10 Elements of a Creative, Calm Classroom
1. A calm, uncluttered classroom environment set up for autonomy. This is based on Montessori principles. The only charts on display should be big, clear and simple and related to what's currently being worked on. Materials should be easy for children to find and return.
2. Warm, caring, respectful relationships between teacher and students and between students themselves. Class meetings used for communication.
3. Children should have autonomy around how, when, where, what and with whom work is done.
4. Tables and work stations should be set up for children to investigate materials as way of investigating a topic: maker space/tinker box, art space, writing space, world discovery, reading tent, brain discovery centre, science corner (nomenclature cards).
5. Clear, explicit, practised routines and expectations around behaviour so children feel secure and calm. Includes explicit teaching of group work strategies, sharing an opinion, disagreeing, independent working strategies, problem-solving strategies, using goals, etc. Children need to know what to do when they don't know what to do.
6. Engaging, hands-on lessons within each child's ZPD.
7. Learning which incorporates humor, variety, novelty, music, physical activity, outdoor work and connections with nature as much as possible.
8. Authentic learning based on real-world situations, problems and tasks. Learning is communicated to parents via a class blog.
9. Children learn about their brains and how they work and about their feelings and thoughts, growth mindsets and other brain-based learning. Children reflect on their learning, feelings and relationships.
10. Mindfulness and meditation are taught and used in the classroom.
Towards a Personal Philosophy of Teaching
- education is life, as well as being for life
- everyone can learn
- meditation - http://smilingmind.com.au/
- mindfulness
- yoga/tai chi
- Jane Nelsen's "Positive Discipline in the Classroom"
- lots of movement
- connections with nature: http://blog.childrenandnature.org
- calm classroom
- teaching about feelings
- music
- experiments
- videos
- hands on materials and activities
- integrated learning - life!
- novelty - encouraging curiosity
- fun and novelty
- connection, safety and love
- understanding how the brain works - brain-based teaching
- collaborative learning
http://www.ahaparenting.com/_blog/Parenting_Blog/post/Peaceful-Teaching-positive-classroom-tips/