Positive Tomorrows A blog by Shelly Fryer
This week I reviewed a blog website written by teacher, author, speaker, and advocate, Shelly Fryer. Shelly teaches 3rd and 4th grade in Oklahoma's only Elementary School designed specifically for homeless students. It is called Positive Tomorrows and it located in the heart of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She is a strong believer in creating a strong classroom community. Part of her morning routine is allowing her students to share aloud by doing a "good news, bad news" meetings. She also encourages her students to learn for themselves and to figure out which ways they learn best themselves.
In her blog on the home page, she describes an activity that she had her class participate in for the second year in a row. It was called "Global School Play Day." On this day, for the entire day is dedicated to unstructured play; no instruction, no screens, no technology. She describes how important this day was for her students, since a lot of them do no have toys of their own to play with at home. This day gave the students the opportunity to play and organize games of their choice. At the end of the day, the students realized how relaxing and fun the day was for them. It gave them a rare opportunity to get away from the stress of their daily lives outside of school. This type of activity I can see myself doing with my own classroom one day.
In her blog on the home page, she describes an activity that she had her class participate in for the second year in a row. It was called "Global School Play Day." On this day, for the entire day is dedicated to unstructured play; no instruction, no screens, no technology. She describes how important this day was for her students, since a lot of them do no have toys of their own to play with at home. This day gave the students the opportunity to play and organize games of their choice. At the end of the day, the students realized how relaxing and fun the day was for them. It gave them a rare opportunity to get away from the stress of their daily lives outside of school. This type of activity I can see myself doing with my own classroom one day.
After reading Shelly Fryer's website, it made me come to realization that in my classroom I will have students who come from a wide variety of backgrounds. I've lived a fortunate life and I know that not every one of my students will be as fortunate as I am. As a teacher, I will work to provide a fortunate education to all of my students. If nothing else, I will be satisfied knowing that at least my students will be receiving an adequate education, despite whatever else they may be going through.
In addition, Shelly and husband Wesley are working on creating a novel titled, "Inside and Outside Sharing"
In addition, Shelly and husband Wesley are working on creating a novel titled, "Inside and Outside Sharing"