Having my own classroom is something I have been envisioning since the third grade, or so. I can't tell you what I would do if teaching weren't a thing anymore, because I have absolutely no idea. Each year, our room transitions from a typical classroom into a learning community. This term isn't tossed around lightly; it is an environment that we work diligently to create from the first day of school. My first task in accomplishing this, is creating an inviting space where all students feel comfortable. Flexible seating is an important piece in making sure students are able to concentrate and produce their best work. We have a couple different seating options in our room from high-top tables to yoga balls, standing desks to cushions on the floor. Another important piece in creating a classroom community is that all students have access to any materials they should need throughout the day. If anyone needs a new pencil, a ruler, markers, or a bandaid... they know where to go. I believe this creates a sense of ownership for the students and creates a more comfortable environment.
I believe that students learn best when they're provided opportunities to collaborate with their peers. For many of my students, working in a team provides the support needed to build confidence in their own abilities and help strengthen their interpersonal communication skills. They learn how to share ideas, provide feedback, and compromise in order to accomplish a goal. They each create an "appointment card" so they know who their partner is at any given time. This allows them to have input in who their partners are, but also forces them to work with students they may not normally choose.
Some of my greatest memories of elementary school aren't necessarily the lessons, (sorry, Mrs. Palmer!) but the moments we had to be creative and to just be kids. I try to provide my students with similar opportunities. We are usually working on art projects as extensions of the skill they've been studying. We enjoy intense games of Blokus, Rummikub, or Five Crowns during indoor recess, and usually have a puzzle going at all times. All of these moments help create a stronger classroom community.