SOLSC #21 - Classroom Loft

For the fourth year, I am participating in the SOLSC and guiding students from my classroom and my school on the same writing journey. Here is the link to our school blog and the 15-20 students who are participating in the Classroom Challenge.

Classroom Loft 

My middle school classroom is set up as a core class, much like younger elementary classrooms. The students spend most of their time with me and I get some planning time during their electives and math classes. Most of their academic skills are worked on with me via their individual units. They are also given a list of projects to work on for the week and then large blocks of time to do them.

So with all that set up; over the summer, I built a loft in my classroom.

My students all have seats around the room and there are a few common tables for group work, but the loft has created a lovely additional workspace. Students can work up top writing or typing on the bench, hang out below, or even lay back on the pillows and while holding laptops, look like they might be working. While it takes some clear rules and a little personal responsibility, my students have handled the privilege of the loft well throughout the year. I can't believe it took me so long to build one.