And the Winner Is...

1.) Fun!
So many things can be solved in a classroom with a bit of fun and excitement. If the students are having fun and engaged in class then your discipline issues pretty much go out the window, they are more focused, more interested in helping in class, participating and have a considerably more amount of confidence. If a specific effort it made for the kids to have fun in the class it will make the teacher's job easier and the kids will respond so much better.

2.) Wonder!
I want to be blinded in the classroom with all the light bulbs going off above their heads. I want to be surround by "oooooos" and "ahhhhhhhs" Creating a sense of wonder, curiosity and intrigue around their lives will keep them interested and active in asking questions, trying new things and being much more active learners in the classroom. The more active they are in their day to day lives in the classroom, the more fun we will all have.

3.) Safe
Everyone should feel safe in the classroom. Not just physically, but emotionally, mentally, physically, confidently. My classroom should have a feel of welcomness, love and community. Students should know that everyone is equal no matter what they say. They should have the confidence to speak up in class, try new things and never have to worry about doing it wrong or what others are doing differently. They should have the feeling of being able to talk to me or anyone and always know their voices are being heard. The safer they feel, the more confidence they will build, the more community feeling will develop, the funner they will have.

4.) Goals and expectations
With all the fun and excitement going on in the classroom I believe it is important to have something to work towards and expectations to live by. Have clear, obtainable goals for each of the students will give them something tangible to strive for to keep some motivation. Expectations of them, and me as well. We should all sit down in the beginning of class and talk about what we want to do over the year. Expectations of respect of classmates and teachers, of keeping the classroom clean and safe, of themselves as students, as me as a teacher and of our community.

5.) Art
I believe that art is a huge part of growing up as a child. It is really an outlet that fades from students way too soon in their lives. It has so many purposes in the growing stages of a child. It helps build confidence, explore a different voice, give them a sense of belonging, community. It helps students that may not feel safe or worthwhile elsewhere to shine. Art give a chance to express themselves in different ways. It is a voice that can not be silenced and can never say anything wrong. It helps keep a healthy imagination in students as well. Without imagination, so many other parts of school become so much more difficult. It allows for abstract thought, to see out of the box, to take different perspectives and to be a critical thinker.


I Believe Students Need - Love, support, a voice, confidence, fun.
I Believe Teachers Should - Be there, listen, encourage, share, love.
I Believe Schools Should - Believe in their teachers and students.