Begin at the beginning

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How do you define your classroom space?IMG_1255I like to call mine collaborative classroom design.  As a follower of Responsive Classroom, I know how important it is for students to feel ownership and have a voice in designing the space we share. When I walk into my classroom space for the first time after a summer break, I ask myself:

  • Is the classroom a reflection of me? Or will the students own the walls with their work on display and the tools or charts they need to use?
  • Is there visually too much? Has there been consideration given to create a visually calming space?
  • Are the supplies students use placed so they will be able to access them independently?
  • Is there a purposeful sense to the flow of traffic in the room?

Just four things to consider and yet, these four are so important! I want the IMG_1249students to feel that they have a shared responsibility for the room - for the upkeep, tidiness, and for the feel of the space. I want my students to know they can access needed supplies without asking me where something is all of the time! When it isn't working I find my kids may not tell me with words, but with their actions that something is working or not working. Believe me, when it isn't working, it is crystal clear!This week, I will begin to reset my classroom after its summer cleaning and spruce-up. As I set up for a new year of learning, I will keep my four considerations in mind and prepare to collaborate with my 24(ish) new best friends.IMG_1253

The Beginnings, Again

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This past Thursday - our last day of school with students - was bump up day.  And once again, for about the 28th time in my life, I started building a community with a group of 8-year olds.They look like an interesting group. Definitely some wigglers, some barometer kids, as the Sisters call them.  I've seen some of their second grade assessment data already and heard from a couple of their now-former teachers about social and learning issues to be aware of.Yet for the half-hour that we were together, I can see the possibilities of the community of learners that will become 3-207 starting August 28th.One of the best aspects of teaching is this cycle, this changeover and chance to do things again - with luck, even better this time around. I know I never get tired of the excitement of a fresh beginning, of the serendipitous opportunities that will lie ahead.This week we started a new building cycle again. Our future together is a gigantic unknown - exciting to think about and a bit scary at the same time.We begin. Again.