HI TEACHER FRIEND- I SEE YOU! I see the struggle between what you know in your heart is right for children and the will and necessity to stay employed. Your struggle to provide developmentally appropriate activities, especially in these times of physical distancing. Trying to provide more opportunities for your young students to play while struggling to include all the necessary standards. I see you drowning in classroom management, and wondering how to fit ONE MORE THING IN.
I have been on that struggle bus too. To know what it is to have read the books, watched the presentations, and listened to the experts. I know what it’s like to have a real desire to change, but be stuck financially, creatively, and emotionally.
I began this journey almost 15 years ago, 10 years into my teaching career, when my own life was spiraling out of control. Rather than spending my summer organizing, learning, and preparing for the fall, I hid from reality in the depths of Pinterest. I was excited to begin the year with all of my cute, matching, colorful items. Things I had made, and prepped because I loved the rainbow frog class décor I saw everywhere.
What happened? I saw my roster for the first time on day 1 and realized I had a group of boys, 17 to be exact, and no girls. Boys that had been enrolled in my class because they needed another year to grow socially before traditional kindergarten. I spent the first weeks of school trying to calm the chaos, slow down the throwing of blocks, stop the sensory seeking behaviors, and manage the emotions that were uncontrollable. It was a lot like trying to control the ocean. As a result, there was NO teaching accomplished that fall. I spent most days crying on the way home and stressing my own family out with dark tales from the classroom.
Deep in the depths of despair, I knew something had to change, so I started researching my options (which by the way included leaving the classroom all together). But I am a teacher at heart. I knew I wouldn’t be entirely happy in a role that didn’t include children.
One-Stop-Shop for Research-Based Practice
During my research, I kept coming back to these beautiful spaces. Classroom spaces that were calm in color, and had some plants; definitely a place I wanted to teach. So I spent the Winter and Spring redesigning my classroom using what I already owned. Taking out the bright frogs, matchy-matchy containers, and color-coded everything. I replaced it all with neutrals for about $20. And it helped.
But not to the extent I was hoping. I still had work to do. That summer I became intentional with my plan. All the way down to the lights, plants, color scheme, and activities I would provide. I wrote it all down, revamped it, kept working and learning. As a result, the following year (and really every year after) was MAGICAL. I looped with those same boys, and wow, what a difference an intentional plan made.
It took me a few years to really fine tune my plans after that first year. And NOW as a result, I have something special and magical for you! I designed a 4 part framework that you can put into action today. You do not have to scour the internet, decipher the pedagogy, and through trial and error decide what works for each and every group.
Done for You Content
I have done the work for you. 15 years of trial, error, and successes to offer you. I will guide you through the changes and give you the tools to talk to administrators helping them see the value in intentionally designed, developmentally appropriate learning spaces.
Join the Natural Classroom Specialist Program today, and we will work through how you will transform your space. Learn what types of learning environments you AND your students thrive in. In addition, the program contains the tools needed to become a stronger educator with a louder voice for young children.
What’s in the Program?
The program discusses:
- Visually calming environments that promote brain development
- Challenging classroom behaviors that disappear with specific design components
- Learning spaces that combat the Monday morning scaries
- A place where every student thrives and PLAY is celebrated
- How to become a mentor teacher in your facility and program
- How to plan for and assess child-led learning
- Most important how to gain back your own creativity, remove your rose-colored goggles, and meet the students where they are
If you are an educator who is wanting to provide the optimal learning environment, but feels you don’t have the tools, support or the budget for resources.- YOU ARE IN THE RIGHT SPOT.
Are budget issues getting you down? Let’s be real, there is never enough money to transform the space- COME ON IN AND I’LL SHOW YOU HOW TO DO IT ON A DIME.
Are you working against admin expectations, and behavior management challenges? Are you struggling with knowing where to start with creating play-based, child-led lessons? I’VE GOT YOU COVERED. THE PROGRAM CONTAINS PRESENTATIONS, RESOURCES, and CHECKLISTS GALORE.
The Natural Classroom Specialist Program puts it all together in a neat and tidy Kraft wrapped package, complete with a raffia bow -just for you!
- Intentional planning is hard, BUT worksheets are not engaging.
- Change is difficult, BUT transformation is life changing.
- Fatigue, burnout, lack of productivity, lower energy levels and increased caffeine consumption are all knocking at your door.
- I know you became an educator to change the world, so why are you doing things the way they have always been done?
It’s time to step outside your comfort zone! We will work together to design a space you love, one that supports all children’s learning styles. Your personal mentor along the journey, I will be your guide. As a result of enrollment, I will hand-deliver the tools needed to become a natural classroom specialist.
Taking you from an overworked, stressed out, monetarily challenged, a teacher who struggles to provide optimal learning environments- to a Natural Classroom Specialist who can talk to parents and admin with authority, providing them with concrete expectations and research-based methods. While helping your students exceed standards and objectives, learning to play the nature way.
Natural Classroom Specialist Program Waitlist
Click the link to join the waitlist today! Natural Classroom Specialist Program As a result of joining today I will send you some natural classroom checklists that will help you get started on your journey right now!
The Natural Classroom Specialist Program is a monthly membership/course program. When you enroll you will receive up to 4 resources a month, as well as valuable how-to videos and regular instructional content. In addition, you may sign up for 1-1 mentor opportunities and virtual classroom help. Participate in the monthly challenges and become a certified Natural Classroom Specialist using the 4 part system.