I love clean, organized spaces. I value them.
In those spaces I can breathe.
Just as summer was starting, I noticed that Mr. Greg was guiding a book study on Teaching with Intention by Debbie Miller. Liked the title, liked the author, and Mr. Greg approves, so time for me to get on board this train!
Some is easy to read, some makes me think.
Today I am over joyed! Because chapter 3 is all about The Environment of the classroom. I love that she suggests getting rid of the "stuff" that has been there since before you. (That is what I've been doing for three years, and I think I'm almost done.)
When we clean out the physical clutter, this can also help us clean out mental clutter. I can definitely feel that in my classroom. Packing up this year was so easy. Part of that was because my two bestie were in a meeting and could not interrupt me (and I could not take breaks interrupting them), and part of that was because I just have so much less stuff.
I do want to have an inviting space that will encourage my students and their families to breathe and learn, but I do not have to have it "Pinterest Ready" by the first day.
The classroom is an organic space. It can move and grow as those of us in it move and grow.
My goal for next year--let the room show evidence of student growth and learning.
The evidence of my growth and learning can be in a very cute binder, with dividers and labels.
This chapter is being hosted by Surfin' Through Second, The Learning Chambers, and Savvy, Savvy, Simple Teaching. I wonder what their thoughts are... Heading that way now...
"My goal for next year--let the room show evidence of student growth and learning. " Yes! I remember my first five years of teaching - my walls looked like the Teacher Store. Now (if I had a classroom) it would be anchor charts and kids' work! All my money now goes into a classroom library! :-) Thanks for sharing! I want to read this book!
ReplyDeleteClutter is definitely something I had to work on as well. My file cabinets were horrible!! The end of this year I also cleaned out some of my shelves and it was so nice to just throw away old and broken games, books and materials. Now I just need to work on de-cluttering my home!! Thanks so much for linking up Alyce!
ReplyDeleteAloha,
Corinna (✿◠‿◠)
Surfin' Through Second
Wish I had seen this book study earlier -- I've read the book and you are so right -- it makes you think! I like your thought that de clutter physical stuff helps de clutter mental stuff. That seems so true to me. Sometimes I have a hard time removing stuff - either tossing or giving away -- what if I need it? Really, haven't needed it for xx years. Good thoughts! Sara
ReplyDelete