Ideas on Customized Classroom
A customized classroom is one where students feel supported to learn in ways that fit them best. It combines clear expectations and consistent grading with the freedom for students to choose how they show what they’ve learned. This kind of space builds trust, letting students take charge of their time and even take breaks when they need them during a busy day. Starting class with fun activities helps everyone connect, work together, and develop kindness toward each other. In this kind of classroom, every student feels valued and encouraged to grow in their own unique way.
Allow individual time
promotes accountability and self regulation
With clear deadlines and expectations, flexible work time after learning helps middle and high school students build independence and self-management. When students meet goals, they earn the freedom to choose how to use their time; even taking a short rest during a busy day in class. This approach shows trust, encourages responsibility, and helps students take greater ownership of their learning.
Student choice in projects
UDL and student choice support neurodiversity by allowing students to express their learning in ways that fit their strengths and needs. Flexible project options paired with consistent grading still ensure fairness while honoring different learning styles.
for neurodiversity
SEL in the beginning of the class
team building
Fun SEL activities at the start of class can build a positive classroom culture by promoting teamwork, empathy, and connection. These short, engaging moments help students relax, collaborate, and see each other as individuals, not just classmates.
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ex. Draw a picture of you doing your job 10 years later!
Focus on what students value
working together to promote greater learning
Working with different students every year has taught me how powerful it is to focus on what they value. When I connect lessons to their interests such as using basketball as a reward or weaving basketball concepts (ex. projectile motion) into teaching, it makes learning more meaningful and motivating. Tapping into what excites students helps build engagement and shows them that their passions matter in the classroom.
Use Thinking Classroom Routines
students explain in their own language
Thinking Classroom routines foster natural scaffolding and creativity by having students work in random small groups at vertical whiteboards or poster papers, where standing up keeps energy high and makes thinking visible for peer feedback. Instead of step-by-step instruction, teachers pose open, non-routine problems that require collaboration, multiple solution paths, and creativity, while encouraging students to ask peers before turning to the teacher. This setup promotes interaction and peer teaching as students explain and build on each other’s ideas, while the teacher circulates to probe thinking rather than provide direct answers. Public displays of work allow mistakes and strategies to be shared, normalizing risk-taking, and class reflections consolidate learning so that students grow toward independence and deeper problem-solving.
