A Safe, Healthy, and Happy Classroom

Everyone needs to feel like someone cares for them.  Every student needs a teacher that appreciates them, listens, and inspires them.  I want to create a classroom where my students feel comfortable and loved.  I want my students to be excited to come to class.  I will do this by trying to connect with my students.  I won't just teach them, but I will actually get to know them and also tell them about myself.  I will work on developing the seven connecting habits: caring, listening, supporting, contributing, encouraging, trusting, and befriending (Glasser).  Meeting my student's needs will be a priority.  According to Maslow's hierarchy of human needs student's physiological needs should be met first, followed by safety and security needs, and then their love and belonging needs.  I want to be a teacher that maintains order, but will always be there when a student needs me.  I believe that no one can learn in an unhealthy, uncomfortable and hostile environment.  My classroom will be a happy, loving place where learning happens.

Reflecting on Teaching

The one thing that will be most helpful through my educational decision making process is reflecting on my teaching.  In order to be a reflective teacher, I will take time to record what happens in my classroom in a journal.  This will allow me to see what works and what doesn't.  It will also help me critique my behaviors, which will show me what I need to change.  To truly be a reflective teacher I will not be afraid to truly assess myself.  I will also take a risk and really open my mind so I can explore different beliefs and values.  Reflecting on my own teaching will help me better my classroom.

photo via here oh and also here

Withitness

As a teacher, I will constantly work on building my withitness.  Withitness (a term created by Kounin) is the ability to pay attention to more than one thing at the same time.  It's the ability to perceive your student's needs and see what's going on in your classroom.  It's important to be aware of who is having behavioral problems or who is struggling with their academic work.  I want my students to really think that I have eyes in the back of my head so they will not try to get away with anything.  I believe that it is important to be aware of what is going on in my classroom so I know how to best help my students.
 

Photo via here