What makes a place feel like home? Can a classroom feel like home? Should a classroom feel like home? I contemplated these questions as I watched the sun rays fall through the window of my classroom. My favorite time of day is the quiet of the afternoon after the kids have all gone home. All of a sudden, there is quiet and peace and time to think.
The sun rays reminded me of home. I thought to myself, if I were the mother of these children what would I want for them? Number one, I would want them to feel at home. Number two, I would want them to be safe. Number three, I would want them to be motivated to learn. Number four, I would want them to have great resources for their learning.
So I asked myself, am I giving these things to my students? For the most part, I think so. But being a first year teacher it seems as if I stumble over good practices rather than plan them ahead of time.
It's not that school is supposed to be a picture of home. It's a place of learning. But at the same time, kindergarten is an important place to learn about relationships, community, problem-solving. It is a transition from home to the outside world.
What makes a good home? What makes a good classroom? Here is my starting list of the similarities.
1. prayer (granted I cannot lead them in prayer, but I can pray for them)
2. laughter
3. time to listen to one another
4. an atmosphere of understanding
5. family members/friends
6. a safe place to cry
7. a safe place to learn right from wrong
8. a safe place to explore new ideas
9. a place of provision, where needs are taken care of
10. a place where a person is encouraged to grow
Every day, this is the list that runs through my head. And I fail each time. But I'm learning the balance, and I'm learning how to listen, how to respond, how to deal with each child individually and according to their needs.
God has a hard job. I only have nineteen kids. And the more I work with them, the more I realize how individual they are. Each one has a unique approach to life. Each one learns differently, is motivated differently, responds differently to their environment. Each one needs time each day to be loved and encouraged.
I don't know how, God, but show me how. I can't stand the thought of failing these kids.
1 comment:
Oh man, how refreshing it is to read your blog and know EXACTLY what you're talking about. Well, I don't have my own classroom (yet) but to sit here and nod and agree with every statement you made. It's so great to have fellow teachers as friends. We speak the same language. :o) I'm sure you provide those kids with an incredible learning environment that makes them feel comfortable and challenges them to grow and become independent learners. Plus they have you covering them in prayer...that's a lot more than you can say for most kids in public schools! Love you so much April and I'm convinced your kids do too. They'll always remember you...and in a positive light. They may not remember what you taught them or even how you taught them, but they'll always remember how you made them feel. Bless you girly...HUGS
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