Help support Mrs. Schentur's Classroom

My students are at risk for dropping out of school. In the seventeen years I've been meeting these young people, one commonality is clear: they need a place to feel accepted, to be physically and emotionally safe, and to feel at home. School has, for the vast majority of my students, been a long series of adverse experiences with "school" in general, so providing them a place that looks and feels like a positive, safe, nurturing environment is essential. I have seen an uptick in timeliness and engagement since I began changing my physical classroom from a traditional set of desks in rows, institutional-bare walls with flourescent lighting to a warm, lamp-lit, comfortable place with a few bean bag chairs and a pub table and stools to add to the tables students are used to sitting in. Each time I add a source of comfort--a rocking chair I found at a garage sale, an essential oil diffuser that smells nice--my students respond in grateful appreciation. Offering cool water without having students leave the room, which they do sometimes just as a work avoidance strategy, not only provides some hospitable refreshment, but lets my students know that I care about their needs. For some, that's a need greater than an education. Additonal alternative seating will allow more students to enjoy the atmosphere in school, which is the goal. They need positive experiences associated with learning.

About my class

My students are at risk for dropping out of school. In the seventeen years I've been meeting these young people, one commonality is clear: they need a place to feel accepted, to be physically and emotionally safe, and to feel at home. School has, for the vast majority of my students, been a long series of adverse experiences with "school" in general, so providing them a place that looks and feels like a positive, safe, nurturing environment is essential. I have seen an uptick in timeliness and engagement since I began changing my physical classroom from a traditional set of desks in rows, institutional-bare walls with flourescent lighting to a warm, lamp-lit, comfortable place with a few bean bag chairs and a pub table and stools to add to the tables students are used to sitting in. Each time I add a source of comfort--a rocking chair I found at a garage sale, an essential oil diffuser that smells nice--my students respond in grateful appreciation. Offering cool water without having students leave the room, which they do sometimes just as a work avoidance strategy, not only provides some hospitable refreshment, but lets my students know that I care about their needs. For some, that's a need greater than an education. Additonal alternative seating will allow more students to enjoy the atmosphere in school, which is the goal. They need positive experiences associated with learning.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Mrs. Schentur's Classroom Edit display name

Support her classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Support Mrs. Schentur's classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

About my class

About my class

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Mrs. Schentur's Classroom Edit display name

Support her classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Support Mrs. Schentur's classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

About my class

About my class

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Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.