Kemp - Brazile

Parents -

I hope you're all having a good winter break. I wanted to share with you an idea. I've had an idea for many years about how an ideal classroom would look and run. Ironically, I had this come up recently as a project in a class I'm taking. I showed a video to the class to get their input and criticism. I was surprised how excited they got about it. It made me believe that this could be a reality. The layout looks different and the way the class runs is different too. The new term that's going around for this is "Learning Commons." In a classroom, the kids would spend their day researching and creating. How is that different from what we do now? We ramp up their responsibility/independence and include more critical thinking projects. 

Here's the video tour (with the help of the kids): http://brazile.education/videos/classroom-tour.mp4

In order to make it happen, I'd need some help with building and some supplies. Our "ideal" classroom features a chalkboard collaboration wall, a couple tables (round high-top and a drafting table), and a computer station. I have a small couch to donate, If we can't do it all, we'll start small. The kids were really excited about the chalkboard wall. If we could do it on some plywood panels and hang up, I think it would work well. I think we could take a Saturday or 2 and make it happen.

I'd like your feedback. The kids' mainly were positive, but were concerned they would not get to participate for long. I get that, but these kids seem to have really bought into the idea and that's half the battle with change. This would be the first "Learning Commons" classroom in Cobb, we could be instrumental in effecting positive change in our education system. The other feedback was about the 3d printer, but remember this is an "ideal" classroom and that's the dream for eventually. Right now, we want to focus on keeping the kids excited and becoming even deeper thinkers.

Please let me know your thoughts and whether you think this could be a reality.

Thanks!

Shane Brazile

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