This week is a busy week at Della Lamb Charter! We will complete our reflections on 10 Ways to Create a Positive Work Environment with this post, combining the last few thoughts.
Provide a Positive Physical Environment and Make it Fun
If at all possible insure that the physical environment on your workplace is clean, bright, attractive and cheerful. Make sure it has as much natural light as possible, and that each staff member has room for their own personal space.
We are somewhat limited in what we can do....For example, it would be difficult to ensure that every teacher gets natural light since not all of our classrooms have windows. But how have you made our existing physical space more positive? Any further ideas on simple ways to make our space cheery?
Everyone wants to be where people are having fun, so make your workplace feel happy and festive. Find reasons to celebrate together, such as birthdays, birth of a baby or grandchild, moving into a new house, etc., and having small parties to celebrate these events. If possible provide a cake, and put up a sign or banner in the break room saying "Today We Are Celebrating……………".
If you get the opportunity during this fast-paced week, let's do a little research. Please ask your team members what would be fun for them and then let's share those ideas in the comments section and spread the word to the Social Committees. Perhaps we could find a few simple ideas to implement during the upcoming stressful time of testing to help keep things cheery.
This might sound funny at first but hear me out. Actually I saw a great example of "cheering up" physical space at the Middle School. Someone really prettied up the ladies' restroom. There's a little stand with some plants and lotions, tissues and an inspirational thoughts calendar. Although we don't spend a lot of time in this particular room I think it's the small touches like that which really contribute to a warmer feeling.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this idea, I was just going to mention this. Patti Daniels suggested it and her and others pitched in. I think it is a small touch, but it sure makes it feel homey and helps encourage positive thinking. I know that we've tried this in other restrooms at Woodland and Charlotte with inspirational quotes. I think all these personal touches makes staff feel at home and thought of.
DeleteI think little notes of encouragement to team members or dressing up the bulletin boards in the school are other ways to show a positive atmosphere.
That is a great idea- I'll have to stop in there the next time I'm at the middle school. I know that the third floor teachers have talked about giving our teacher's lounge a makeover- like the lounge at Woodland. We just need extra time to do it. I will talk to my team later this week about other fun ideas they have.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea Ellen-Mr. Rigby actually helped brighten up and straighten up the teachers' lounge at Woodland. I wonder if Ms. Kisha might have some time when she doesn't have students that she might be willing to help out on that.....
DeleteI noticed that added touch at middle school as well. One way I attempt to make it feel a bit more cozy is to have a curtain in my office, scentsy pot with a warm fragrance, and pictures (both personal and student drawn). Some of my teachers prefer chocolate treats and food days! Random praise and happy notes.
ReplyDeleteAll good thoughts....This brings up a discussion point to ponder....While some of us are very private people, I've noted that it helps that homey atmosphere to have pictures of family/pets/etc. things from your personal life in our work areas. How do you all feel about this?
DeleteI love having pictures of my family in my classroom. The first school that I worked at encouraged teachers to display pictures from home and to display pictures of their students in the classroom as well. This was part of our focus on building community. The kids like to ask questions about the people in my pictures. I think it helps build rapport with the students when I share part of my home with them. Sometimes when I'm having a bad day it's really uplifting to see the smiling faces of my nieces.
DeleteWe are improving the lounge at Woodland, just have to get everyone else on the same page. I've been trying to hang up posters, give just a more 'school' vibe to our hallways and the bathroom is a goal. I started the 'quote of the week' on the absent board and hung up the board by the copy machine are inspirational quotes and our goal sheet.
ReplyDeleteYou know Ellen, I've really noticed what you're talking about here when I've been on your hall lately. And I can tell you that I think it's spilling over into your teachers' classrooms too....Most of their rooms have really nice looking décor and it really does feel like a warm and cheery school environment. Your efforts are working! I really like your bulletin board by the copier over there too.
DeleteWe're glad to see people noticed our bathroom. Everyone pitched in what they could, I know a few of the things in there are from my garage sale pile, but hey, if it brightens up the place, more the better. I too have put valances up in my room. After so many years without natural light, I want to celebrate the light. The team work here at the middle school, the way we help and watch out for others, is what makes this place comfortable.
ReplyDeleteExcellent way of describing, and good piece of writing to obtain facts concerning about leadership characteristics. Thanks, http://www.blanchardinternational.co.in/
ReplyDelete