Teacher summers

If I said it once I've said it twice. I am not a fan of summer time. I feel lost. Adjusting to this down time is foreign. From August to May my life is non-stop and then summer hits and everything halts. I forced myself to actually rest this summer. Truly enjoy resting. I know this sounds odd, but I have never been a fan of assigned vacation time. Well, the time has come to rejoin the "adult" world and I could not be happier. So long teacher summer. I will see you again soon. 

Classroom decor advice

I am not one to re-decorate my whole classroom year after year nor do I want to pour unlimited amount of money into my classroom. So here is a list of what to do with your classroom.

1. Lighting: I really hate ceiling lights. IKEA is the place to go for classroom lighting.

2. Colors: Have them, but select a few. There is no need to incorporate the entire rainbow in your classroom...a tad bit too much stimulation.

3. Smell: I know this really does not have to do with the look of the classroom, but you would be surprised to how much a pleasant scent can add to your rooms appeal.

4. Organization: Have a system that is functional. Both you and your students will appreciate this. 

5. Personal touches: Picture frames, banners, globes. Decorate your classroom like your home. People will notice and appreciate how your room feels like a home and not a classroom.

I do what I want

I do what I want.

There is a select group of students who think they can do what they want. In fact these words have even escaped their lips. My coteacher and I are a little confused to how they came to this conclusion. Did someone tell them that the rules do not apply to them. Were they given a get out of consequences pass that we are unaware of. It's a nice idea to think that we all could do what we want at any given time but we can't because we are members of society. We are not characters in South Park and Cartmen is a fictional character. So, even though you "think" you can do what you want; you might not like what happens after you follow through with what you say. 

A.K.A

There is no denying that student teacher relationship is a vital component to classroom success. Ignoring this fact would be foolish. I know I am able to get more out of a student if I have a positive relationship with them. Now this being said it is not always easy to build these positive relationship with all students. We all have our "difficult clients". There have been students that I am less than a fan of. Regardless this is not the NFL draft and I cannot trade a student for another. We have to work with what we have and bring out the best in our students even if some take a little more loving kindness than others. It's worth the challenge. I'd rather celebrate a students positive attributes than negative ones.