If you stepped into my future classroom, the first thing you would notice are items hung from the walls that represent the community that formed within that classroom. Students’ photos would be hung above the classroom board, as well as students’ work adorning the walls of the classroom. Also hung from one of the walls would be a compilation of classroom promises. These are classroom norms that will have been established with the students and teacher together as a classroom community. I want my future classroom to be a representation of the students that have made the space their home away from home, and I want the space to truly feel like a home away from home for my students. 

     I had a limited ability to implement much of this into my student teaching classroom, but I was able to implement a calming corner so students had a space to practice emotional regulation strategies when they experienced big feelings. My student teaching classroom also expressed my beliefs of a kindergarten classroom that offers students with spaces for free exploratory play. Students sat in groups at tables which was conducive for learning to be a social experience. And while there was not room in the classroom, I was able to hang student work on the bulletin board just outside of the classroom. 

                                                        Introductory Letter 

                                                        Sample Newsletter