5 Ingredients!

An active learning environment in a classroom includes...

Creativity: The classroom should allow each child to explore his/her imagination and creativity. There should be tools for the students to use to discover curriculum and concepts in a creative and hands on way. The classroom environment should be set up with art and materials that inspire the students to think creatively and to take an active approach to their learning. 

Individualism: 

The classroom should be set up in a way that allows the students to explore their individual interests and feel that their individuality is important. In an active learning environment that promotes individuality, students feel that their interests are worthy and in turn feel comfortable exploring those interests. If a student feels valued, I believe that they will take pride and interest in their education, making other curriculum interesting. 

Comfort: 

Students should feel that their learning environment is comforting to allow for open and relaxed exploration. Every child should feel welcomed and safe in their learning environment. The classroom can feel comforting through the teacher, the actual decor and set up of the classroom, and the mood that is developed in the classroom between students. 

Care / Compassion:  Like comfort, the classroom should also have a feeling of care and compassion between the relationships with 

student to student and student to teacher. When there is respect and compassion in the classroom, the students will

feel comfortable exploring and interacting without fear of criticism or judgment if they feel supported by their peers and

teacher.

Interaction:

In an active learning environment there needs to be plenty of interaction. Interaction with peers, learning materials and curriculum to get a hands-on learning experience. Social interaction will promote skills needed for collaborative learning that will last into adulthood. Interaction with the materials and curriculum will give the students a tangible understanding to concepts and curriculum that is attained through "doing". 

I believe children need... A safe, trustworthy environment that allows students to feel supported and valued on their journey through education.
I believe teachers should... Understand each students interests, personalities and aspects of their life that make them who they are. Teachers should be supportive and creative and foster a love for learning that goes far beyond a classroom.
I believe schools should... Be supportive and interactive with students, teachers, parents and community in order to promote the best interest for each student. Schools should be organized, accepting and creative in every aspect and make the learning environment exciting and inspiring.