What Does Your Classroom Feel Like?

When I enter your classroom, I come in as an outsider.
I am a "district person".

What does your classroom feel like?

Some classrooms are quiet.

Some classrooms are noisy.

Some classrooms are full of concentration.

Some classrooms are full of smiles.

Some classrooms glance up and wave as I come in.

Some classrooms glance up and look anxious as I come in.

Some classrooms are orderly.

Some classrooms are chaotic.

Some classrooms are busy.

Some classrooms are bored.

Some classrooms answer, excitedly explaining their work to me when I ask questions.

Some classrooms answer, mumbling a few words to me when I ask questions.

Some classrooms feel full and crowded.

Some classrooms feel empty and spacious.

What does your classroom feel like?

All of these classrooms have merit.

I am not here to judge.

I am merely here to join in your classroom.

I am here to support what you are doing.

I am here to encourage.

I am here to reflect back to you the good that I see, because we teachers are our own worst critics.

I am here to help you reflect.

I am here to gently prod you to consider a new idea.

I am here to pass on what I have learned from other classrooms, because I have the privilege of seeing different classrooms each week.

What does your classroom feel like to me?

Please make me feel welcome.

This week, I have enjoyed being in many different classrooms. It always warms my heart to feel welcomed and included - that feeling of home away from home is one of the things I miss the most about having my own class. Whatever your classroom feels like, please make it welcoming to everyone who enters - from a new student to a visiting administrator! That is the best gift we can give!