I asked my students to describe our classroom in five words and they selected: amazing, talkative, helpful, talented, and smart. In room 221, students have ownership of their own learning and a lot of what goes on happens organically. Creating community is essential to taking risks and the facilitation of deeper learning. I care about my kids and they know it. Every morning before we enter our classroom, we stop at our door and I welcome them into the classroom with a hug, high-five, handshake, or as in the case of one student, a secret handshake.
Taking the time to know my students well, not just as learners, but also as people has helped to create a real sense of belonging in our classroom family.
No matter the obstacles they face outside the class, they strive to be the best they can be every single day.
My Project
Every student in my classroom has a unique voice and we are working on learning how to become contributing members of not only our classroom and school communities, but the larger world around us. One of the ways my students will be able to share their unique voice is through literature circles. In literature circles, students come together to discuss and respond to a book that they are reading at the same time. Students use this shared experience to create meaning, make connections, and have purposeful discussions about the book. Roles will be assigned to each member of the group to help the group function more productively. The emphasis is on thoughtful dialogue in order to share experience and ultimately come to a deeper understanding of the piece of literature.
Literature circles will give my students the power to transform relationships within the classroom.
Students will become more responsible for and be given more control of their own learning, and to nurture a critical, personal stance toward ideas which will ultimately lead towards a deeper learning of the literature at hand. Finally, students will through this shared experience, learn how to become better listeners and how to respond to another speaker in a way that is both positive and safe.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Brasher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.