Usually my space is pretty neat and organized however after week 8 it was such a disaster I had to get a picture to show a friend of mine…she had lots of questions about all of the interesting objects… I realized how much it all says about me, who I am as a teacher and my values.
- In this basket is where I keep a variety of children’s literature that I use in my teaching or lend to students in my class.The shaker in my basket is one of my kindergarten materials, I keep it around just in case!
- I am always being gifted the most beautiful artwork and interesting little cards! I display all of it prominently to show students I value them and that they are important to me.
- This dinosaur is for playing with! Often my school advisor’s little one will play in the class after school. Play is an endeavour worthy in itself, even in grade five (even in any grade).
- I keep sticky notes in this ornate box which I often use for thinking routines. I was very careful to make sure all of the materials I introduced into the classroom environment were conducive to the cool toned colour palette in the room. As someone inspired by the Reggio Approach I know that the environment is The Third Teacher and my school advisor’s inquiry is about learning spaces. Between the two us there is a lot of attention to classroom design and aesthetics!
- Recycled materials… so far used for planting flowers in and creating hand made journals… looks like junk, I promise it’s useful!
- Directly below the floating number 6 is my folder system where I keep a file for each student. I include work that I have formally assessed and more informal records too. Sometimes I will find a scrap of something that says so much about a student, it’s nice to have a place to put it. I’ve found this system invaluable so far in the parent meetings I’ve attended.
- This poster was given to me by the district aboriginal curriculum mentor teacher who is really lovely and has helped me a lot this year. My favourite from this poster and First People’s Principles of Learning: “Learning involves patience and time”
- Under here is my daybook… most days it is much more visible in case I’m away. Then anyone can see what I have planned! I love my daybook because the cover has my own artwork on it. The way the book is folded on my desk no one can really see… but I know it’s there
- This is a lap desk I found in my garage and repainted for student use in the classroom. We are trying a variety of options in the class including different sizes and shapes of tables and groups, some individual desks, standing desks, gathering areas and alternative workspaces. I need to take the lap desk home to make some more adjustments to it which is why it’s under my desk. I’m thinking of trying to attach something metal to make it magnetic…
- I have these recycling bins all over the classroom! I will admit that paper on the floor does annoy me.
So here it is – all about me and my teaching from my desk! Although there is one thing about my desk that says the most about my teaching…you CAN’T see it in the picture so I will have to tell you: I AM ALMOST NEVER SITTING IN IT! 🙂
Top photo: December 2014
Bottom photo: June 2015- week 9!
Of all that you have shared on your blog, I find this the most reflective and telling about who you are and will be as a teacher. You really do need to bring this with you to interviews as it exemplifies and demonstrates who you are as a teacher and learner!! Well done Mahima!