My husband and I stream everything and got rid of cable years ago. Being home for the holidays, the wintry mix of slush and gray mist has encouraged us to snuggle up with family and friends on a fantastic voyage of cable television and coca-cola classics. I’ll be honest, sunny skies or not, HGTV is addictive. We’re starting to refer to Chip and Joanna as if we’re old friends and I spent way too much time googling Tarek and Christina’s divorce today. Hey, it’s vacation, we’re allowed to do nothing.
The before and after shots are what really pull me into home improvement reality tv. You get the feeling that the periwinkle blue shutters and subway tiled backsplashes provide these families with a sense of security and serenity they’ve always wanted.
This got me thinking about maximizing classroom spaces-not just the physical, but also the emotional space. Next to the new school year, the new calendar year is prime time to refresh your space and reset your students. Why not take some DIY renovation tips from your friends at HGTV?
DIY-Renovate your space!
1. Find your design style.
Are you vintage/thrift or contemporary/modern? But seriously, your classroom is your home away from home, so feeling cozy in your space is essential. Find inspiration by pulling images of your dream class space and revisit your pinterest boards. The biggest enemy of a successful renovation is a wishy-washy designer. Take stock-what do you love or hate about your classroom now? Hit the thrift shop on your time off and prepare for your 2017 reno!
2. Lay a solid foundation.
Beyond the ambience, your classroom must have functionality. Your primary job is to uphold a safe space where students thrive and learn. In terms of class environments, enforcing and modeling strong values and managing basic systems is our responsibility, but beyond that, it’s on the students. We’ve all had that micro-managing boss that does everything short of manage our wardrobe. Other than being annoying, that teaches us nothing. Don’t micro-manage your students and their minute-by-minute actions. SLANT? SWAG? C’mon, people. Kids aren’t robots and neither are teachers. Soon enough, they will be expected to contribute to society and read social cues, self-regulate and think for themselves. The solid foundation (coupled with lots of love) you provide now can encourage a level of independence that I wish upon all of my students. As we approach the new year, lay the groundwork and encourage the kids to do the heavy lifting.
3. Stick to the plan.
The welcoming of the new year is the perfect time to rehab your management systems. Take this time to lay (or relay) down the laws of the land. I know, firsthand, that poor student choices can make a teacher lose her freaking mind. Much of this stress can come from trying to convince students to behave. Don’t do it. Lecturing students on misbehavior is ineffective and an extreme energy sucker. Just pick a management plan and stick to it. Leaning on “the system” will give you a sense of order in the moments of chaos. Private and restorative conversations can happen after the dust settles.
4. Call for backup.
Whether it be pride, fear of being questioned, or momentary apathy-sometimes we just don’t ask for help. The classroom setting must be safe and cater to learning. Be honest about doing your part first, but if someone or something is interfering with class safety and student learning, then leadership has to step in. Remember, there’s a fine line between being a whiner and being a squeaky wheel. Good leaders will respect you for asking for help and for advocating for your students. Together, you might find a solution for your 30 x 30 fixer upper and the family inside it.
Happy New Year!
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