My Classroom
My classroom is a safe, student-centered space where creative and reflective thinking are encouraged. Students are free to sit where they'd like, take breaks when necessary (assuming they've informed me that they need a break), and are given choices as to how they complete assignments. Laptops and tablets are also available for students who prefer to type their written work. The images and captions below give insight into my classroom culture and classroom management style.
2022/2023 (High School)
In addition to being posted in two highly-visible locations in the classroom, I frequently revisit the classroom expectations with the students.
In September, all of my students made a collage that represents who they are. The collage remains in my classroom across the back wall.
2021/2022 (Grade 7)
Classroom Economy
This year, my teaching partner and I created a classroom economy for the grade 7 students. Each student had a Bankaroo account that we deposited "NNOC Bucks" into. In addition to earning physical currency, students used their Bankaroo accounts as debit accounts to purchase prizes or loan money to their friends. Each student had a classroom job and received their pay bi-weekly. Students could also earn additional money for being helpful or kind, coming to class prepared, or doing exceptionally well on an assignment.
The classroom store. Students could spend their NNOC Bucks here. Shelves were organized according to the price of the items.
I designed the NNOC Bucks using images of our school's administration team.
Both grade 7 classes gathered into my classroom on "store days" to spend their money. During Christmas, we offered free giftwrapping so students could purchase gifts for their families.
Brain Breaks
Students need breaks, but breaks in middle school need structure. Brain breaks give students time to expend energy in creative and productive ways. Here's what brain breaks in my grade 7 classroom looked like: I would give students a choice of two or three different activities, and students would vote on which activity they wanted to do for their break. STEM challenges like building a paper towers or constructing and flying paper airplanes, the game Head Bandz, and time outside were my students' favourites.
We Published a Book!
Both my grade 7 ELA classes worked hard to write and illustrate a book of their creative writing. We fundraised throughout the year to raise enough money for each student who contributed to the book to get one for free, plus we ordered some extras to distribute throughout the community.
​
The image of the book pictured below is the original manuscript we sent to Student Treasures for publication. The images to the right show our book-signing party where members of the school and community could come purchase a copy of the students' signed book.
2020/2021 (Grade 4)
Land-Based Learning
Classroom Incentives
Students were given punch cards to earn punches towards prizes. This was a highly effective method of giving students ownership of their work and behaviour. It was also the inspiration for the grade 7 classroom economy.