Just wanted to get some thoughts on kids in trailer classrooms. I don't currently have that situation but I was wondering what the overall thoughts were about the trailers.
My son is in a trailer classroom this year and all has been well. The trailers do have a few advantages ... if the kids get excited during a lesson & start shouting out answers ... they won't disturb the classrooms around them. If the kids get talkative during indoor recess or a classroom party ... they don't disturb anyone else. The kids can read the rain guage right outside the door, plant flowers & watch them grow right outside the classroom. The "cottages" are like their own little world. My son is a 5th grader ... so I have no issues at all with him being in a trailer. I do think it is more appropriate for the older students than Kindergarten or 1st grade.
My daughter is in 2nd grade and is in a classroom trailor. If you search, you'll find the post I started asking for experiences with the trailors. Based on the recommendations, I went into with an open mind (with maybe some undercurrents of skepticism). I now have no problem with the trailor. The number one most important thing is still the teacher, and she has a great teacher. The best classroom in the world won't make up for a lousy teacher, so obviously that will make the most difference. I have asked my daughter about the temperature in the winter and summer and she has no complaints. The teacher takes them inside to the bathroom 5 times during the day, and they are allowed to go outside of those times, but very rarely need to. She allows them to bring a thermos of water to drink during the day, which eleviates the need to take trips inside to the water fountain. It is true that they have to walk a short distance in the weather to get between the building and the trailor, but my daughter has never complained. In summary, I have no reason to criticize the trailors, and support the recommendation that they be viewed with an open mind. I'd be more worried about the teacher than the classroom.
The only problem I could see with the trailers is the inherent danger during a severe thunderstorm that could generate high straightline winds or a tornado. As long as a school's tornado plan includes moving the kids into a sturdy brick structure during a tornado warning, then I'd see no problems with them.
I agree with this - from a learning viewpoint I think they may actually be better. There are less distractions, I think they even have their own potty.
If there is severe weather, the students are brought inside to a safe place. It gets a little crowded at times, but better safe than sorry!!
