The Classroom… Our Second Home!

In a couple of years, I hope to be where I have worked so diligently to be, teaching in the classroom. This classroom will not only be MY very own, special classroom, but it will, in fact, be OUR very special classroom. Who am I referring to when I say OUR you ask? Well, when I say OUR, I mean my students of course!

I hope to teach anywhere from kindergarten to third grade and will maybe even take some extra courses, over the summer, so that I will also be certified to teach early childhood. Let’s get real…if my first job offer is to teach fourth grade, you know that I am going to take it with a large smile on my face! As long as I am teaching and making a positive impact on students’ lives you have me sold. As I gain a little more experience in the classroom, I will then be picky and teach the grades that I really want to teach. Who knows, along the way I may decide that I would rather teach fifth grade, but I doubt it. There is something about the younger ones that just get to me and that is where my heart lies. 

Anyway, let’s get back on track to the real reason why I am writing this particular blog post. I want to focus all of my thoughts on the idea of an ideal classroom space for teaching and learning that support my teaching beliefs (that I talked about last time). Since I see myself in a K-3^rd grade room, I’ll discuss the classroom space as if I am teaching one of those four grades.

I noticed in the reading Teaching with Intention, by Debbie Miller, regarding the classroom environment in chapter three, that Miller and I had a lot of similar views. For example, I agreed when she brought up the importance of including students’ opinions in configuring the classroom at the beginning of the school year. By doing this, the teacher is telling the students that they are part of the classroom community and that the teacher cares about what the students have to say. My last post described how I want all of my learners to feel valued and heard and by asking them the first week of school, what they want to see in OUR room, and where, this is definitely setting that tone. I may have to make a few exceptions, based on student safety and what is practical. The more input I get the better. This will also support another of my strong beliefs which is to provide a classroom that is welcoming, safe and fair.

Another idea that has come to my mind because of my Literacy Learning and Teaching course and other past courses is the importance of developing a room that is authentic and meaningful. Everyone will benefit from a room that displays, for example, their own hard work, rather than just mere classroom “decorations” placed randomly on the walls. I want the principle, parents and visitors to walk into the class and say, “So this is what Ms. B and her students are all about. I like it!”, or something along those lines (haha). In other words, I want everyone to be able to know my beliefs without me really having to say anything.

You better believe that my classroom is going to have things such as a meeting area, a small-group space, desks/or tables, and so on, but I do have to keep in mind what is realistic and focus on what I have. Even though I am really hoping for a gigantic room, that may not happen and I am going to have to make what I have work. One thing I can control is where I will place our classroom books (or library), which is EVERYWHERE! Our entire class will look like a library as a matter of fact. This also ties into my belief that all of my students are readers and writers, or a part of the literacy club, and every single one of them is capable of learning.

As I end my reflection and check out for the evening, I will leave you with one final thought. I have said this before and will say again how much I appreciated the teachers who have created lasting relationships and impressions on me. I want my kiddos to feel that they are at their second home, or a home away from home. I will achieve this by not only having things such as carpets/rugs, couches, lamps, etc, also by informing my students that I am here to support them and help them grow as learners and individuals.

Have a comment or question? Please share it with me!