Ideal Classroom

My ideal school would be here in Utah County so I wouldn't have to move too far away. The class size would be smaller than the average class size, about 15 students. That way I could give them more one on one attention. They would be in 2nd grade and there would be an even number of boys and girls.

My classroom would have hundreds and hundreds of books for the students to chose from and read during their free time. I would rotate the books out so they would have new books to look at every week. There would be reading corners with bean bags and pillows to encourage reading and to teach them that reading can be fun and relaxing.

My classroom would have a lot of different art supplies so the students could build their creativity. There would be bulletin boards on every wall displaying the students' art work so they could feel like they were making something worthwhile. My students would be sitting at long tables so there was lots of space to spread out and make bigger art projects.

In my classroom there would be a science area where the students could experiment and learn about the world around them. There would be a microscope so they could examine different things they find and there would be computers where they could put on goggles and view simulators of things like being on the moon or traveling to the center of a volcano. The simulators would also be used for Social Studies. If we were learning about Columbus and the Indians, they could watch a simulated reenactment of that time period.

The other teachers would be helpful and supportive. I would collaborate with the other teachers to make learning more fun for the students. The parents would be involved and give their input and also they would be supportive. When the class had parties I would have parents come in and help so they could feel more involved with there child. My goal in the classroom would be to build a safe environment where students felt free to explore and learn and express their personalities in a place where they wouldn't be criticized. They would have a lot of time to learn to work with other students and to socialize. I would make sure that no one was excluded.

Video: I think that kid is really impressive and that he made some really good points. I think that we do need to be reminded not to give up on any student and not to give up on our colleagues as well. I think when we're teaching it will be really hard to continue to believe in our colleagues when we disagree with them. We can disagree and still believe in each other and help each other to do what is best for the students.