You see, when the custodian walked in, I was actually stressing over what pictures to put on my desk this year. I want to pick pictures that are going to remind me of who I am outside of the four walls of my classroom. Pictures that remind me of what is most important to me. But these pictures are not just about me. My students see these pictures when they come up to my desk to talk about their life, ask a question, or needing help on a problem. I find them taking a sneak peek at who I am outside of school. These pictures could serve as a springboard for a conversation with them, and maybe get them to open up a bit about themselves.
Then after the custodian left, it dawned on me that it is not just teachers who have these pictures that are important. It's your dentist, your fundraising coordinator, your volunteer coordinator, airport manager, your actuary, your operations manager, your magazine editor…. anyone who has a personal workspace has the opportunity to represent themselves from their space with these pictures.
Who are they? What matters most to them? Who matters most to them?
So what pictures do I put on my desk? Oh, such a difficult decision! And, will I notice and inquire about YOUR pictures on your desk or workspace?