Aim: STWBAT create a warm, sunny, welcoming and happy space that helps kids, teachers, staff, and

families WANT to come to, remain in and spend time in OUR space

What makes you want to be in a space?

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What makes you uncomfortable and less focused in a space?
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How can you make your space unique and show your personality and energy?
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There are two parts to warm, sunny classrooms:

Part I. Physical Space

 Word Walls that are child height (so that they are interactive) with each word on a separate
index card updated weekly
 Library nook with leveled books and genre baskets
 A thinking desk with chair already there with no distractions near the space, it should be a
boring place where students are not entertained or distracted from their thoughts
 Aim, agenda and schedule for the day (with pictures when possible) posted every day
 Student work displayed and updated with comments, rubric, grades or notation by teacher
monthly
 Clean work spaces, no unnecessary clutter… think serenity
 Classroom jobs and display (system for switching, earning, learning etc.) students should switch
jobs at least once a month – MUST have a greeter that welcomes guests, other jobs are up to
the teachers
 Signage: Be Nice. Work Hard. , Our values: SPROUT , Grow Your Dreams, and Class of
2026/2027, SLANT, and a mirror
 Recommended to build responsibility: A classroom pet class must earn it (build the habitat
and then earn the pet as they learn about taking care of it)

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Part II. Relationships and Tone
Picture yourself here:
 Remember your five students you’ve felt most connected with.
List their names below and write what you know about them:

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5. _______________________________________________________________________

“The Children are always ours, every single one of them. Children have never really been very good at
listening to their elders, but they never fail to imitate them.” –James Baldwin

What does this quote have to do with warm and sunny classrooms?

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What do these pictures have to do with warm and sunny classrooms?

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Never fail to ask yourself:

1. How would I feel if someone spoke to my child this way?

2. How would I feel if I saw two teachers modeling relationships for my child in this way?
3. Would I want my child in this class at this moment? Why?