First time I ever visited an American Elementary school and was fascinated by the way it differs in many ways to my experience from Elementary schools in Greece. I didn't think the school was too large, and its architectural style was similar to the schools we have back home. Classrooms evenly spread out in long corridors of the three story building, a gymnasium, a cafeteria, an auditorium, music room etc. Very similar I believe to most elementary schools one person should find in any European country. However what I did like and noticed, was the way in which the corridors and the doors to the classrooms were decorated with the artwork, and essays, and other multiple achievements of the students. Me and my partner Kevin, who was my buddy for the day, thought that that was very interesting and motivating, something that both of us hadn't experienced growing up in Europe (my friend Kevin is from France). I think it gives the students a) a feeling of belonging, a place were they all contribute to make look nice with their projects and b) makes the school look like a fun and colorful place, which I believe motivates children of that age (and any age really) very much. The school library was appropriately set up, with its little tables and chairs, motivational posters with kids' heroes like Harry Potter for example hanging up on the walls. Multiple bookshelves with many books for all ages surrounded the desk area, where the children knew that they were not supposed to be loud in order to respect each other and us, the visitors of their school while we were talking to their Principle. My friend Kevin and I walked around for a bit, looking into classrooms and then decided to enter a third grade classroom on the upper floor where the kids were sitting in their desks practicing reading, math and spelling. We sat down on a small table that was right across from the teacher's large desk in the one corner of the room. The desks of the children were connected and formed a large square that took up most of the classroom. We observed the setting of the classroom first of all. Large and colorful posters, drawings, tests and papers decorated the walls. There were many books on the bookshelves, and many magazines as well and three computers on the one side of the room behind the desks, where some students where solving math problems.
The environment of the classroom I strongly believe is highly motivational. By promoting their artwork, or tests, or "golden stars" for when they've achieved something, you make them feel welcomed, they know and appreciate that that is their classroom, their own room and space which they share with their classmates. A large blue rug and pillows where the students lay and read books. The one student was reading 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' while the teacher was helping a student with her spelling exercises. The other students were quietly either reading, or solving math problems. All of them were quiet and respected each other, I was amazed at that sight. After observing the classroom, me and Kevin decided to introduce ourselves to the class and ask them some questions. We told them about our background and they seemed very interested when we told them about where we grew up in Europe. The more we talked and asked them funny and intriguing questions the more comfortable they felt to speak with us. We talked about Greek mythology, about the Eiffel Tower and Christmas in France, and finally asked them questions about how they like school. The classes they like the most, what they find difficult, what it is like to learn Chinese and learn about other people and cultures. By the end of our conversation there was not a single child who did not have his hand up to either ask a question to me and Kevin or answer a question. Being a Greek school teacher for the past year, I have noticed that the more you make children feel comfortable of speaking with you at the same level, and make them feel as if you are not above them, but rather someone who is genuinely wanting to learn from them just as they want to learn and hear things from you, the more you will get out of them and that is the best honestly! It happens to me every time I walk into a classroom, whether mine or someone else's. And the best is, when you leave the classroom, can't ask any more questions (like me and Kevin) due to time, and you hear the children complain cause they want you to stay more and ask them more things. It was an excellent field trip all around and I want to thank Dr. Shutkin for organizing it, my classmates for coming along, and the staff at Mercer Elementary for allowing us to visit and observe their unique program (International Baccalaureate)!
The environment of the classroom I strongly believe is highly motivational. By promoting their artwork, or tests, or "golden stars" for when they've achieved something, you make them feel welcomed, they know and appreciate that that is their classroom, their own room and space which they share with their classmates. A large blue rug and pillows where the students lay and read books. The one student was reading 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' while the teacher was helping a student with her spelling exercises. The other students were quietly either reading, or solving math problems. All of them were quiet and respected each other, I was amazed at that sight. After observing the classroom, me and Kevin decided to introduce ourselves to the class and ask them some questions. We told them about our background and they seemed very interested when we told them about where we grew up in Europe. The more we talked and asked them funny and intriguing questions the more comfortable they felt to speak with us. We talked about Greek mythology, about the Eiffel Tower and Christmas in France, and finally asked them questions about how they like school. The classes they like the most, what they find difficult, what it is like to learn Chinese and learn about other people and cultures. By the end of our conversation there was not a single child who did not have his hand up to either ask a question to me and Kevin or answer a question. Being a Greek school teacher for the past year, I have noticed that the more you make children feel comfortable of speaking with you at the same level, and make them feel as if you are not above them, but rather someone who is genuinely wanting to learn from them just as they want to learn and hear things from you, the more you will get out of them and that is the best honestly! It happens to me every time I walk into a classroom, whether mine or someone else's. And the best is, when you leave the classroom, can't ask any more questions (like me and Kevin) due to time, and you hear the children complain cause they want you to stay more and ask them more things. It was an excellent field trip all around and I want to thank Dr. Shutkin for organizing it, my classmates for coming along, and the staff at Mercer Elementary for allowing us to visit and observe their unique program (International Baccalaureate)!
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