Class Size

When thinking about an elementary school classroom, the issue of class size comes to mind for many individuals. One of the biggest issues in our schools today is class sizes as well as teacher to student ratios. How many kids is too much for one teacher? Does class size effect an individual student's learning? In an article discussing class size that was written by The National Council of Teachers of English, they discuss the importance that class size is for students and teachers alike. First, class size refers to the number of students in a classroom at a given time or day. For example, if there is an English teacher that teaches 5 periods a day with 20 students each- this teacher's "English" class size would be 100. In an elementary school classroom this is different ,because generally one teacher is with one group of students for an entire day. Therefore, in younger grades it is even more of a priority to keep class sizes small for the success of all students. Not only are students performing better academically in smaller classes ,but according to the article they are also more likely to engage and participate in a smaller class setting. The article also points out the long-term effect small class sizes can have on students. These include the benefits of academic success and confidence in higher grades. Also there is an increased probability of attending college when a small class size was present during a student's lower grade years.

10 students sitting on the carpet with their teacher

Moreover, class size has proven to be influential for a child's learning. This is something I have seen first-hand in my own experiences. Through determining that I wanted to become a teacher, I have had the opportunity to observe a few classrooms. One class I had the opportunity to observe had around 12 students. This was a kindergarten classroom in which also had 2 teachers in it. Therefore, these 12 students were noticeably getting one on one attention and instruction for most of the day. I could see each student's relationship with their teacher as well as their eagerness to participate in the classroom. This classroom felt like a family in which their connection was so strong. This experience definitely showed me the benefits of a small classroom size and the way it can transform a classroom. Although, this was in a private school that one must pay money for ,so I understand that public schools might not have this luxury. However, it showed me the importance and many benefits that small class sizes can have on tiny humans!