During my time teaching at Saturday Arts Lab, I experimented with strategies to support a positive learning environment, but I’m also thinking ahead to my student teaching placements and considering what I want to try next.
One strategy I used consistently was starting each class with a clear breakdown of the lesson goals and steps. I also want to build on this by adding a daily visual routine board in future classrooms to support transitions, especially in elementary settings where predictability can reduce anxiety and support executive functioning.
In terms of classroom dynamics, I encouraged student ownership by assigning rotating roles like material helpers and cleanup leads. In future classrooms, I want to incorporate student-driven reflection routines, such as short group shares or sketchbook prompts, to build community and encourage metacognition around creative choices.
To support diverse student needs, I want to make sure to include choice in materials, subject matter, and process, allowing students to enter each project in a way that feels accessible and meaningful. I also intent to create extension challenges for early finishers.
