4. Learning Environment 

This was a poster competition that we conducted in class.  We had just finished studying Rosa Parks and her commitment to activism.  The students then worked with a partner to create a promotional poster for an organization that they care about.  This activity helped the students understand how they can become involved in modern day movements for good. 

It is important that a teacher "analyzes the classroom environment and makes decisions to enhance cultural and linguistic responsiveness, mutual respect, positive social relationships, student motivation, and classroom engagement" (Performance Indicators 4L).  This means that students should learn to respond to current world issues with respect and awareness.  By creating this activate, students were able to respond to their cultural context in the hopes of showing others the need in our world. 

This artifact showed students their responsibility to their own culture. Rosa Parks is not just a figure to admire, but a role model we should strive to emulate in our own lives.  My goal in the classroom is to create critical thinkers that are ready to positively change the world.  This is a step in the cultural awareness of my classroom. 

This is a song suggestion box I created for the classes I teach.  Students often try to give me suggestions for music during class, so this box was a way to streamline the contributions.  

The teacher "understands factors (e.g., self-efficacy, positive social interaction) that influence motivation and engagement" (Knowledge Indicators 4D).  It is important that the students know that I value their contributions and respect their ideas.  By creating this box, I showed the students that they have a place in this classroom. 

The books has increased social engagement in the class.  The student love hearing their song play when they come into class.  They give me suggestions for my own music playlists.  The box helped break the ice with children that did not feel comfortable at first.  Music is a great way to connect with the students and show them that I care about their opinions.