Creating a Learning Space

So I was recently part of a twitter chat with other PYP teachers.  Now, even though I am no longer in a PYP classroom I believe the methods and theory of approach to teaching and learning is one that should be part of every classroom.  There were several questions discussed about how we start the year.  The question I will focus on tonight is, "How will you involve your students in creating the learning space so they "own" it?"

This is basically what my classroom looks like on day one.(It's slightly messy since I took the picture while the children were at lunch) I didn't save the picture from before school started, but the anchor charts with multiple colors were not there.  What you will notice is that it is fairly blank.  I have no cute charts that  I bought from some store, there isn't a shrine to myself in my room.  What you will see is a focus wall that will display our goals for the unit and the House Points board that we are using to monitor behaviors.  Think Harry Potter, and you'll understand where I'm coming from. And, that's about it.  I want kids to know this is our space- I don't dictate what goes on the wall, what I feel is important- that is for them to help co-create as we move through a unit.

 I also don't have some monstrosity of  a desk that takes up a great deal of space.  It's our space- to learn, create, fail, and help one another grow.  So as the days progress more of my walls will be covered, with OUR learning.  The "rules" posted outside the door are the essential agreements THEY made.
This isn't my classroom, it's OUR classroom.