As an illustrious tutor/substitute/paraprofessional at Lawrence High School, I have yet to truly lay claim to my own classroom space yet, but I am just ITCHING for that sweet sweet day. Because I have some pretty badass classroom decor ideas, if I do say so myself. I know that everyone learns differently, but, for me, the space I am in plays a major role in how I learn. My belief is that a stimulating, comfortable, and academic-feeling (definitely a real thing) classroom environment sets a tone for the students that enter. I would like my classroom to set a tone of creativity, appreciation for beauty and peace, respect for work that has gone before ours, celebration of the work that we create and the different learning styles represented, and a certain reverence for reading and discovery. In my ideal and totally wishful world, my classroom would feel like some vintage and cosmopolitan library in which a mad scientist was storing up all her findings about life as it is and was and has been.
As any studious, dedicated, and partially insane future-teacher would, I obviously started a Pinterest board for this momentous future event. I've included some of the highlights below, but I would LOVE to hear from current or aspiring teachers on your experiences with classroom design, how you see it affect your students, and what you have done that you feel worked!
And now, for my unrealistic classroom decor dreams that I will work with irrational dedication to achieve:
