The ACE SPACE (Alterative Classroom Environment) is a place I want my students to feel safe, supported and respected, especially with the challenges they face. Before we can think of addressing the academic content, or negative behaviors, students need to deal with the stress they face both inside and outside of school and learn to cope with their stress and anxiety as it presents itself throughout the day. Next to my office desk, students pull up an old blue plastic style school desk chair. This is where my students talk with me, one after another throughout the school day. They talk to me about things like their home life, trouble with their friends or teachers, they tell me that their electric or water was shut off, about the fight they had with their parents last night, what their dreams are, how they are thinking about joining the military, they ask me how they can deal with everything that is going on in their life and still succeed in school.
I am asking for two comfortable rocking chairs so that I can sit with the student while we talk about issues that are bothering them and causing their behavior to escalate. Rocking chairs help to relax and provide great coping mechanisms. Having a rocking chair in our ACE Space holds potential that could open an entire new educational experience for our students who just needs a little more support and understanding.
LEO BUSCAGLIA stated: “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn life around.”
About my class
The ACE SPACE (Alterative Classroom Environment) is a place I want my students to feel safe, supported and respected, especially with the challenges they face. Before we can think of addressing the academic content, or negative behaviors, students need to deal with the stress they face both inside and outside of school and learn to cope with their stress and anxiety as it presents itself throughout the day. Next to my office desk, students pull up an old blue plastic style school desk chair. This is where my students talk with me, one after another throughout the school day. They talk to me about things like their home life, trouble with their friends or teachers, they tell me that their electric or water was shut off, about the fight they had with their parents last night, what their dreams are, how they are thinking about joining the military, they ask me how they can deal with everything that is going on in their life and still succeed in school.
I am asking for two comfortable rocking chairs so that I can sit with the student while we talk about issues that are bothering them and causing their behavior to escalate. Rocking chairs help to relax and provide great coping mechanisms. Having a rocking chair in our ACE Space holds potential that could open an entire new educational experience for our students who just needs a little more support and understanding.
LEO BUSCAGLIA stated: “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn life around.”
Read more