This past January I returned to my roots, and began working as a high school educator once again. I am working as a media specialist in a large high school, and I am thoroughly enjoying being a part of such a big, diverse community. Of course, when you’re a cog in a huge wheel, it can sometimes be difficult to find new ways to contribute without having the fear of disruption.
I decided to give myself about a month to simply get to know how the media center functions and how the students and staff utilize the space. I came to the conclusion that it would be best to start with something small that can engage people when they enter the media center. I thought the layout of a puzzle could be something that would not add stress to being a new staff member, but can also serve as a centerpiece for a relaxing setting for productive socialization.
I simply put out a sign that read, “Like puzzles? Try this one!” and laid out the pieces along with the box. Within a period or two, students were gravitating towards the table and asking if they can work on it. From that moment on, I had many students who would beeline to the puzzle when they walked in. But, my favorite moments were when I saw staff and students sitting together chatting and working on the puzzle together. It made me happy seeing teens and adults working on something together for the simple joy of it.
With time, students and staff were inquisitive and complimentary about this idea, and I became proud of this great start to the introduction of stations to the high school media center. My background in elementary was paying off, and I was able to pay those skills forward to the older levels.
Once the puzzle was completed, after a couple of weeks, I decided to switch up the station, to avoid it becoming stagnant. I had witnessed many local public libraries offering “coloring clubs” for adults through which they can find solace from their crazy lives and take part in something social. Additionally, I became aware of the fact that many of our students suffer from depression or anxiety, and I thought maybe this could be a way for them to relax for a few moments during their school day.
I created a new sign (shown below), laid out coloring supplies, and spread out various coloring sheets, and hoped that once again, I can spark something through a simple station. I am happy to report that I have had to replenish coloring sheets at the “Calm Coloring” station almost every day since I introduced it to the media center.
I haven’t witnessed as much staff involvement with the “Calm Coloring” station, but student interest has definitely been high. And, I am already getting questions about the next station!
Sometimes we want to reach for the moon when we try to make changes in our schools, which is wonderful. However, this can sometimes diminish the smaller ways we can create positive change for our students. Sometimes starting small and working your way up can become the most effective way to harness power to create better spaces for our kids.
Mrs. Sendul: Reader, Librarian, Educator 