Blog Assignment #1 : If I built a School

If I built A school

If I could build a school of my own, with no stipulations, rules, or standards to follow, I can imagine the endless possibilities. After viewing and tediously reading Krissy Venosdale's blog "Venspired", I became increasingly interested in what my dream school would be like. I immediately had so many thoughts of opportunity and potential running through my head at once of the impossibilities that could become possible! Krissy Venosdale's vision of what her school would look like was one of a kind where innovation and project based learning became steadily available to students. In her blog she also wrote about how the school of her dreams would represent a fun environment for everyone, where students would become eager to learn. Venosdale imagines a school with bright and vibrant colors, a tree house in the library, aquariums throughout the school with exotic sitting spaces and nooks, a lunch room incoorporated into a warm coffee house, and so much more. Who wouldn't want to attend her dream school? Imagine the children who would be eager to attend school because of the boisterous entertaning environment that would be created. School would become much like an amusement park, with plenty to learn and do. I then went to listen and watch Sugata Mitra TED 2013 TALK on youtube for more incite on the future of teaching and learning in schools. Mitra is a professor of educational technology in England. Mitra's discussion about how children will learn in the future was also inspiring and beyond the measures in which my brain process would have proceeded to go. I never quite gathered education in the process of which he presented. I enjoyed when he talked about how many children learn by someone asking the child questions. It was exceedingly vital when he discussed that teachers are preparing generations of children for the jobs of the future. Although we do not know what every job of the future will present and behold, we do know that we can create innovative ways in which each child can learn in the classroom. I then began to ponder on what exactly my school would be like if I could build any school, any way, with an endless budget!

My Dream Elementary School

Could you imagine walking into a school that was much like a museum or an Exploreum? Oh what vast possibilities would be given for children to learn! My dream school would possess vibrant colors everywhere, with different textures and scenery displayed throughout the walls. When entering the school there would be a huge aquarium of sea life for children to view and explore. My school would be functional for any child with any kind of disability as well as children who are gifted and would like to exceed the normal capacity of learning (ex. an advanced system). It would contain a large movie theater where children could attend to watch an educational film and it would be fun. I would have an art gallery leading to the art room to inspire children with creativity and that there is no such thing as "bad art"! I would incorporate inspiring affirmation through the intercom system on a daily basis. There would be a huge science lab with the latest technology and tons of science supplies for children to explore their minds. Every child would possess their own iPad K-3 and 4-6 would have their own MacBooks. I would allow children to take home their iPad’s, or MacBook’s to provide another outlet for children to finish projects. There would be some stipulations, and parents would have to sign contracts stating that if the iPad or MacBook had any damages each parent would become responsible to either pay for the damage or replace it. I would incorporate a room that is very massive for children with disabilities to learn different textures by feeling them and providing foam floors for the children to learn how to further themselves such as walking or even eating foods the child could not at one time. I would have bathrooms with showers to provide children with an outlet to ensure that each child does not go "without.” I would have an incredible gymnasium equipped with a large foam pit, trampolines, inflatables, and an outrageous playground for children to burn their energy. It would encourage every child to exercise in some form or fashion because it would become exciting. I would center my curriculum much like Venosdale dreamed, and would have project based learning. The child would learn by doing hands on activities instead of doing something to "get" the grade. I would have a food court for children to pick from with different restaurants such as Chick-fil-a, Subway, and a supply of fruits and vegetables. Grade levels could attend as many field trips as the wanted. Throughout the year it would become possible to take each grade level to tours at Universities, Museums, Exploreums, Aquariums, and Zoos. Children would be able to choose a special course for one hour during the day that they would like to take such as astronomy, and art, ANYTHING goes. The impossible would become possible and children would intern be inspired. My school would become a vital source for children to learn because it would possess every outlet possible to making learning a success!

What I Want My Students to Know

I want my students to know that I love each and every child and care about their success in my classroom. Children in my classroom must understand that I have one ultimate goal. The goal in my classroom is that children will learn the tools to not only succeed in knowledge but to be a successful person in life as well. I am here in the classroom to make you learn and to learn in a controlled environment in an exciting way. It is my job to prepare each child for the future and I intend to go above and beyond regardless of any learning disability or behavioral issue. I want each child to know that trust is never given away easily and it will be earned in my classroom. I will earn your respect and you will earn mine.

What I Want My Students to be Able to Do

I want my students to be able to listen, and listen well. Listening is a very important aspect in life, and in order to learn one must be able to listen. I want each student to be able to follow directions. Following directions is crucial in life; in every job regardless of what one must choose to do an individual MUST be able to follow directions. I want my students to ASK questions. There is no such thing as a "stupid" question. If a child does not understand or would like to know more, ask questions.

What My Primary Way of Teaching My Students What I Want Them to Know and to Do

My class will be taught by using project based lesson plans. I would also like to incorporate games or movement within my lessons. These two methods of teaching will incorporate a different way to learn. Making the lesson, more interesting in a creative way will provide students with the ability to be more involved and become excited about learning. I also will use the latest technology in my classroom that is available such as iPads, MacBooks, and the SmartBoard. Often times I will break my class up into small groups to work on different lessons. I will rotate to each different small group to ensure that each student is on the right tract. I am there to instill confidence and encouragement! Having children gather into small groups will help build trust that each student is doing what he or she should be. It will also teach each student how to work with others, as well as working together as a team.

The tools I will Use Daily in My Classroom

The main tools that I will use in my classroom on a daily basis will be the latest technology that is provided. I will use iPads, MacBooks, and SmartBoards to collaborate a project based learning environment. Students will use the iPads, and Macbooks to participate in small groups. I will also incorporate classroom participation as a whole by using the SmartBoard.

The Role My Students Will Play in My Classroom

My students will play the most important role in my classroom. Students will learn by interactive games used to teach lesson plans. Students will use iPads, MacBooks, or computers when they are in search of something and are looking for an answer. The students will participate in small groups when using any hand held technology device. Classroom participation of students will be created through the SmartBoard. It will not be boring in my classroom and students will absorb the knowledge around them by project based learning.