What I want for my students this year

This year and inspired by Crawling out of the Classroom, I want my students to know that they belong not only in this room and this school, but that they belong with me as well.

I want my students to feel comfortable demonstrating their wonder and know that this is going to be a rich wonder-filled year.

I want to approach everything with a warm smile and to listen closely to my students, maintaining eye contact.

I want my students to know that they can share their world and their thoughts with each other and with me.

I want my students to know that I have great faith in who they are and that they are here on purpose, as am I.

I want my students to know that they can trust me.

I want my students to know that I believe in the value of play and that play is important work and how they make sense of their world.

And to paraphrase Stuart McLean, I promise to follow a path of peace and walk softly on this earth and to read lots and sing songs and hold hands, and to work with all of the other subjects school has to offer. In order for this to unfold in this manner, I will ensure that our first day of school reflects these wants and evaluate my teaching each day after that.

What do you want for your students this year?

~ Ellyn