The Disney Way

When Chris Dallin was the board president at our school, he introduced the faculty to the idea of doing things the "Disney Way".  With the theme of my classroom decor this year being Disney, this is something I would like to introduce to you.  When you visit Disneyland, you are going to what has been deemed as the "happiest place on Earth," and to most, it truly is, but what makes it that way?  The simple answer would be that by entering the amusement park you are transported to a fairy tale.  Entering the grounds, you are suddenly surrounded by princes, princesses, pirates, fairies, dwarves, spells, curses, etc, but there is so much more to the experience than that.

Disneyland is a well oiled machine, in both the literal and metaphorical senses.  Every employee, from the man who busses you to the park, to the woman who is playing Cinderella, is wearing a smile that captivates you. They are more than willing to hug the children, give you directions to a ride, or better yet, become the lead duck that takes you there.  They are not just people playing the characters within the park. When their job starts, they ARE the characters within the fairy tale.  This same motif goes for every employee of the park including the janitors, the sales associates, and the food service crew.

I have a friend who has spent several summers working with Disney.  He told me a story that really brought this concept home.  An older coworker of his came into work day in, day out, with the classic Disney smile on her face. She made the children laugh, and helped give the adults the ease they needed to really enjoy this time with their families.  She would be on her feet from first thing in the morning, until the park closed.  She helped mold countless experiences within the park, never once losing her Disney smile or attitude.  When the end of the day came, and they were riding the bus back to the sleeping quarters, he witnessed her take her shoes off and rub her feet.  The expression on her face and her body language showed that, even though she wasn't Snow White or Cinderella, the part she played in the park experience really took a toll on her both physically and mentally. Yet, everyday she would wake up, put on her full costume, and enjoy every minute of her job, knowing that she was helping to create the "happiest place on Earth."

Now, let's relate this concept to the classroom. There are several roles being played here in our room: the teacher, the student, and the parent. If even one of them isn't played well, it will change the outcome of the experience. A well rounded education involves all three parties.

The teacher is the center of the production.  It is my job to make sure that the classroom is the well-oiled machine that Disneyland is.  I am here to make sure all of the preparations are made to make each and every day as smooth and pleasant an experience as possible.  This starts with preparing the lessons and gathering supplies. It includes teaching the whole class, as well as the individual student, in both the core curriculum and character development. In addition, I maintain the gradebook to show what is going on in the classroom, as well as evidence of student learning. It is my goal to maintain a positive relationship with all the students so they can feel comfortable coming to me with anything from a question on the assignments to much deeper questions on life.  No matter what is going on outside of the classroom, it is my promise that I will be here, with my full costume on, maintaining that magical experience.

The students' role is much more simple.  Respect is a two way street. Students in my class will be shown respect. In turn, they need respect me enough to honor the classroom and school rules in all areas of the school whether I am present or not.  This respect is not an option.  It is a necessary part of their role if they want school to mimic the  "happiest place on Earth."  If this respect is given, it will allow a lot more leniency for the "fun" to come.  It's no different than going to Disneyland; there are rules and expectations that are set to make the experience pleasant for everyone.  Some of the rules are set by the parents, and some ofthem are set by the park, but all are necessary for that memorable experience.  The only other thing I ask of the students is that they always put their best foot forward in both their behavior and their efforts with their school work.  As long as they try their hardest the whole year, asking whatever questions they can along the way, I will be proud of all of my students as they walk at sixth grade graduation.

Finally, there is the role of the parent.  I am a firm believer that the classroom cannot succeed without support from home.  This support needs to be in both the education of  the student as well as discipline.  Good behaviors should be reinforced just as much, if not more than negative behaviors should be modified. Parent support is crucial in this effort, as I am working with 27 students at a time, and you can focus on your child.  Parent support is also a strong part of the students' education. There are a lot concepts the students are going to bring home, across all subjects, and the students may need extra help or more time to practice their new skills.

Just as I am here for the students, I am here for the parents. Feel free to come to me at any time if you have any questions on any of the material.  I know where you're coming from when you say you haven't done some of this in years, and I am more than happy to help you understand the material as well, if it means a better understanding of the content for the students.  So long as we all keep the "I can" attitude, we can make magic.

I hope that this year is a magical experience for everyone.  Sixth grade is the last year of elementary and should be the best experience yet!  Just remember, "I can" and you will.  I will close with a poem.  It's called The Victor by C.W. Longenecker.  Hopefully, it will help motivate our "I can" attitudes:

If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you like to win but think you can't,
It's almost a cinch you won't.
If you think you'll lose, you're lost.
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow's will.
It's all in the state of mind.
If you think you are out classed, you are.
You've got to think high to rise.
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win the prize.
Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man.
But sooner or later, the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can.