Creating Classroom Climate Part 1- Get Branded!

Who doesn't love a good makeover? For me, there's nothing like a few 'before and after' photos to light the candle of inspiration! When your classroom is your canvas, exciting new masterpiece makeovers can happen whenever the mood strikes. Since I'm a teacher, I am fully invested in making a safe, cheerful, happy learning environment in which my students can enter.  But to me, it's even more than that. I believe in "branding" my classroom.

Branding is such a part of our culture, we don't even think about it. It's second nature to associate thoughts and feelings with products and places.  Certain jingles, catch phrases, and pictures/symbols actually play a part in our decision-making processes (like what to buy or where to go) because of the emotions and thoughts that are evoked as a result of our past experiences. As an educator, I have the distinct honor and responsibility to influence the thoughts and feelings of my students and their families in a positive way. It helps me when I focus on answering questions related to my priorities.  

*What kind of emotion do I want to evoke in students and their family members when they enter the classroom?

*How can I communicate my teaching philosophy?

*What do I want them to identify with when I establish communication?

*How can I create a meaningful connection with them that will be the beginning of a strong rapport between home and school?

It all starts with my brand.

Maybe you're a teacher but the idea of branding your classroom is new to you. Choosing a slogan, theme, and décor are tangible ways to communicate your brand. Of course, it goes much deeper than that. It should also reflect your attitude toward teaching and what you value in education...even your vision and journey as a professional. Ideally, your teaching vision should fuel your brand.

Just today, I put the finishing touches on my 2016-2017 classroom. (The first day of school is one week away!)  I created the slogan Room to Bloom for my Pre-K classroom and that phrase will be shared repeatedly...in weekly newsletters, home mailings, text reminders, my class Facebook group, etc.

 I want my students and families to associate this year's school experience with planting ideas, a nurturing environment, budding friendships, growing as a community, exposure to background building experiences, blossoming with new knowledge and abilities, fostering pride in creativity and accomplishments, and being rooted in confidence and a healthy view of themselves and others. When they hear the phrase Room to Bloom, I intend for them to understand all those goals and values and give students and their families a sense of peace and trust in me as their teacher.

When you have chosen your special brand, the next step is deciding how you will reinforce it.  It was like a game for me to scour discount and craft stores for all the things to make my classroom blossom into a happy place, you guys!  I'm also a big fan of Melanie Rabulsky at schoolgirlstyle.com, so I purchased her 'Garden Party!' and 'Bug Classroom Theme' design packages to help me set the stage for preschoolers in our Room to Bloom. How can you go wrong with bright, cheerful colors,  and cute crawly critters, right?! I just download, edit, and print out the resources I need without the waste of buying prepackaged items from the store that always include parts I don't use. She has so many kid-friendly themes and quality designs, you have to check it out. It's awesome!

Previous experience has taught me that preschool-aged  boys and girls love nature walks, growing plants, picking flowers and investigating insects. I am excited to capitalize on those interests as I share my teaching vision and guide them to be lifelong learners through my daily interactions in an atmosphere that encourages creativity and wonder. It's essential that kids have an organized place that allows for easy access to different centers and space to display their creations and projects. Hopefully, you will also get a sense of this approach from the pictures I took throughout the makeover process. So without further ado, let's get to those photos!

Before- green cabinets

After- cabinets covered in contact paper 

Before- classroom library

After- Our Reading Garden!

Before- SB wall; After- with our new slogan and posters





Here's an overview of the setup of the classroom. 

*In my next blog, I plan to write about another very important aspect of creating a classroom climate when I post about how to have a successful Open House to introduce students and parents to the exciting year to come!  I LOVE to adapt to my class' needs, execute a successful brand to start the year, and enjoy the opportunities and rewards of teaching!



Unleashing Your Creative Genius

Did you know that you are a creative genius?  Yes, you!


Unfortunately, there's this pervasive myth out there that people are either born with a creative gene or they're not. Those individuals showing musical or artistic talent with a free spirit are automatically labeled as creative and inspired, while others that are gifted as analytical thinkers and function better with structure are considered smart, but unimaginative. The people perceived as inspired, creative souls are credited with beautifying our world. The people perceived as the intelligent, normal souls are the ones that automatically take care of business...boring, but necessary.Let's just set the record straight right now. Everyone is creative. EVERYONE. We are all "makers" of some sort.*  Somehow people have been led astray to believe that if they can't think of an original idea, they must not be creative. Through my journey as an educator and an observer of human beings of all ages and in many settings, I have come to conclude this- creativity comes in many forms and it takes all of these forms to make our world go 'round. Turns out that I'm not the only one that has seen this phenomenon and felt compelled to share about it.


My summer reading material explains the different approaches of creativity perfectly. Through reading LAUNCH by John Spencer and A.J. Juliani, I was thrilled to learn the names that match these creative groups and have the characteristics described in a way that easily communicates the importance of each type. And YOU are one of them!

The authors share that there are six types of creative individuals. They also acknowledge that a person may not be one type exclusively, but can display characteristics of more than one type. It was eye-opening to me to discover how some of the things I know about myself are just different facets of my own brand of creativity. As I summarize the different approaches taken from the text, see if you can figure out your own creative style. Because you have at least one. Trust me.

*1) The Artists- love to design things from scratch. It's all about making something new and they tend to be confused as to why someone would want to stifle creative genius by having a standardized system. They view creativity as natural, messy, and normal. Vibrancy and inspiration are key aspects in the approach of Artists.

2) The Geeks- are fascinated by ideas and find joy in tweaking existing models. They view creativity as a way to bring order from chaos. Information and research are exciting frameworks to be explored. They remind everyone that sometimes creativity happens through systems and structures.
3) The Architects- design new systems by bringing together the individual messiness of the Artist with the system thinking of the Geek. Their creative vision thinks about systems, people, science, and art and can develop a "structure" that has a profound influence on others.
4) The Engineers- are always on the search for a better solution. They find creativity in trying things out, analyzing the process, and then refining for the best outcomes. They excel at divergent thinking and can be very practical and hands-on in their approach.
5) The Hackers- work to tear down broken systems to create something better. Their roles are like  "life hackers" as they find ways to keep things fresh and push innovation. They are attuned to needs of others. By turning systems upside down, they offer new alternatives.
6) The Point Guards- enjoy creating experiences rather than products. They can think differently in the moment to create opportunities for others. Their strength is being able to view different perspectives, think on their feet, and offer experiences that were unanticipated, but beneficial.*


I see parts of the Artist, the Geek, and the Point Guard in my creative approach, especially in my job as an educator.  I THRIVE on creating inspiration-filled lessons for my students and put emphasis on designing a unique setting for their learning (Artist). I do, however, depend on systems already in place, but am constantly looking for how I can "tweak" something and tailor it to meet the needs of my students in regards to the unique personality of the class (Geek). Finally, one of the biggest joys for me as a teacher is when I seize opportunities to bring families and students together in a meaningful partnership for the benefit of the student and the connectedness of school and family in an experience they weren't expecting (Point Guard). I am passionate about making these connections! The feedback I get from parents when I exercise my creativity in these ways is very encouraging. It reminds me of my purpose in life. The excitement that I sense in my interactions with students is an essential part of why I love teaching. It reminds me of the vital importance of my job in developing life-long learners. These results provide motivation to keep loving, guiding, training, investing in, and reaching out to my students and their families each year.

Maybe you've never realized that when you endeavor to try to get rid of an outdated or poorly functioning system at work or in your home, you are demonstrating your creativity by being a Hacker. It could very well be that you have never realized how your perceived outlandish solution is actually divergent thinking functioning as an Engineer-type and very much needed to solve problems in a practical way. What about the fact that you always seem to know how to collaborate with different personalities and are able to develop a network or event that helps people because you brought them all together as an Architect?  Lay claim to your creativity. Exercise it. And watch what it can accomplish while bringing you fulfillment in the process.


Consider the title of this blog. You CREATE the joy. It is one of my core beliefs that in order for us to achieve fulfillment and enjoy life to the fullest, we must create. It's who we are. My belief in this is so strong, it was a driving force in starting this blog about eight months ago. If you look at it through a spiritual lens, I can explain it like this: God, the Ultimate Creator, made us in His own image. If we were made in God's image as a creator, then we also have as part of our being the ability and compulsion to create. Isn't it exciting to think how God our Father designed us and empowered us with the capacity to make this world a better place as we exercise our capacity to create in all these wonderful forms? Your world- your family, your work, your friends, your church, your causes- they all need your approach, my friend.  Adapt to the situation, execute your special brand of unique creativity, and enjoy making a difference!


*These descriptions are either paraphrased or directly quoted from the following source:
LAUNCH- Using Design Thinking to Boost Creativity and Bring Out the Maker in Every Student by John Spencer and A.J. Juliani; published by Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc., 2016

Creating Family Memories with Mid-Missouri Day Trips

Summer, how I love thee!  Let me count the ways.


Devil's Icebox- Columbia, MO

Oh, wait...that would take too long because there are just so many reasons to celebrate summer!  By the time school starts in the fall, everyone wants to look back at the past couple of months and be able to say, "Now, THAT was a great summer!" 

Besides summer school, working part-time jobs, and attending camp, our family has made it our mission to enjoy one day trip PER WEEK this season.  One big reason we've dubbed this the "summer of fun" is knowing how close we are to launching our oldest into the world (only 2 short years and he graduates-yikes!) and deciding to really make the most of our last two summers together. It doesn't have to be super expensive to make memories and enjoy shared experiences!  My partner in chaos management (a.k.a. husband Mike) excels at planning trips and vacations and has completed the list of prospective attractions that appeal to Team Edinger.  Most of these locations we've visited before, but there are a couple of new ones we want to try.  Lots of these places are free admission (not all), but you may have to pay for parking. If you have a family and need to "get out of Dodge" for a change of scenery and some family bonding (notice I did not say anything about relaxing- day trips take energy for a one day execution) with less than a 3 hour drive, you should check out some of these fabulous family fun spots on our Destination To Do List:

Elephant Rocks- Belleview, MO

Fugitive Beach- Rolla, MO

*Deanna Rose Farmstead-
Overland Park, KS

Grant's Farm - St. Louis, MO

Onondaga Cave - Leasburg, MO

 

Powell Gardens Jurassic Gardens-
Kingsville, MO

Lake Ozark State Park- Lake Ozark, MO

 

 

Ha Ha Tonka - Camdenton, MO

Runge Nature Center - Jefferson City, MO

 

 

For some added fun, we like to do a little trip critique and all of the E boys get to give their opinion on various aspects of the attraction/trip and give a 0-5 star rating. Their commentary and viewpoints are hilarious and good feedback from a kid's perspective.  It honestly helps us as parents know how to make the next trip even better and what is most appealing to our boys as they grow and change. As I consider it, their ratings would probably make a fairly entertaining blog post at summer's end! Now, it's time for us to gas up the minivan, stock the cooler, and head down the highway towards our next memory in the making!

*I realize Deanna's Farmstead is in Kansas, but it is too good not to include in our list!

 

 

 

  

Arresting the Joy Thief

It will steal your joy.  It will rob your peace.  It is the enemy of contentment. It will enter your thoughts disguised as care and concern.  Its name is worry.
This notion of the 'joy thief' may be a hard pill to swallow for those that believe it is just part of their nature to be a worrier. When I talk to these people, I get the impression that they feel it is even noble to worry...like it adds depth to their character or something if they constantly worry.  Like it will change the outcome if they just worry enough.  Another thing I've noticed...they are very UNHAPPY people. And when you frame what's really going on through the lens of reality, you realize why. Worry is worshipping the problem.  Can we all agree that no good comes from problem-worship?

I've certainly been guilty of problem-worship and the consequential unhappiness. When I finally admitted to myself that I was allowing the enemy of faith to gain a foothold in my spirit, I began to recognize some triggers that lead to the internal explosion of worry.  With a very intentional mindset, I have developed some strategies to help me OWN MY JOY when I am tempted to let my guard down and unwittingly let worry invade my life.

When I start fearing the unknown, it is guaranteed that worry is going to infiltrate my thoughts and feelings. When I play the "what if" game, I am suddenly overwhelmed by distress over something that hasn't even happened. Did you catch that? IT MAY NEVER HAPPEN. In fact, it probably won't happen.

When I start to become anxious about what lies ahead, I pray for wisdom and then make decisions based on staying true to my beliefs and what appears to be in the best interests of those involved. No amount of distress and despair on my part will change the future here! Taking steps forward in confidence requires faith. I like who I am and what I stand for, so why would I bet against myself by stressing over not being able to foresee the outcome? It makes no sense.

I also choose not to dwell on disillusionment, even when I experience distrastrous disappointment. There was a time when the weight of failure crushed me... to the point where worry was my first reaction when it came to making any life-changing decision. Trust me when I say there is nothing more crippling to your spirit than this kind of mindset. Negativity and pessimism were stunting my personal growth. I had to purposefully commit to the transformation of a renewed mind (Romans 12:2) and put a growth mindset in action. (Angela Watson) Sometimes the result of what I hope and plan for ends up looking like an epic failure. But, instead of viewing that as the death of a dream, I now reframe and accept the truth that Plan A was not meant to be. However, there are 25 more letters in the alphabet!!! So I commence to formulating Plan B. Re-evaluate and learn from the experience. The defeat does not define me. I choose to view myself as now being even more capable to make something out of whatever setback has taken place. Something that will help me not only 'bounce back', but 'bounce forward'. (Shawn Achor)

A huge part in my release from worry has been adopting a spirit of abandon when it comes to my family. Not abandoning my responsibilities to care for them, but rather the abandon of freeing them from my overzealous pride and misguided overprotectiveness. Rather than prepare the path for the child, I try to prepare the child for the path. (Jen Hatmaker) Entrusting them to a God who loves them even more than I do requires releasing whatever I have perceived as my rights as a wife and mom, to the Creator who gave my husband and kids life in the first place. In all my bossy ways  hopeful confidence and know-it-all attitude earthly wisdom, I can get it wrong or not realize what really is the best because I am an imperfect human. (Ugh- the truth hurts, right?!) When I sense my anxiety level beginning to rise, I put my focus and emotional energy into praising the Lord that He has already made the ultimate sacrifice for my loved ones and has the perfect plan. That plan is for their good and not destruction. (Jeremiah 29:11) What I perceive as the biggest hurt or disappointment they may experience and try to prevent happening with all my might, could actually be the tipping point that will launch them into discovering His vision for their potential! I claim the promise that His ways are higher than my ways and His thoughts are higher than my thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9) I can unclench my fists that want to control and instead spread my fingers to embrace and support with empathy and love.

The thing about the joy thief is that it only has the power to steal if you allow it. You can exercise your freedom and actually choose how your energy will be focused.
Fret or faith?
Tension or trust?
Panic or peace?

Your life is too bountiful and beautiful to be marred by anxiety and agitation.
Arrest the thief. Release worry. Live in the freedom of choosing joy...because you can.

How ' Bout Those Teachers?! Time for Some Major League Inspiration

We've come to that exciting time of year again...and I'm not just talking about baseball! It's fourth quarter- also known as the season when teachers reflect on the homeruns that made their classroom function more effectively during the school year as well as deciding what game-changers they need to implement next year.  I am blessed to work with some FANTASTIC elementary teachers that have discovered creative ways to encourage independent reading, optimize their organization, positively reinforce excellent behavior, learning habits, procedure following, and also display student work in a way that encourages ownership and pride.  Check out the photo playbook  for these teachers and see if it sparks some ingenuity in your world to guarantee a teacher win!

LIBRARY/READING CORNER

*Some common characteristics of these reading areas are inviting surroundings, organized book bins, comfortable setting, and easy student access.

POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INCENTIVES

Friday gum chewing is earned if students 'Keep
Your Bubble' during the week by listening and
not interrupting during instruction.



'Brag Bracelets' are worn with pride to show student
achievements.

'Brownie Points' are earned to
reinforce positive behavior
choices.

This class enjoys 'Warm
Fuzzy' reward time when their
jar is filled with pom-poms
representing acts of kindness.



BOOK ORGANIZATION



Class sets of literature are stored in magazine file boxes with
photos of the book covers on the outside making them
easy to locate.

Book bins can be color coded to match the Lexile level sticker
to aid students in searching for books that are at their level for
self-selected reading material.



Another way to organize self-selected reading books is to
label bins by topic and then show the Lexile level and quiz
availability with a coordinating label inside each book.

 

TEACHER ORGANIZATIONAL HELPS

Wheeled totes from Ikea hold supplies and fit under the
coat rack to conveniently roll out when needed.

Designating each shelving unit for a different subject and
labeling the materials on the shelves makes it easy to
find manipulatives and supplies.

Storing guided reading books, resource masters, study stations,
and school supplies in one area helps students be independent
at getting what they need during reading time.

Colorfully labeled bins can be an alternative to file cabinets
for organizing paperwork and sorting assignments/assessments.

A teacher organization board holds wall files for mail and
paperwork and  keeps calendars within view for a
clutter-free desk. Shelves with labeled canvas totes hold other
items used frequently that are too large for desk drawers.

STUDENT WORK/PHOTO DISPLAYS

*Effective use of wall/desk space, a welcoming atmosphere, and home-to-school connection are all characteristics to keep in mind when creating displays for student work and photos.

 

 

TEACHING STUDENTS TO USE RESOURCES AND PROCEDURES

Having a wall that is designated for anchor charts helps
students know exactly where to look for their learning resources.



A Word of the Week, Letter of the Week, and Number
of the Week bulletin board can assist students in keeping
 their attention on what the teacher chooses as the
main objective.

Keeping an uncluttered calendar area helps students
start the day clear and focused.

A key ring board becomes a space-saving birthday chart.

A dry erase board becomes a magnetic menu on which
students quickly  make their daily lunch choice.

Morning and afternoon procedures are
effectively taught using a visual photo reference.





The procedure for turning in reading logs is easy when students
put their log in the basket and then remove their name clip to
show completion.





Students always know where to find their supplies, where they will
be sitting, and when their center group is rotating by following
their group's mascot.



Sharing great ideas keeps all of us batting 1000 in our classrooms, so I really appreciate all of my
heavy hitter colleagues that contributed photos for this post!  We've almost made it to the end of spring series for 2015-2016 and I wish you the best as you bring it on home.  (Whew! It's a good thing...I've exhausted my baseball metaphors.)


*Thank you to all of these fine teachers for their contributions to this post: Sarah Tattershall, Brandi Frey, Michelle Robinett, Candace Bauer, Meredith Kliethermes, Bobbie Grant, Jennifer Wrye, Sara Wallis, Bobbie Underwood, Brittany Sneed, and Jennifer Tellman.