There are many types of early childhood environments. Think about the environments you have been in or built. As we plan for 2018, what can you do to make your environment better? All children deserve to learn and engage in a clean, safe, and enjoyable area where they feel valued, engaged, appreciated, and successful.
As a teacher, I tried to change my classroom at the beginning of each year and sometimes during the year. When I would re-evaluate and reflect on what I had been doing previously, I noted what I wanted to change and what I wanted to keep the same. I would think about the experiences from before and think about what happened and what I wanted to happen differently. I would contemplate why and what I could do differently so that my students were more engaged. Many times, I would remember the positive things and what I wanted to keep the same because it was working! But as we know, each year, our classes are different; the children bring new experiences and backgrounds that make us want to change. I also wanted the latest and greatest ideas, and I wanted to expose my students to as much as I could in the short time I would have them.
Here are the things I considered:
High-quality learning environments are important. They are more than what the classroom looks like and the fun things the teacher has planned. Teaching must be intentional. Learning must be engaging. Assessment should be authentic. Each aspect of the classroom should follow suit and engage children in all areas of their development and learning styles. It takes time and practice to make sure your classroom runs well. What will you do differently in 2018?
Tisha Shipley is an associate professor and the Chair of the BA ECE Admin program at an online university. She received a doctorate of education in Curriculum and Instruction from Northcentral University and a master's degree in Elementary Education/Administration, and a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Northwestern Oklahoma State University. She has taught multiple grade levels at Moore Public Schools, including pre–K children and gifted 3rd–6th graders, and served as a cheer sponsor and a principal. Shipley presents at early childhood conferences and helps teachers in their classrooms. She has also started a teacher website to help teachers, parents, aspiring teacher candidates, and administrators at www.busyclassroom.weebly.com.
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