Cords are used and secured properly – frayed cords are replaced • Books and boxes are stored safely to avoid falling • Children DO NOT move heavy equipment such as TV carts – TV is safely strapped down on cart at all times

5. Room is uncluttered • Safe and well established traffic patterns to avoid bottlenecks • Teacher has full view of the classroom and students at all times • Safety equipment is available and used as needed – goggles, safety posters • Bulletin Board and activity materials are safe and non-toxic • Children are given clear procedures for fire and tornado drills • Children are encouraged to push in chairs and use equipment safely

6. Exploring Question • What are some descriptive examples of ways a teacher can make the physical environment emotionally safe?

7. emotionally safe environment • Use of fairness • Establish rapport • Encourage challenging expectations • Encourage academic risk taking • Supportive language • Effective classroom management

8. In loco parentis • The term in loco parentis, Latin for "in the place of a parent", refers to the legal responsibility of a person or organization to take on some of the functions and responsibilities of a parent. • Teachers are expected to act in loco parentis to keep learners safe from physical and emotional harm

9. Exploring Question • How does a physically AND emotionally safe environment encourage and enhance the teaching and learning process?

10. Ways a teacher can make an environment conducive to learning • Room arrangement and instruction facilitates different groupings and differentiated learning activities • Room arrangement and instruction accommodates learners with special needs • Instruction is more learner centered and less teacher directed • Students work is fairly displayed • Room has appropriate bulletin boards • All students can see the teacher and boards and have access to learning • All students have access to resources and learning materials • Room is attractive, appealing, neat, and organized

11. Bullet #2 • Describes how to use the environment as a resource that accommodates all learners

12. Exploring Question • In what ways do effective teachers use the environment as a resource for teaching AND learning for ALL students?

13. The classroom environment used as a resource for all learners • Groups and arrangements encourage cooperative learning • Access to technology and reference material is available daily • Lockers and cubbies are available for students to store and access their belongings independently • Bulletin boards offer prompts for learning

14. Exploring Question • What modifications would effective teachers need to consider or implement for diverse learners or varied environments?

15. How the classroom environment can be designed to accommodate all learners • Room arrangement is designed to encourage cooperative learning and class interaction • Room arrangement and organization provides access to learning for all learners • All learners face and can see the lesson • Age and Individual developmental needs are considered for furniture size and placement of materials

16. Developmental aspects of learners that need to be considered when designing the classroom environment • Physical impairments requiring a walker or wheel chair • Visual impairments requiring preferential seating • Auditory impairments requiring preferential seating and/or audio visual aids • Cognitive delays or giftedness requiring specific class groups or seating arrangements

17. Bullet #3 • Explains health and safety issues associated with the use of technology in the classroom

18. Exploring Question • What health AND safety issues need to be considered with the use of technology in the teaching and learning process?

19. Health: ergonomics – back strain and carpal tunnel, lack of exercise, hearing loss, eye strain • Safety: predators, blogs, inappropriate material, adequate supervision

20. How design of the environment impacts the learning process • Attractive, uncluttered classrooms are appealing and can motivate learners • Safe learning environments help learners feel secure • security = less stress = more motivation and trust = student learning = student achievement