Last Thursday students were being supervised in DEAR time, this was after the chalkboard feature wall had its final coat. Students were writing "beliebers" and "so and so was here" etc. This was being rubbed off by some students and one of the students decided to question this. Here's how the conversation went down:
Student: What is the point of that wall?
Me: The classroom is having a makeover. Students will be able to draw on the wall.
Student: But if you don't want them writing that, what kinds of things can they do? Not educational stuff. That's no fun.
Me: Well whatever you want really. Its mostly to get students to be creative or brainstorm ideas. We will have a 'fan space' in the entrance room, so students will still get the opportunity to share their favourite bands. So you could bring in posters of One Direction or Justin Bieber if you like.
Student: Really? We could?
Me: Yes! I would just like to leave the wall for students to express themselves in other creative ways.
Student: Yeah I see what you mean now. So what are some things that would go on the wall?
Me: Well art, inspirational quotes...
Student: Yeah inspirational quotes! That's heaps better than what you see in a regular classroom. Wow this is really cool. Are you going to do anything else as well? Like the furniture?
Me: Actually yes, we're completely redecorating the tables with coloured contact and we'll probably bring in cubed sofas and bean bags. We've also bought records to put in the entrance and we're putting old furniture and props in the garden too.
Student: Yeah colours! Omg this is really cool. I want to be in this room next year for roll call. I normally don't like teachers or school but this is actually mad. Its like you're caring about us.
Student: What is the point of that wall?
Me: The classroom is having a makeover. Students will be able to draw on the wall.
Student: But if you don't want them writing that, what kinds of things can they do? Not educational stuff. That's no fun.
Me: Well whatever you want really. Its mostly to get students to be creative or brainstorm ideas. We will have a 'fan space' in the entrance room, so students will still get the opportunity to share their favourite bands. So you could bring in posters of One Direction or Justin Bieber if you like.
Student: Really? We could?
Me: Yes! I would just like to leave the wall for students to express themselves in other creative ways.
Student: Yeah I see what you mean now. So what are some things that would go on the wall?
Me: Well art, inspirational quotes...
Student: Yeah inspirational quotes! That's heaps better than what you see in a regular classroom. Wow this is really cool. Are you going to do anything else as well? Like the furniture?
Me: Actually yes, we're completely redecorating the tables with coloured contact and we'll probably bring in cubed sofas and bean bags. We've also bought records to put in the entrance and we're putting old furniture and props in the garden too.
Student: Yeah colours! Omg this is really cool. I want to be in this room next year for roll call. I normally don't like teachers or school but this is actually mad. Its like you're caring about us.