My Classroom Personality

I always find myself drawn to hearing about how other teachers create their classroom personalities. As a kid, I wanted to perform on Broadway, although Star Search would have sufficed. Believe me, I practiced Whitney Houston's The Greatest Love of All daily... just in case. Luckily, I feel like teaching affords me the opportunity to live out that ambition daily. I get on my "stage", often in costume, and entertain while educating. I strive to create an inspiring and engaging environment where the kids feel like members of a team. In fact, our class motto has always been "We are a T.E.A.M. - Together Everyone Achieves More".

On my class website I share the following with my students' families:

Who we are!

Whether you started with us on the first day of school or during the year,

I'm so glad you're a part of our T.E.A.M.!

T.E.A.M. Goals

* Students will be actively involved in the learning process.

* Students will be proficient with grade level content and skills.

* Students will become organized, independent learners.

* Students will successfully work within cooperative activities.

* Students will develop self-confidence and goal setting.

It's been so long, I don't even know who or where I got the original idea from. In fact, I still have my original T.E.A.M. folder lovingly decorated with art by my Dad during my student teaching year. Yep, I bet quite a few of you would agree that teaching is totally a family affair! I do know that the two books below were my staples when initially creating a classroom personality. Their ideas and direction for classroom management and attitude never seem to go out of style.

In the meantime, what is your classroom personality?

The First Days of School - Amazon

Invitations - Amazon