I.

Observation 1:
Setting

II. Grade:
Fourth Grade Math and Science

III. Students:
9 girls, 10 boys

IV. Setting:
Classroom at St. Matthias School
One teacher
V. Pre- Observation:
The purpose of this observation is to analyze how the layout of a classroom affects
students. The arrangement of the classroom is essential to students and their ability to
learn. Prior to this observation, I researched effective classroom layouts for the fourth
grade. Fifteen year educator Mike Anderson gives his advice on arranging a fourth
grade classroom in his book What Every 4th Grade Teacher Needs to Know: About
Setting Up and Running a Classroom.
VI. Data:
VII. Analysis:
The layout of the fourth grade classroom was set up in rows of two students and the
room was relatively large. However, the space was not utilized well and the room
seemed unorganized. There were many desks in the room and several were empty.
Also, the aisles between the desks were very narrow and made walking around the
classroom difficult. The teacher was constantly moving desks around, to either make
space or to separate students. Books and cubbies for backpacks were located in the
back of the classroom. The setup of the desks made for a lot of distractions and side
chatter. The teacher had to pause the lessons various times to warn several students.
The layout of the room seemed to be a constant distraction and made simple tasks,
such as gathering science textbooks, a long process. A cluttered and disorganized
space results in a stressful environment for young students.
VIII. Recommendation:
The main issue of the arrangement of the classroom is the desks. To start off, I would
group the desks into threes for a more spacious layout. In his book, Anderson talks
about setting up a fourth grade classroom and says Spread tables out around the
room. If you use desks, cluster them in twos and threes. Having space around them
and proximity to just a few classmates helps fourth graders relax and concentrate
(Anderson, 2010, pg. 16). This would create a more productive environment for
students to learn. This type of seating would keep students on task, while still being
able to brainstorm with their classmates. Walking around the classroom would be less
restricting and help the day run smoother.
IX. Post Observation:
Going into my first observation, I was not sure what to expect since I had never been
to a Catholic school. I was quickly welcomed by the friendly staff, parents, and
students. I was amazed with how intelligent the students were and the technology
provided. The smart board was incorporated into every lesson. During my
observation, the class Skyped with a man who works for NASA and talked about
Mars. By the time it was time to leave, the kids were sad that I was leaving, as was I.
Im excited for whats to come during future observations.
X. Citations:
Anderson, M. (2010). What Every Fourth Grade Teacher Needs to Know About
Setting Up and Running a Classroom. Retrieved February 19, 2017, from Responsive
Classroom, https://www.responsiveclassroom.org/sites/default/files/et4ch1.pdf

Scholastic Inc. (2017). Classroom Set-Up Tool. Retrieved April 16, 2017, from
http://teacher.scholastic.com/tools/class_setup/
Date Completed: Spring 2017
Date Submitted: Spring 2017
Title of Artifact: Observation One: Setting
Standard: Standard Three- Learning Environments- The teacher works with others to create
environments that support individual and collaborative learning and that encourage positive
social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self motivation.

I am placing my artifact, Observation One: Setting, under Standard Three: Learning

Environments as evidence of continued mastery towards creating an effective learning
environment. The setting of a classroom is essential to a childs ability to focus and attain
information. In the analysis of my observation, I noticed that the number of desks and the lack of
space created a distracting environment. As a solution, I recommended reorganizing the desks
into clusters of three to enforce positive social interaction and create a less cluttered space. This
is evidence of my ability to identify the best environments for young students.