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...
