Classroom transformations are #alltherage right now. I get it…I added a stage in my classroom because times have changed since I started this career 25 years ago.
Today we have the competition of all the lights, action and quick responses from video games and it’s become so hard to keep kids attention for more than like 5 seconds.
My teaching has HAD to change over the years due to all the technology. For real…I’m not kidding.
Kids are use to quick responses, no wait time, constant action, etc. If all I did was talk at my students or even add in a small group activity I would lose them for sure.
The stage has added a dynamic that keeps their attention as well as the smart board. Now with pinterest and instagram classroom transformations are literally taking #centerstage.
FIRST, I want to tell you: YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO THIS TO BE A GREAT TEACHER. HEAR that AGAIN. THIS IS NOT NECESSARY AT ALL!
I feel badly for the newer teachers just entering the field because of all the pressure that surrounds them constantly…OR even the new moms that are tired and just getting through the day after not sleeping all night. It’s hard enough to live life and do #allthethings without adding in the pressure of classroom transformations, instagram accounts, etc.
So, I have a solution to hopefully help a sista or brother out a bit.
ONE…stop comparing yourself and DON’T get sucked into the pressures of social media/pinterest etc.
But, also you can still take the IDEA of a classroom transformation and do it on a very LOW KEY level and I promise it will still be effective!!!
For instance, I could’ve spent an hour decorating my classroom with CODE BLUE signs, lots of medical masks and gloves, first aid signs etc. BUT I DIDN’T.
Y’all I may have kids that are much older – college and junior in high school that don’t need me as much BUT I still have a life outside of school. There’s so much more to me than being a teacher FOR SURE! I’m a believer, a mama, a swimmer, a wife, a creator, etc. So ain’t no body got time to #liveatschool .
Anywho this is what I did and it still KEPT THEIR ATTENTION, KEPT THEM ENGAGED and was highly EFFECTIVE.
When the kids walked in I had a heart rate monitor going from you tube on my smart board. Immediately as they were getting their homework out they knew something was up. I piqued their interest and they were curious. Then I put on my mask and gloves…NO I DIDN’T have these supplies for every student, and that’s okay!
AGAIN – being realistic about spending money that was unnecessary and mindful of my time. I still created a highly engaging lesson that they will remember but I didn’t have to spend a ton of time and money on a full on transformation.
It can be done. Don’t be sucked in to all the pinterest ideas that are truly #overthetop. Do what YOU can DO and don’t feel one bit guilty about it either. YOU ARE ENOUGH, you are DOING ENOUGH and your STUDENTS LOVE YOU AS YOU ARE.
…and there you have it. This lesson I can promise you they will remember, I spent hardly anytime prepping it and the materials I got from the school nurse.
Other ideas: check out the dollar store if you want to add some props to your teaching.
But again ~ the real message here is stop killing yourself to replicate something on pinterest that either: the teacher that prepped it – has no kids at home, or has kids in college or has a stay at home husband or other things like that you know nothing about…do what you can but keep the important things first.
YOUR FAMILY, YOUR SANITY and BALANCE. If you are able to do this and want to – more power to you!!! But, if you feel pressured to do this and don’t have the money or time – STOP stressing! You can do a LOW KEY version or don’t even bother. Just show a power point, do a kahoot on it and call it a day. Your students will survive I promise!
Hope this #keepingitreal talk has helped a bit. You are enough, you are amazing and keep doing what you are doing!
As always, happy teaching my friends!
** you can find me on Instagram @teachingmore
Facebook @ Teaching and Much Moore
xo,
Thank you soooo much for this! I am a Montessori Elementary teacher transitioning into a tradition classroom at a school that encourages classroom transformations and school-wide themes. It's fun, but I have no money, 3 kids, a husband, etc. I also like to keep a low stimulus environment.