One Step at a Time

I am an impatient person. When there is something I really want, I can practically hear Veruca Salt from the old Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory film singing in my ears... I want it NOW!  But if the Harry Potter series and this Hogwarts school transformation project have taught me anything, it is that sometimes we have to wait and just keep working to get to a satisfying ending. When we decided to create Harry Potter themed, Hogwarts-inspired space for our students, I wanted my classroom

Flexible Seating in a Middle School Classroom

When I first started teaching, I dreamed about having the kind of cozy classroom that invited students to curl up and read a good book. Unfortunately, that dream wouldn't come true for more than a dozen years! Instead of comfortable seating for students, I made do with hard plastic desks, the kind with attached angled writing surfaces and metal baskets underneath. Some years I had a small "reading corner" with a few camp chairs and pillows, but as student access to technology became a pressing

Teachers Criticize Teachers

After photos and videos of our work went viral, I literally read hundreds of comments made by strangers online about my classroom. I know--I should stay out of the comments section! I try, but sometimes it's just impossible to keep myself from clicking. I think it's human nature to wonder "What are people saying about us?"  Overwhelmingly, the response to our project in our community and within our school has been extremely positive. We have had virtually no complaints from parents or students

Transformations: How to Finance

You can transform any space with a minuscule budget with some creativity Ask for donations (request specific items that can be used to satisfy your vision) Use social media sites to get the word out to community members Ask local business owners if they can help Make a project on donorschoose.org Find items at the thrift store, estate sales, garage sales, etc. Build it instead of buying whenever possible Crafting can transform old items into something new Don't be afraid to take a risk! Our