Life is Beautiful: The Nest Effect

When you are 28 years old, female, and the largest space that "belongs" to you is your classroom, you feel a compelling desire, no...need, to make that space more habitable.

Here is the result:

The student center - all the supplies are more organized this year in the white bookshelf. And that green chalkboard won't remain blank...hopefully. As my LIA students complete their outside service hours, they will fill it with hearts. This is the before pic. In 9 months, check back for the after pic.

Just love birds. But not real ones.

I've tried for years to recognize students' birthday and failed each time. I'm hoping this permanent whiteboard will force me to write them down, notice them, and get the students singing 'Happy Birthday' to each student.

Why have a coat rack in your classroom you ask? I'm hoping this will enable my LIA students to wear their shirts each time we tutor. Each LIA class is represented by a different-colored hanger. Each hanger is numbered and will correlate to a student. When we go tutoring, students will pick up their shirt and put it on. Then, when we return to the school after tutoring, they will hang it back up. Even better news is that our school has a washing machine and dryer I can use to keep them sanitary. This is me attempting to out-smart my students. Success is TBD.

The college corner. My two degrees are posted on the wall too - the only place they are useful.

Dear family, each one of you is featured in a picture here, although my mother is concerned she is not.

That quote that you can't see is my attempt to brainwash my students into being kind to each other. Thank you Audrey Hepburn for your wise words of advice.

The infamous numbered hangers. Evidence that I have Type A tendencies.

Adding a touch of fun to the classroom. Students can play words with friends and mark down places they've been and want to go on this map. Yet to come is a boggle board and a Twitter feed.