Classroom Recipe

I've loved all of the metaphors I'm seeing... "mix one part this with that" or the "lasagna idea." Interesting!

1. Diverse opportunities
I think that children will stay more deeply engaged, if they aren't always stuck doing worksheets and book work. This may be a "given" to a lot of us motivated and creative interns, but I've seen it happen, and I really want to steer clear! Even discussions, journal writing and lousy art projects can get boring. With all the resources out there to provide a wide variety of experiences within curriculum, and especially all that we are learning now about integrating the arts and science whenever possible, I would hate to see a classroom stuck in a rut doing worksheet after worksheet. I've seen it - and I felt so bad for the kids who kept doing the same type of projects, all ...year...long.
2. Diverse calendar
I like the idea of lots of field trips, guest speakers, studying holidays, making up your own holidays, and anything else to keep the year exciting and active. I know there may be budget concerns, but there are plenty of free adventures to get involved in too. One class I worked with was lucky to have all sorts of visitors and trips throughout the year, and the kids had real world experiences to tie to curriculum in the classroom.
3. Community
This is something we touched on last class. How do we kick off the year, and ensure that all children feel a sense of safety, comfort and equality? How can we teach them that everyone learns differently, and that's okay? I'm still trying to learn how to do this, but I think a cohesive group can go much farther together. Building and maintaining a strong sense of community for the class and the school is one of my ingredients.
4. Organization
I think if the teacher is organized and has well planned lessons, materials, books, schedules, rules and expectations, the classroom will benefit. Not all of these lessons will happen as planned, or at all, and sometimes the room may be a mess, but having an organization to the way the classroom is run will make each day as smooth as possible so the children are successful. I don't know that I would go to the Montessori theory of having things "beautiful and orderly" but at least well organized and put together seems like it would be easier to do more activities with the children and if you as the teacher show you care, this will help build respect with the children for our classroom.
5. Goals/Expectations
I remember a positive experience when my 6th grade teacher coached us on classroom rules and expectations. After the discussion, we were given the chance as a class to make up our own key goals and rules for the year. We produced ideas such as "do your best work, be punctual, always be ready to learn..." I think having a list of reminders to guide behavior is a strong backbone for community in the classroom and allowing the children to come up with the ideas will possibly keep them better connected and accountable.

I believe children need someone who listens, and genuinely cares.
I believe teachers should strive to be their best, like they wish upon their students.
I believe schools should have a well connected faculty and administration.