Before they all leave

Thinking about the start of next year seems daunting at this stage of the year- so before your students leave ask them too leave you ( and your room ) with a gift.  An idea gift.Ask your students what they really like and what they would change of they could about the layout/space in your room.
Physical environments are a big deal in primary and intermediate classes because that age group spends more time in "home rooms" than college students do in their respective rooms. We value our students and therefor value the environment in which they are expected to be productive and creative. Hillary Swank aka Mrs Gruwell demonstrated that well in Freedom Writers.
I was really surprised last year when my students voted for the best idea (which was totally workable) a flag ceiling...not hanging but spread flat along the ceiling. Here it is:


Our school logo is a palm tree and they wanted one of those in the room (this was my Year 12 Eng class on the last day of term. Well inorganic provided a lovely artificial one and it is next to the "oasis couch" in my classroom.


 Edutopia has more great ideas:
www.edutopia.org/blog/8-tips-and-tricks-redesign-your-classroom

I became crafty and even asked those who wanted to gift time to sketch a legacy poster from this great site. One girl jumped at the idea. She autographed the sketch and i gave her a Starbucks voucher...just because. Edudemic has other ideas here:

www.edudemic.com/discouraged-students?utm_content=buffer81ffa&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

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