In my classroom, we have a lot of fun. I
work hard to create an environment in which fun, humor and playfulness are
integral, designed to build confidence, decrease tension and make kids
laugh. Students get permission to lighten up from my example. If I do
something stupid, foolish or clumsy - and I do - students see that
it's not the end of the world. We laugh about it and move on. We work hard
at turning routine into festivity. Humor and creativity go hand in hand -
"HA HA" leads to the "AHA!" In my classroom, we take
ourselves lightly and our work seriously.
In my classroom, our work has meaning. Students are encouraged to take
ownership in their work. By making connections with the world outside the
classroom, students become engaged, recognizing their own significance and
value. As owners of their work, students focus on results, regardless of
who's watching believing they can make a difference in everything they do.
In my classroom, we take risks. Real
learning is almost impossible without experimentation, but experimenting
is risky business. With risk comes failure. There is no need to fear
rejection, because failure is valued as a part of the learning process.
Encouragement, rather than criticism, gives us the motivation to keep
trying and the security to express ideas and ask questions.
In my classroom, assessment is a part of
the natural learning environment. Teacher and students constantly monitor
progress as a part of their engagement in the learning process. Students
learn to reflect upon their work while advancing toward their goals.
Scores are used as a tool to monitor progress, not to rank or assign value
to the individual.
In my classroom, there is constancy of
purpose. Learning is a means to an end. Our purpose is to become caring,
loving, responsible citizens of an ever-changing world, who are equipped
with the necessary tools for success throughout life, whatever the future
may bring.
As a teacher, I think my strength lies in my focus on each student as a
whole human being who merits my undivided attention, unconditional
love and undying respect. When a kid is placed in my classroom, it is my
responsibility, as their teacher, to accompany them on their journey of
growth and self-discovery, doing whatever I can to assist them along their
way. Teaching is my job; making the world better, one kid at a time, is my
solemn obligation.
