How do you build relationships with tough parents? What are some things you do to build trust so that you can have tough conversations with them when needed?
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I'm looking for advice: I am a math interventionist and in my new school, I have an assistant, which is completely new for me! I have met her and we seem to hit it off super well. I'm just looking for ideas on how to balance leading her and also give her autonomy to use ideas that she also has for our small groups. She has experience so it's not as though this is brand new to her.
Parent-Teacher conferences are right around the corner. What are your best resources or tips for success?
I use Sign-Up Genius to schedule conferences. I have data on a chart to compare their child to a typical peer at grade level. I always ask parents if they would like to start with any questions or concerns. If I think one may take longer I schedule it on another day.
What are your best tips for a new teacher? I’m on year 20 and these are still part of my teaching practice. What advice do you have?
I am wondering how other educators are able to help students recognize or (better) understand common literacy tasks, such as syllable division, first sound fluency, rhyming, etc – students often will just start doing one of these routine “behaviors” … without truly understanding what’s expected of them.
What are your favorite participatory books? Eric Litwin and I share a list of my favorite books as part of the professional development book we wrote. Check out this list of my favorite:
https://www.ginapepin.com/_files/ugd/5fe563_cb4ad2b743cf48929bab9cc05385720d.pdf
How do you set up a classroom?
When you think about it, your classroom arrangement is probably one of the most important tasks that you will do at the beginning of the year. This is where everything will take place: learning, building relationships, sharing, etc. Your classroom is one of the very first impressions that you will make on your students. What kind of impact do you want it to portray?
Look at the entire space. What types of interactions will be occurring? Will you need a place for group gatherings? Keep in mind the flow of the room – is there room to move from one space to another without too much of a distraction. How will you arrange the student desks? Will you be utilizing centers? Don't forget to consider where and how you want your own space in the room.
Whatever you decide, know that there is no right way. It can be beneficial to walk through the building to check out how the “seasoned” teachers have set up their classroom. If you want more ideas, you can check out this resource: https://www.azk12.org/Homeroom-SettingUpYourClassroom
How do you celebrate and talk about Earth Day with your students? What are some books and resources you use?
What advice do you have for supporting 5th graders that are have a hard time learning to keep track of assignments/homework as they prepare for middle school?
Does your district offer professional development over the summer? If so, does it include a stipend or something similar?
The count down to spring break is on in my school. This break brings us great relaxation and joy. Though we love our breaks the true joy of teaching happens with in my school setting! What has been a WIN for you lately? This time of year in first grade we are meeting so many goals and doing things we just knew we’d never do in August. Sometimes it’s as simple as tying a show. Many times it’s finishing a book or a tough math problem on our own, What’s your latest win or anything that’s brought you joy at school ?
#ClassroomManagement
I need help with classroom management for my 1st graders. I am a first year teacher and I am struggling with this. Do you have any techniques that I can try?
I'm having a lot of anxiety about starting the school year! What are some tactical things I should do over the summer to feel more prepared, and what should I deprioritize?
How do you teach sight words/heart words/etc., and how do you help them stick in a student’s mind?
How do you teach growth mindset? I love weaving this topic into my morning meetings. I read Giraffes Can’t Dance week one and we make a chart of things we can’t do yet. Students love using post-it notes and as we meet them through the year add new ones. One thing Ms. Ransey can’t do is jump rope and when I prove this at recess they realize we all have something we can’t do yet! What’s your favorite growth mindset lesson or read aloud?
Looking for some ideas that my 5th grade teachers can use!
