I LOVE school supplies! I get excited at the beginning of each school year as much as my kindergarten students do about using new supplies.

What is your favorite teacher supply or item? Something that you use all the time that others may like to know about?

How do you organize student data?

I have several data recording sheets I purchased online to help me see each of my students' growth over time and keep those in a binder. How do you store and keep track of anecdotal notes or informal observations you make?

What is the one thing you wish you knew as a first year teacher?

I wish I knew that it was okay to be firm and consistent with my students (classroom management 101!). Start the year by being firm and consistent with your students in your decision making, classroom expectations, etc., and that will pay you back all year long!

How do you manage behaviors in Kindergarten?

I use a warm fuzzy jar and LOTS of modeling of behaviors that I WANT to see happening. Students earn warm fuzzies as a class for following classroom routines and expectations and when we fill the jar, we choose a no-cost, school appropriate reward such as extra recess, extra play time, dance parties (10 minutes), extra time to read/draw/paint/build/etc. Each time a student models the correct behavior they earn a warm fuzzy. As we move through the school year, it takes more to earn a warm fuzzy and they are given out less and less.

How do you prepare for the upcoming school year during the summer?

So, it has been a while since I have been on this platform as a coach. I did not want to seem like a hypocrite. I have been teaching a long time and this year seemed to be extremely difficult all around. I felt that if I were to give advice, it would be hollow and just mundane. However, while I was reflecting on my year and cleaning my room, I happened upon a box, a time capsule if you will. In it were my goals that I set as a first year teacher. There were also notes and cards from students and parents. One particular note was from a student who thanked me for listening. He wrote that he never felt heard until he was in my class. This letter renewed my spark into a flame.

As you reflect on your teaching, remember why you decided to teacher. My focus became about me and I reminded myself that the students are my focus. My goal should be to help at least one more.

Teaching is a tough job. But the rewards outweigh the struggle. I almost lost that hope. Stay strong teachers!

I will be having a student teacher join my classroom in August. What do you wish you knew from your mentor teacher when you student taught?

Giving students brain breaks throughout the day is so important! What are some of your favorites and when do you use them?

Field trips are a great experience for students to get out of the classroom and see the real world in action. When I am planning field trips, I refer to my standards and make sure the field trip reinforces what we are studying. I have used field trips as a pre event or past event. Both have their benefits. I normally have an activity that the students must accomplish so that it is not a "get out of school" trip. With that, I have "field trip" backpack that I have a folder of the important information, first aid kit, and other essentials that will help the trip run smoothly. I provide a bin for the students to place their lunches so there are no temptations to snack on the bus. In the bin I have a large trash bag. This is to make sure that we are clean and neat. I remind the students to make the lunch area nicer than when when we arrived.

When planning a field trip, make sure that you know which students have medical needs. This will also help with choosing a chaperone if needed. Be aware of special accommodations needed to allow all students to participate. Remember, have fun. Selfies with students are cherished memories.