Before I sat down to create this project, I asked my students what they needed to feel more comfortable in my classroom. I got about a gazillion suggestions, but the ones that stuck out most were these: art supplies, an expansive classroom library, decorations to make the room more inviting, organizational items to keep the classroom easy to navigate, and comfortable seating to make the students feel more at home in the classroom.
These kids know what they want! I want to give them what they want, but also use my own judgement to figure out what they need in order to learn and be happy. As I mentioned earlier, this is a group of bright, enthusiastic, DIVERSE students, who are coming back to school from a very difficult and anxiety-inducing time. So where does that leave me?
I started my shopping list with things they requested, and that I believe will give them what they need to be comfortable in the classroom. After a year of virtual learning, these students need a safe, inviting, and comfortable space to learn. I carefully selected books and materials that will make the space more organized, inviting, easy to navigate, and will be culturally responsive to their extremely diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Last but not least - I am trying to create a space where they can CONNECT! With themselves, with each other, and with me.
About my class
Before I sat down to create this project, I asked my students what they needed to feel more comfortable in my classroom. I got about a gazillion suggestions, but the ones that stuck out most were these: art supplies, an expansive classroom library, decorations to make the room more inviting, organizational items to keep the classroom easy to navigate, and comfortable seating to make the students feel more at home in the classroom.
These kids know what they want! I want to give them what they want, but also use my own judgement to figure out what they need in order to learn and be happy. As I mentioned earlier, this is a group of bright, enthusiastic, DIVERSE students, who are coming back to school from a very difficult and anxiety-inducing time. So where does that leave me?
I started my shopping list with things they requested, and that I believe will give them what they need to be comfortable in the classroom. After a year of virtual learning, these students need a safe, inviting, and comfortable space to learn. I carefully selected books and materials that will make the space more organized, inviting, easy to navigate, and will be culturally responsive to their extremely diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Last but not least - I am trying to create a space where they can CONNECT! With themselves, with each other, and with me.
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