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Reports, Commentary & Creativity from Eastside Media Arts Students

#EdublogsClub Prompt 2: My Classroom

Our Space

For the last five years my classroom was one large space with a corner dedicated for our broadcasts and a back room for the studio director. Here is a post I wrote last year when I was working to improve that space which I tell the students is OUR room. Granted, I flip flop on whether that is a good idea because sometimes little pieces of trash, etc left behind leaves me to believe some treat the space as they would their own room, so maybe I should call it MY room and it will remain tidy out of the utmost respect for me, the teacher. Mmmm, doubtful!

Work in Progress

This school year I was blessed to acquire the smaller room next door that is long and narrow. A doorway/passthrough was cut in-between the rooms so now the big room can evolve into a dedicated studio space and the “new” room is my teaching space. It was a blank canvas I wasted no time putting my personal touch on.

I researched color to see what would be the best to inspire creativity as well as instill a sense of calmness and attention.

I have also added an area by my desk of “flexible seating”. I know I do my best work when I am comfortable. My go-to place when I am working on my graduate school class is a cozy corner at the coffee shop in town.  So it only makes sense to make the classroom a comfortable place.

Josh, a 3rd year student, clutches a pillow in comfort as he edits a video for a class assignment

 

Eventually the coffee table will be painted with “whiteboard” paint so students may brainstorm by writing ON the table!

 

Aesthetics: The Beauty is in the Detail

I am adding plants, not only are they attractive, there are health benefits. Since plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen that helps deter illness with improved indoor air quality which in turn assists in breathing.

 

I hate fluorescent lighting so I have added several incandescent lights to add warmth.

I LOVE monograms, so you will find a lot of “R” goodies around the room.

My students helped take ownership of the room makeover and painted a chalk board wall where I often post the bell ringer.

It allows students to gather together and talk about the post instead of sitting alone and not interacting.  When I don’t have a bell ringer posted it has become a neat place where students leave fun doodles which I think is therapeutic for them!


 

 

 

 

The look of the chalkboard wall also adds a nice touch of “Whimsy” to the room.

 

… More Whimsy:

“Newsie” our decorative decoupage reindeer head over the doorway. I made him!

Staying organized?@#$%^&*!

Can we say #Goals? I aspire to be the most organized-pseudo type A teacher, but let’s be honest as a middle age person  who has yet to master that art, I am a constant work in progress. I am trying and I am making progress in the forms of baby steps. This year I got a Happy Planner. It is allowing me to add my crafty inclinations to my planning which is proving to be fun.

 

Slowly Getting Organized

 

Tips & Tricks to accomplish Classroom Nirvana

DIY, Flea Market Finds, and a little imagination.

 

7 Comments

  1. Hi Michelle,

    This week I’ve been sharing links to some of the posts on Twitter. Do you have a Twitter username that I can use to share your post on your Media Arts Classroom?

    @suewaters

  2. Some really nice details to make the space personal and warm!

  3. Wow!! I love what you have done with the space. What a great idea for the coffee table.

  4. So inspiring to see your pictures, Michelle! I love your class because of your focus on comfort and creativity. You inspire your students to have the opportunity to be expressive, too. Wonderful! Thank you.
    Lucinda

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