Happy Teaching with CLASS Thursday!
There are so many things to consider when you are setting up your classroom for a new school year. Today, @Alisha Saunders - Wilson TSjoins us to think through the many start of the school decisions we face. Be sure to listen to the episode and check out the attached episode download for all of the notes on this episode.
What was your favorite tip from this episode? What are you most excited about when you think about this school year? Do you have any tips to share with newer teachers on how they can set up their classrooms for success?
I can't wait to hear what you have to say!
Best,
Allison
Here are this episode's key takeaways:
- Classroom setup is not only about where I put things and how many things are on the shelves. Keep track of quiet spaces, noisy spaces, but also, what are my expectations for how we live and exist in this classroom together? How will the children get the most out of these spaces? (Behavior management and productivity)
- Keep Autonomy at the front of your mind. Allowing children to really own the community of their classroom really helps to make it that safe place that really makes that emotional support piece so much more attainable for us to really connect with the children when they feel like they have ownership in their classroom, too.
- Make sure you're comfortable as the teacher in the environment to be able to think on your feet, or on your seat if you're sitting down at their level, to provide environmental support and engage with children in the classroom.
Questions to ask ourselves when setting up the classroom
- How will we use this space as children and teachers?
- What are my expectations for behavior and routines? How will I teach those expectations?
- What materials will help me learn about the children in my class, their interests, and abilities?
- What might I need to do to set myself up for success in supporting engagement, learning, and building relationships?
Here's Alisha's response to this season's final question, what encouragement would you offer to classroom teachers right now?
What you're doing matters in so many different ways. As an adult, I still remember my preschool teachers. I still remember I hold very near and dear to my heart the preschool that I went to as a child - because so much of who I am is because of those people who were there supporting me and being my teacher. Being a teacher is challenging right now, but when we think about the impact, especially with our earlier children in those early stages, it's just immeasurable. So hang in there. It is a difficult time, but you are literally changing lives every day.
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Allison Bloomfield
Charlottesville VA
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