Saturday Sayings: Their Beautiful

If I weren't a teacher and went to work elsewhere each day, I bet I'd want that space to look like me.  I'd want to see myself on the walls just like my students want to see evidence of their presence.  I've found over the years that my adult life wishes aren't too far off from what my kids want in their world (something to keep in mind when making all sorts of decisions that affect our students).  I doubt it's that they dislike commercially published materials, but I'm betting on the fact that they find their contributions to the classroom walls much more meaningful and worthy of their attention.  For me, that's enough of a reason to avoid materials made by strangers if possible.  I don't mean to say the walls should be completely naked on day one.  I have a few items that I've enjoyed creating and displaying in my room that I do believe add nicely to the atmosphere I wish to create, but the majority of space is wide open and waiting for its most important inhabitants.  Although it doesn't take long for the walls to be covered in graphs, photos, artwork, environmental print, charts, etc., I'm positive I can always strive to put more of them and their beautiful on our walls.