According to the Bank Street approach, what should the classroom reflect?

The Bank Street approach emphasizes the importance of creating a classroom environment that mirrors a democratic community, where social experiences are pivotal to learning. This philosophy is grounded in the belief that children learn best when they are actively engaged with one another and the world around them, allowing them to develop social skills, empathy, and an understanding of community dynamics.

In this approach, classrooms should be designed to encourage collaboration, interaction, and communication among children. This not only fosters a sense of belonging and community but also prepares students to participate meaningfully in a democratic society. The focus is on holistic development, integrating academic, social, and emotional learning, reflecting the complexities of the real world rather than isolating individuals or concentrating solely on academic performance.

A classroom that embodies these principles would support learning through shared experiences, problem-solving as a group, and recognizing diverse perspectives, which are all central tenets of a democratic community. This contrasts with environments that prioritize strict structure, individual learning, or teacher-centered instruction, which may limit collaborative engagement and critical social learning.