Stephanie Forsythe Reflection 2

Classroom Community
Classroom community is a very important aspect at Briarcliff Elementary School and in Ms. Hunter’s classroom. The school is very social and inviting. Students, teachers, and administration all mingle together in the hallways all during the day. The school is very welcoming from the very moment you walk in.
Briarcliff is a school that believes in communication and an atmosphere where parents and staff know the teachers and administration at the school. When all of us as interns first arrived we were greeted at the door by the school assistant principal. A bulletin board was made with all of or picture and names introducing and greeting us to the school.
The school creates a very safe atmosphere for their students. Teachers watch the hallways and reward good behavior when deserved. The carpool lane is even made as safely as possible by having students opening doors for fellow students and a teacher outside monitoring and making sure that students are safe and that in the afternoon the correct students are sent home in the correct cars. Teachers always lead their classes from place to place and doors are locked to keep the school as safe as possible.
Ms. Hunter’s classroom is very inviting. Each morning she greets her class at the door and first thing in the morning before beginning the day. Ms. Hunter allows her students to see her “human” side, not just her “teacher” side. She talks with her kids sometimes about her favorite place being the beach and lying on a hammock. Her kids tease her about it sometimes and feel comfortable doing so. Ms. Hunter is very good at modeling good and non discriminating behaviors.
Ms. Hunter does many group activities that allows her students to work in smaller groups that allows them to get to know one another better. She changes the students within each group each time and allows for students to help one another. Ms. Hunter also encourages students to solve problems on their own. She tells her students that unless they are hurt, being hurt, sick, or feel that it is a situation with another student that they just can not handle on their own then they are responsible enough to talk things out and work on things on their own. I find this very important because it teaches a life skill that students will use for their whole life.
The classroom community at Briarcliff and Ms. Hunters class shows an effort of reaching out to parents and their surrounding community. Students feel safe in their school and classroom to communicate and share their ideas. They both promote a positive learning environment.