1. +

2. + Words to think on… “Start by doing what’s necessary, then what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” –St. Francis of Assisi "Stay committed to your decisions; but stay flexible in your approach." –Tony Robbins

3. + Where to start… Promote a safe learning environment Promote learning and embrace different learning abilities, and learning styles. The classroom should be inviting to all students The environment both physically and emotionally should reflect your teaching philosophy.

4. + What to Think about when creating the Physical Environment What space do I have available? What type of desks and or seats are available in my classroom? How will I accommodate for high traffic areas? How will I accommodate for students with special needs? Will the setup/arrangement of seating work and be comfortable for the group of students I have this year?

5. + The Physical Environment Think back to your middle school years, what did the physical environment look like in your classrooms? Did the physical environment change from classroom to classroom or was it uniform?

6. + Physical Space with Rows

7. + Physical Space Horseshoe

8. + Physical Space with Clusters/Pods

9. + Physical Space with Pairs

10. + What does the rest of the classroom look like? Rules (top 5) of the classroom should be hung up and presented in some way in the classroom. Both decorative/appealing and educational posters should be hung on the wall A classroom/daily schedule should be in a place that students can easily see from their desks A poster or representation that signifies where homework folders are located or where homework should be handed in. Important classroom reminders should be displayed (sometimes directly associated with the subject you are teaching) Turn to page 65

11. + Classroom Visual examples

12. + Ambiance of the Classroom Make respect of each individual student a top priority Ensure that every student in the classroom can see and hear Take pride in your classroom!

13. + Building Parent Relationships “The parents of your students are an invaluable resource. Utilize and appreciate them at every opportunity, and you will gain the most important ally you will ever have as a teacher!” - Jerry L. Parks - Why is building positive relationships with the parents of your students an important part of creating a supportive learning environment for adolescent students? - Turn to page 70, 76, and then 84 in our Parks book

14. + Student/Teacher Relationships Don’t’ over step boundaries, but be there and be approachable for students. Address the multiple intelligences in your classroom! Get to know your students interest and hobbies outside of the classroom Engage your students Respect your students as the young adults they are becoming Be Aware! Turn to page 90

15. + Something to Remember… "They may forget what you said but they will never forget how you made them feel." –Carol Buchner

16. + Resources Kellough, D. K. and Kellough, N. G. (2007). Middle School Teaching: A Guide to Methods and Resources. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill Prentice Hall (5 th Edition). Google Images Parks, Jerry, L. 2004. Teacher Under Construction: Things I Wish I’d Known (a survival handbook for new middle school teachers). IUNIVERSE.