A classroom should be a place full of joy, laughs and smiles.  It is a place where I want my existing students as well as my future students to feel welcomed and excited to continue to learn, grow and reflect.  In order for engagement to occur, it is important to take a step back and learn about the whole child.  I was able to learn about the students through conversations, sending out engagement forms and watching them throughout the day. By better learning about each child in my class, whether focusing on their interests or working on creating a trusting relationship, each and everyone of my students will know that I care, value and see them. As described in the Children’s Literacy Initiative, building a positive relationship with students is the, ”foundation of effective teaching.”  I have seen first hand the value of creating and fostering relationships with students as I am reminded of my connection over basketball with one student which has motivated him to come to class more!

 

        As I connected with my students on zoom this year, I remained cognizant about engagement.  I enjoyed seeing the 28 students in their small boxes each day.  Not being able to physically be close, spurred me to think even more about how I can create that closeness and common experience for all students.  Maintaining this mindset while planning and reflecting on lessons, I focused on the whole child, and not just the student.  This mindset allowed the rest dynamics and components to follow, as “Creating a safe, joyful and welcoming classroom is one of the most important things you can do to promote learning. “ (Children's Literacy Initiative). I learned that not every lesson needs to be creative and out of the box, but rather those  small moments which the students are surprised or engaging with and working with material that relates to something they enjoy is just as important  Moreover, creating the space for students to be seen and heard is something to always keep in mind no matter the lesson.  While I continue to create lessons, I have to make sure to have the space for the students to stay active in different ways. In this way, through having the space where all students are engaged and feel connected to the lesson or activity, I have been able to be a culturally responsive teacher ensuring there is equity and access in the classroom! All students are able to feel the joys of learning. 

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      It is noted from Smith et al. (2015), that people have three innate needs, “relatedness, competence and autonomy." (pg.50).  By getting to know my students I have been able to create meaningful tasks and activities that connect to their interests and give them the confidence to complete purposeful projects.  The students are able to learn new information, collaborate with their peers and feel apart of the community.  A writing prompt such as, "What would be the best pet?",  was one in which the students were able to practice their skills of adding reasons and examples, felt connected to the topic as they love animals and and were provided with the time to write and share.  Their effort and excitement not only put a smile on their faces, but also on mine.

 

      I am sure that I will see more recorders in the future, but when the next time I am faced with that,  I will take a step back to think about what I can do.  As a result, I know the importance of relationships and I am excited to form new relationships with my future students. I want my classroom to be a space full of laughter, smiles and voices and even some pies in the face!

 

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