Robin Beasley is an incredible teacher who I think you should know. She’s also the winner of Stock My Lab 2018, a contest sponsored by The Science Penguin to provide over $2500 worth of needed resources to help teachers more effectively teach science and support their students.
She is truly a star in education and an advocate for students. Restorative practices and the whole child are at the top of her lesson plan.
Robin is beginning her sixth year teaching. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University majoring in Special Education and received her Master of Science degree in Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas.
She has worked as a Special Education teacher and a Social and Behavior Skills teacher working with students with emotional disturbance. This will be her second year teaching fourth grade as a general education teacher at Casey Elementary in South Austin.
She is a Teacher of the Year finalist, an Innovation Grant recipient for incorporating sensory supports in the classroom, and Harry Potter Club sponsor.
This is her education philosophy:
“My background in Behavior Analysis and Special Education inform my classroom environment and philosophy. I believe building positive relationships with students is the priority to support students. I want my students to know they are part of a family and I am there to support them.
My classroom uses restorative practices and a daily mindfulness practice. I try to encourage students to discover their interests in hands on, choice activities. I know students are more than a test score and I measure success by whether my students have developed a love for learning and a desire to discover.”
I asked Robin to explain how implementing restorative practices has shaped both her and her students.
“Two years ago our vertical team decided to adopt restorative practices in every school that fed into our high school. At the high school they had already been using restorative practices for a year with great success. It is a shift in philosophy that can be difficult.
For me, restorative practice is about moving to a more community building idea of behavior management than traditional punishment. In the high school I know they use restorative practices for conflict between peers and before and after disciplinary removal (suspension).
In my classroom, we use circles primarily to build community and get the students comfortable with talking to each other. I have almost daily circles, but not every teacher does it so frequently. We have daily check in circles and I begin with favorite things circles to get the kids talking.
This past year, I also utilized compliment circles when we had some conflicts. We also did self compliment circles when I noticed us struggling with being kind to ourselves. Our circle was after specials so if we got a good report we would celebrate our success and if not we would brainstorm ways to support our behavior. I had a couple students with severe behavior concerns and after we would have a room clear or aggressive outburst we would have a circle to restore our community.
My favorite book is Circle Forward (aff link) because it gives detailed scripts for circles in specific situations. It is a great resource to use as you become familiar with circles and then as situations arise. My plan for this coming year is to use circles to discuss themes and concepts we bring up in class. We did some this year through our writing practice and the use of pictures that elicit strong emotions. I want to use circles to introduce more world concepts.
Restorative practices have had a big impact on my class. I received many compliments by fellow teachers on my students’ sense of community and shared responsibility. This practice can transform a classroom.”
Prize Time
I asked Robin A LOT of questions to make sure her prizes would be perfect for her and her new class. (This post contains affiliate links.)
I decided to get her two iPads to bring up her total number of tablets in the classroom to 1 for every 3 students. Her students will complete green screen projects and stop motion projects among other activities. We added to her flexible seating with 2 counter height barstools, two yoga balls, and some comfy pillows.
Robin got rid of her kidney table for small group and replaced it with this purple bench and table. To finish up the area for small group instruction, I added a rug, pillows, seat cushions, a laptop table, 2 big chairs, and a cute plant. I love how relaxed and inviting this area is for small group instruction!
Robin requested materials for earth and space science. She received a solar system mapping tool, Weather Station Kits, 6 stream table kits, Moon in My Room, solar system model, and animal life cycle models. Enrichment activities are a must! We purchased Gravity Maze, Laser Maze, Roller Coaster Game, and Contraptions.
She also received some of the basics: forceps, hand lenses, safety goggles, iron filings, thermometers, beakers, graduated cylinders, balances, and magnets. I threw in a few of my favorite science picture books. To make planning a little easier, Robin received the 4th Grade Science Bundle {Texas Edition}.
School supplies are always in high demand so we got her pencils, glue with tap ‘n glue tops, clipboards, composition books, scissors, markers, and storage. As appreciation for her dedication, Robin received a Alamo Drafthouse Gift Card and some supplies like a paper cutter and personal laminator to make her job a little easier.
It was an absolute pleasure to work with Robin. Her students are lucky to have her!
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