Teaching has always been an interest of mine. Working with children and shaping young minds is something I enjoy doing. I have personally student taught a classroom full of beautiful first grade students and it was the most wonderful experience. Keeping kids engaged, especially at a young age can be very hard, however not impossible. In my classroom, my goal is to be as inclusive, engaging, and hardworking as possible. I have found that with younger kids, hands on activities work great. I strive to have a classroom that is not based on lecturing or electronics, rather crafts and games that allow the kids to express themselves and have fun throughout the learning process. It is also important to note that younger classrooms are full of purity and innocence; sometimes doing less is more. Younger minds get excited and eager to learn with simpler things like stickers, scented markers, toys, and reward systems like a warm fuzzy jar or a punch card. I want my students to want to come to school everyday and have a great time. I want to build a classroom that feels like a family. I feel that it is important to build a strong connection between everyone in the classroom. Trust, safety, and happiness are crucial in helping the students focus and do their best. I long to have the classroom that students visit as they move up in age. I want a classroom where everyone feels welcome and wants to be. I have found that children enjoy a fun looking classroom, rather than a bland classroom. My goal is to have an organized classroom, but also a classroom with a "homey" feel. I plan to add LED lights to my room, pictures on the wall, comfy seating in the book corners, and a personalized touch for the kids to feel a part of my classroom forever. If my school allows it, I would like to have each kid place a hand print or write their names on the wall. I feel that it would allow the kids leave their marks and feel more a part of our room. I strive to have a room where kids don't learn strictly through electronics. I want my students to physically be a part of the learning aspects. I want them to be in the moment, build connections, and remain engaged. I don't just want to be their teacher. I want to be their mentor, friend, teacher, and someone they genuinely love and feel safe and comfortable around.