This brings me to my theory. I feel that a classroom needs to be organized, visually appealing, neat, and functional. But I also feel as if Pinterest has kind of become the new Face*ook. People are scouring it thinking, "If only I had a nicer classroom. If only my bulletin boards were as pretty. If only my reading area was more amazing." I think it is an wonderful source of inspiration but we need to make sure that we don't beat ourselves up over it.
Your students are going to love you whether or not your classroom has the most amazing bulletin boards or if they are just plain jane with some basic borders. You got this job because YOU know what to do. YOU know how to make a difference. Remember this classroom is for the students to learn and for us to transfer knowledge to them. After that first day of school the bulletin boards will be covered with anchor charts, the book baskets will be out of place, and the puzzles pieces will be missing. So don't get caught up on all the photos of the catalogue worthy classrooms. All that matters is that we enter and exit our classroom with the same frame of mind...to make a difference. Lets foster a love of learning within our students. Lets show the world that teachers are the most important people out there.
What are your thoughts?
I love your post. It's so easy, in the process of getting ready for school, to want to do all the cute things you see on Pinterest or Instagram, trying to "keep up." Thanks for your thoughts! :)
ReplyDeleteMrs. Jones Teaches
Thanks so much for the shout-out! This is such an insightful 'discussion' to continue -- from everyone's blogs. For the first time there's a 'cyber-sense-of-keeping-up-with-the-Jonses' as teachers view the very best of the very best, via cropped and staged photos, captured for best presentation.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to have been one part of the continuing conversation.
Hope I get to make it to your classroom in the coming year!
Debbie Clement
RainbowsWithinReach