Classroom Environment

[twinmommy]

Am I the only one who is severely affected by classroom environments?
I need to have the room spic and span clean, so that I do it myself, even after the janitor did. I wash down desks every day, I wash the boards every day before leaving, straighten desks, wash the sides of my filing cabinet, and wash my desk and reading table. During the day, my helpful 33 help me clean. I also put a fabreze noticables air freshener in the wall to make it smell good.
Am I a wacko?
I just need the environment to look and smell good.

 

[2sankofa]

I used to never care about cleaning desks or washing my white board. However, when I shared a room with another teacher, she 'trained' me to be a neat freak. Now that I have my own room again, everything is spotless; I may not do it before I leave each night, but it is definitely spotless when the kids come in.

Have you seen the all purpose cleaner by the Target namebrand? It comes in scents, such as cucumber, grapefruit, and lilac. I use it everyday, so the room is nice and fresh.

 

[Jump4Joy]

Clean rooms

Hi, I had to smile because I had a coworker who was a "neat freak" but not so much as what you are doing. It did inspire me to be better about cleaning. However, this coworker was also Obsessive Compulsive and she shared with me how hard it is NOT to clean. So, what I'd ask you is what would happen if you did this type of cleaning every other day for a while? Would it upset you and would you be focused on it?? If you are bothered by it, then that gives you an idea that it's not a realistic issue. Your room is not "dirty" if you haven't wiped everything down. I also wonder if your lessons are as awesome as your room environment?? Maybe you could try spending those off days from cleaning on planning awesome lessons.

Balance is the key, especially in our profession. You don't want to spend more time cleaning than planning, but at the same time your students deserve a clean room. I believe that if you have 33 students, then you should NEVER have to clean things that they can clean themselves. Teach them to be accountable for their classroom.

Also, be careful if you have an asthmatic students, because air fresheners that emit scents through the outlets can trigger attacks.

Good luck. Be balanced!!

 

[cafeskin]

well said!

You perfectly expressed in writing what I was thinking...thanks!

 

[2sankofa]

I have gone 3 days without cleaning the tables. The kids even started complaining about how dirty the tables were getting. There are times in which the board doesn't need to be cleaned. No, I don't obsessed about the cleaning thing- you should see the dust bunnies at my house...I just want to start my day off fresh. And yes, I do have awesome lessons according to my principal.

Finally, I am completely aware of the effects scents have on asthmatics; I have had acute asthma for 16 years.