I know most of us are enjoying our summer break so back-to-school resources sounds scary, BUT what are your favorite activities to do with students on the first week back that help you build relationships and set routines?
Do you have outdoor classroom or garden space at your school? How do you use the space and who cares for the space?
Do you incorporate practice into your students’ daily schedule?
There is evidence that classroom techniques designed to get students to participate in the learning process can produce better educational outcomes at all levels. Practice is essential to learning and practice-based experiences should be integrated throughout the curriculum. Learning and improving with practice depends on how frequently the skill is engaged. The more students do something, the better they get at it. If students do not practice often, the skill fades and they are going to forget what they learned. It’s all about bringing the consistency of practice into your daily schedule.
What are you reading? Professional or for fun!
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Have you thought about working on National Boards? Are you already? What’s holding you back? Why NBCT!?
How do you get organized for when you return to your classroom after summer break?
For example, I have a notebook where I make a list all summer so I know what needs to be tackled. What do you do to organize yourself?
How can you foster a positive classroom environment?
Get to know each of your students
-Greet them at the door each morning
-Use their interests when communicating with them
-Honor their talents
Encourage your students to interact in positive ways with one another
Praise your students in public. Discipline them in private.
Introduce non-violent ways to solve conflicts.
Praise your students for taking challenges even if they aren't successful
In what ways do you collaborate with other teachers throughout the summer when you were no longer in the same building routinely?
What are some ways you give students ownership of the classroom and what happens in it?
What are some of your favorite professional books that you recommend?
What is a math manipulative that you use multiple ways in the classroom throughout the year?
Have you found ways that AI is helpful in your elementary classroom or with elementary students?
How do you include Science throughout your day when there might not be a dedicated block of time?
I saw this on LinkedIn this morning and thought about how powerful this was. The longer I teach, the more I realize that it’s about channeling the strengths that kids have both academically and social emotionally. Any a-has or connections that you have to share?
What are some quick (5 mins or less) math fact fluency ideas that you love to use with students? Why do you love it?
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
Time Management
Do you often feel that there is never enough time to get things done?
This is often a big challenge for teachers, causing stress which can lead to negative consequences. If this is you, know that you are not alone! The good news is that there are ways to increase efficiency and productivity in the way you plan and execute your day-to-day work. Using adequate time management can allow you to have a balanced professional, personal and social life.
Before you start your day, create a To Do List:
Make a list of all the tasks you need to complete and the amount of time you spend on each.
Put them in order of importance with things that must be done at the top. If you have large tasks to do, you can break them up – you don’t have to do them all at once.
Look at your day and see where you can schedule these tasks throughout the day.
Commit to the schedule – find a place to work away from distractions or have 3 set times of the day to check your phone.
You can’t add more time to the day but with some tips and tricks, you can make good use of your time.
Have you ever hosted a parent academy night? Ic so, what type of activities did you include? Was it called something else?
How do you motivate your colleagues? Is there anything special you do to help be their cheerleader?
