When my students walk into my classroom, amidst the color, student artwork, senior graduation announcements, and more, there are two unsightly chalkboards. Almost every other chalkboard in the building has been updated, however mine remain. They are quite large and hard for students to miss. Last year, they simply described as old. Students notice the ever present dust and the faint color of chalk as I attempt to write something on the board. They cringe at the sound of the chalk as I write words of encouragement or announcements. They aren't inspired, and they definitely don't want to write on them.
While this project may not seem the most innovative, I truly believe this simple change will help my students to feel like they have ownership of the space they learn in. I would love for students to walk in and see something new, something worthy of them. I'd love for them see the learning their classmates left on the board from the previous period. I'd love to see their artwork displayed across the top, with notes of encouragement to the side of each. I'd love for them to feel ownership of the room and the ability to write, draw, and express themselves through color. I'd love for them to have competitions and participate in learning games to help remind them they can still have fun in school (even as seniors). A whiteboard creates a dialogue and is a visual representation of what's happening in that community. A chalkboard just doesn't do the same.
About my class
When my students walk into my classroom, amidst the color, student artwork, senior graduation announcements, and more, there are two unsightly chalkboards. Almost every other chalkboard in the building has been updated, however mine remain. They are quite large and hard for students to miss. Last year, they simply described as old. Students notice the ever present dust and the faint color of chalk as I attempt to write something on the board. They cringe at the sound of the chalk as I write words of encouragement or announcements. They aren't inspired, and they definitely don't want to write on them.
While this project may not seem the most innovative, I truly believe this simple change will help my students to feel like they have ownership of the space they learn in. I would love for students to walk in and see something new, something worthy of them. I'd love for them see the learning their classmates left on the board from the previous period. I'd love to see their artwork displayed across the top, with notes of encouragement to the side of each. I'd love for them to feel ownership of the room and the ability to write, draw, and express themselves through color. I'd love for them to have competitions and participate in learning games to help remind them they can still have fun in school (even as seniors). A whiteboard creates a dialogue and is a visual representation of what's happening in that community. A chalkboard just doesn't do the same.
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