While implementing my goal of creating a school environment that encourages the comforts of home. I came to realize how truly powerful making these changes could be. Students were approaching me and identifying the ways that my decor and lighting changed their experience of coming to school. In researching classrooms modelled after the home, I realized that these changes can help students in vast ways. When we display respect and pride in our schools we also display respect and pride in our students. Creating a place where all students feel welcomed, comfortable and respected can begin with the physical make up of the school itself. These changes are not vain in nature, but rather come down the psychological interpretation that students have of their learning space.
Making changes to my classroom has also allowed me to visibly integrate FNMI culture. I have brought in various items that I have collected from First Nations groups and displayed them in the classroom. Bringing in these new items has also started many great learning conversations about FNMI culture!
Senator's Buchanan's Bathroom Renovation
Below I have attached some images that inspired me pursue a bathroom renovation at Senator Buchanan. When I saw this low cost way to make a difference I was inspired to make a long lasting change at my PSIII school. Not only was this a way that I could help students to feel important and respected at school, it was a way that I could send positive messages to students every day. This project quickly grew in magnitude, and before I knew it community members were volunteering to help. Other education students volunteered as well, and even asked to have their own space to leave an inspiring message for students.
I began this project by approaching my administrative team. After we had consulted, and they were on board I approached the rest of the staff at the monthly staff meeting. With full support at this point I pitched my idea to Senator Buchanan's Parent Council requesting funding possibilities, as well as some sweat equity. I was overwhelmed with the support I received. Parents, Staff and Administrators were all excited at the possibility of a positive change for the school. It also became apparent that this was a way that the school could tackle gender neutralizing the student bathrooms!
The original project. When I came across this online I knew immediately that it was something I had to do at Buchanan.
I began searching for inspiring images and quotes to make this project my own. You can take a look at some of these below.
The Next Step
To increase excitement, and student buy-in I decided that involving more students would be an effective way to gather more information. This is also the way that I decided to tie this bathroom renovation in with my PIP project. As my inquiry question was guiding me to implement everyday skills into the teaching environment in order to increase student ability to create positive interpersonal relations and further develop self care skills. I felt that the project could be turned into a lesson about self care and wellness. Please see the tab "Self Care & Wellness" for more information about how this project translated into a lesson.
Get Your Hands Dirty! The real work begins! With the help of some parent volunteers and some great friends we were able to complete the first step over the Easter break.
Bringing Our Community Together Adding in the Inspirational images and quotes.
Various members from the community have volunteered their time to select a quote and paint an image for this project. Teachers within the school have also involved students by incorporating self-care and wellness lessons that focus on what messages students would need to encounter to be successful.
And the project goes on!
Local spray artist, Dorian Mindru volunteered his talents to complete this beautiful space scene! The piece will be accompanied by a quote from Star Wars, provided by my T.M. Kurt Zielke.
"Many of the truths that we cling to depend on our point of view."