Medley

Top 5 ingredients
COMPASSION- I want my classroom to be an open inviting classroom, where the students and I are respectful of each other and of our differing opinions. I want my classroom to be a place of understanding, understanding that we may all come from different places and belief systems, but that we are all human and want and deserve respect.
COMMUNITY- I want my classroom be an active, engaged learning community. I want my students to look out for one and another and to take pride in our room and with the assignments and learning that we do. I want everyone to feel like they are a part of our community and that they matter. I want everyone to feel able to participate without judgment or criticism. I suppose RESPECT would be a large part of our community.
ART- I feel that art can reach every learning style. Art can broaden every lesson plan. It is important to incorporate art/music in the classroom to help promote active learning.
DIRECTIONS- I don't want to be the dictator but I do feel that children need and want some direction. Otherwise it would be pure chaos. And, how much learning can be taught through chaos? My expectation for myself is to give clear directions. With that being said, I will have high expectations for myself. I feel that directions work well with thoughtful lesson plans with plenty of room for wiggles. Nothing goes as planned, and I think that is an important lesson to learn by itself.
FREEDOM- I want my students to feel the freedom to ask questions of me and to each other. I want there to be room for freedom of creativity. I want everyone to feel free and open to curiosity
I believe children need a place that they feel safe and welcomed.
I believe teachers should be respectful and open to learning. (This is an especially tough one for me.) I feel that teaching is such an awesome responsibility it makes me nervous. I believe teachers should be enthusiasts about learning. I believe that teachers need to question the status quo and teach their students to do the same.
I believe that schools should be an inviting community and a place that teaches respect.