Observation of the physical environment focusses on tools used in the classroom that aids the teacher in carrying out

lessons, and aids students in learning. While visiting Mr. Hodges fourth grade all girls classroom. I noticed a few tools in the classroom that he uses to make learning more fun, interesting and interactive for his students. They were his book shelf, smart board, word wall, and posters displayed on the wall with the rules to writing. When I explored the classroom for teaching tools, I instantly noticed the bookshelf at the end of the classroom. The book shelf had a great deal of books in it. It also had books on the top. The book shelf was set up in a way that was inviting to children. Throughout my visit I frequently noticed the young ladies visiting the book shelf to pick out a book after they had completed their class assignment. For Mr. Hodges, the book shelf serves as a tool used to keep students quite and on task when they complete an assignment before other students. After they have completed the book they have to option of taking an Accelerated Readers Test on the computer on the book theyve read. Another tool I noticed in the classroom was the smart board. The smart board is stationed at the center in the front of the classroom. I had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Hodges towards the end of the day. I asked him about the set up of his classroom. He told me that his favorite part about his classroom is his smart board because it catches the interest of his students and keeps them focused because it is interactive. Mr. Hodges also told me that he tries to utilize it every day. The word wall is also utilized as a tool in Mr. Hodges classroom is the word wall. While I was in the classroom a student trying to log into the computer so she could take her A.R. test.

She asked the teacher for the password. Mr. Hodges told her the password was Migration. The student then asked him for help on spelling it. He told her to refer to the word wall. The student looked under the Ms, found the word, and proceeded on logging into the computer. The word wall was used as a tool on refreshing the students memory of a word they had previously learned. On the wall at the back of the classroom is a huge poster with the rules to creating a complete essay. It listed all the components needed for and essays to be complete. Before the girls began their essays he referred to poster. All of the students read the components of an essay. This served as their review. The Rules to Writing a Essay poster served as a quick refresher for his students. Inventory of Mr. Hodgess classroom included; his book shelf, smart board, word wall, and writing poster. They all served as tools used for education. Each tool served as an aid to the teacher in carrying out lessons, and aided the students in learning.