Blog post #2

Finland's school is fascinating. I love all the diversity that was consisted within the school. The biggest thing that I immediately took notice that the school does that is absolutely (from what I have seen) not done in the US, is mixed the classes. For example, Finland's school actually places their special needs students in the classroom with "regular" students. Here in the US we are known for separating them apart from the rest of the group. I noticed in one of the scenes that the teacher asked the students, "What is the difference in the way we all look in the classroom" and the student responded "who cares we are all the same". I absolutely love that! I Solely feel that the US as well should mix all groups together. Because indeed it does gives the special needs students a chance to work on their social skills, and make the progress they need. Also, I like the idea of an open classroom. No student is isolated in rows (with their desk) and I like how the teacher had pillows and other types of seating sort of scattered everywhere. "As long as they feel safe".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8H4s9Bvdkwc

Again, I never heard the idea of "flex seating" until now, and again I like the way the teacher had the layout of the classroom, with options for the students. I also that students have to move and stay active to keep and or regain their focus.

https://www.edutopia.org/video/creating-positive-learning-environment

Creating a loving, safe, and calm environment for the kids is always key. This video in particular, they always greet the kids at the door, they use essential oils to keep the kids calm, the give them breakfast every morning (because you never know if a child didn't get a meal that day). These teachers were just very aware, and comforting.

https://www.edutopia.org/video/making-space-your-students-perspectives

This video, aims at a higher grade level, but the concept is relatively the same. The teacher created a open and safe space for the students to be able to read, share, and open up to one another. The teacher created that "comfort", and that is a feeling that all classrooms should have.