This visual essay demonstrates an optimum learning environment for a year 2 class.

The visual style within this book is watercolour artwork from the author to better represent original elements within this space.

The cover image is a personal artwork from the author’s time at primary school which expresses the concept of community within the diverse classroom.

Hyperlinks are displayed in blue!

Welcome to Class 2E!

The entrance sets the tone of the learning space. A fun, learning environment where we all belong and work together!

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Class Displays

Displays of student work are situated around the classroom on walls around the work area and throughout the library in a creative way.

Class rules are kept at the front of the classroom for all to see and are agreed upon by the class at the beginning of the year.

Student Centred Environment

The student desks are in groups of six to promote collaboration and peer learning. The class are encouraged to learn through active involvement, questioning and participation in discussions.

The teacher’s desk is at the back of the room to encourage an active and engaged teaching style focused on the students.

The Class Library

A colourful activity zone with comfortable seating and a fun tree house design.

Filled with a wide range of  quality books and resources including Australian literature which is important for providing the children with relevant content that promotes Australian culture, history and achievements.The library also houses board games for interactive learning and social engagement.

Within the library is a modified tree-house that serves as a retreat for the children and the branches of which proudly displays their artwork.

Technology in the Classroom

As part of ensuring my classroom is teaching 21st Century Skills, technology including a SMART board and individual i-Pads are used.

SMART boards are interactive whiteboards that can be used to integrate manual and digital input. They can facilitate activities like game show style quizzes where the students use their iPads to answer and they are designed to be used directly by the students as well.

Classroom Set-Up

The classroom is designed to be tidy and organised when the children arrive each morning and leave each day with room for mess and creativity in between!

The floor space is ample for movement between desks with dedicated space for floor based activities. Each item has a place clearly marked and there is even a wet area with easy to clean flooring at the back of the room.