Saturday, September 21, 2013

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.  












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19 comments:

  1. Students are so excited when their work goes up on the walls. They look for it and show it to others. They are proud! A lot of the other things seem to become background to them in my room. I love it when they can't wait for me to use things they created to display and use!
    Lori
    Conversations in Literacy

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    1. Lori, I agree that other stuff can just become background and get lost. That doesn't happen with their stuff.

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  2. I'll just be that you can find beauty wherever you look ... and your kids are the beneficiaries of your compassionate heart's lens. What great food for thought!

    Barbara

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    1. Barbara, I always appreciate your thoughtful way of seeing things and commenting too. :)

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    2. Thanks ... you know I meant BET and not be, right? Sometimes my fingers won't go as fast as my mind, both of which I'm working to slow ... down ... and ... savor!

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  3. Great thought Tammy! I had a friend who used to teach 1st grade before I even had a degree and she told me she used to spend hours making these beautiful Precious Moments chalk drawings ( I told you it was a while back.) for her bulletin boards and then she realized all the kids wanted to see was "their beautiful".
    Kelly
    I'm Not Your Grandpa, I'm Your Teacher

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    1. Kelly, I know the chalk drawings. I still have some, and yes they took hours. :)

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  4. Great thought!! I want my room to look like my kiddos live in it!! Plus, I also LOVE seeing all of their hard work up on the walls.

    Laurie
    First Grade Lyons' Den

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    1. Laurie, yes we want our rooms to look like little people live there. Nicely said.

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  5. I also think when kids put their work into the walls, they take more care to keep it there and in good condition. If I do it all, it may not mean as much to them and ends up trashed. Kid work is always best!
    Laurie
    Chickadee Jubilee

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    1. Laurie, good point - trashed and falling off the walls by May. :)

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  6. Oh yes! I totally agree with you and all the comments. I still have three empty boards just waiting for beautiful kid work.
    Grade ONEderful
    Ruby Slippers Blog Designs

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    1. Yes, the room is waiting for kids and their work!

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  7. There is nothing better than seeing a kid proud of what they accomplished and excited to put that evidence on display for all to see.

    Tara

    The Math Maniacc

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  8. It's nice to be reminded of this from time to time.
    Thanks:)
    Connie Anderson:)
    Welcome To First Grade Room 5

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