In the Environment

Observing a classroom environment at TNSM, specifically a 3-6 environment, can be very enlightening.  When people come and observe in the classroom, one of the first things they notice is the way teachers and children interact with each other.  Teachers keep themselves low to the ground, they get down to talk to children and they maintain and respect the same groundrules that they expect the children to follow, including keeping their voices low and talking softly. These routine teacher practices enable children to keep their attention on the work on the shelves instead of on the adults, minimizes a hierarchical structure that is frequently present in other environments, and helps the children know that this is their environment.  All of this, in turn, enables very young children to continue their work in an fashion that limits interruption.  Their productivity then, helps them to transform their opinion about their work and themselves.  They become confident, organized and mindful community members.  That, in my mind, makes for a beautiful beginning and a wonderful environment in which to start learning.

posted by Eric Dustman

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