What’s your Goal this Year?

At the beginning of every school year, effective teachers will set a goal for themself. Why? Setting a goal gives you a purpose and can point you in the right direction of improving your teaching performance. As your skills improve, a new idea might be discovered that keeps you motivated, which in turn will also improve your students’ performance.

As you begin setting your goal, remember to consider the “why” behind it. Try to decide where you really need to improve. As a new teacher, you might have several areas that come to mind. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, try to focus on one thing.

Start by reflecting on your past year. Did you have a feeling of dread with certain educational buzz words like technology, differentiation, data, etc.? As you reflect on some of your students, were there some that made you lack confidence? How about your engagement with other teachers in the building, is there anyone that you might need to build better relationships with?

Once you have decided on your goal, create an action plan. What steps do you need to take to achieve it? How often will you address it? How will you know if you have been successful?

What are some examples of goals that teachers might set for themself?

How are your schools transitioning to Science of Reading practices if they have not already? What resources are you using to support and guide you?

What does this look like in an ideal situation?

Meet the Team! This is something we recently created to share with families to help ease into staffings or REED meetings. How do you help your families feel at ease prior to difficult conversations and/or meetings?

How are your schools preparing for the solar eclipse? We are 100% in the path of totality, so we are having an elearning day.

I am looking for information on standards based report cards—do you use letter grades or a numerical score? How would a numerical score be determined?

Does anyone else use ESGI to help assess their students? What assessments do you find most useful in Kindergarten?

Do you host spring parent-teacher conferences? If so, what do you include and how do you prepare?

Storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to build language and so many other skills. How do you incorporate storytelling into your daily routines?

Here are several pages of story stones icons you can easily glue, Modge Podge, etc to rocks of your choice!
https://www.canva.com/design/DAF-IMgGcTc/jb8xTDALz6pU8tgzhc69Zg/edit?utm_content=DAF-IMgGcTc&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

I have designed a lot of flash cards and other documents but cannot find a place that prints quality products without having to order 100 packs! Any ideas?

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?

How do you share info for families about Title 1 services? Here is an info graphic I created for our family night. Feel free to use!
https://www.canva.com/design/DAE7t7qNRao/UiPM_EZ-N4CKYziunQuyoQ/edit?utm_content=DAE7t7qNRao&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

What is your favorite Brain Break? With focus low and firsties in need for help staying engaged I work Brain Breaks into my lesson plans. Our favorites can be found on Go Noodle! We find content related breaks, mindful minutes, even rainy day recess resources. Check out
https://www.gonoodle.com/

It’s time again for parent teacher conferences. How do you best organize and prepare to communicate and stay on track time wise? I find it essential to have a front and back page guide to cover everything and to stay on track. I love starting with stars and steps. This allows all parents to hear something amazing about their child and also an area to work on. Here is a resource my teammates created that I use for conferences.

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Parent-Teacher-Conference-Packet-4147269

What tips do you have for productive conferences?

My fourth graders continue to struggle writing TDAs (text dependent analysis). Do you have any tips to share? If I say TDA, there are groans around the room.

I'm looking to create a civic education project-based learning experience for my 5th graders that engages them in their own communities. Any ideas?

March is Women’s History Month! What are your ideas for classroom activities to bring this to life?

How much time do you get each day for science and how do you assess your students understanding of science content?

What is the best professional development you’ve attended recently?

Tips for New Teachers………
What tips can you add to this list??

1. Starting on day 1, spend time getting to know your students
2. Find a digital organization system for your lesson plans or resources so that you always have access to them.
3. Collect and document student information at the beginning of the year - keep it in your digital organization system.
4. Stick to a routine
5. Keep it simple - it’s ok to use premade material
6. Don’t be afraid to ask questions - use your veteran teachers for support
7. Use different colored pens to provide feedback to students (avoid using red!)
8. Celebrate successes - no matter how small
9. Stickers can be rewarding for any age.
10. Find ways to keep your students attentive (velcro strip on desk, alternative seating (exercise balls for chairs), take frequent mind breaks
11. Play instrumental background music while your students work.
12. Self-Care is a priority - be sure to schedule this in
13. Classroom Management is the key to a successful learning environment
14. Decorate your classroom with inviting colors and decor for all grade levels.
15. Show your students that you appreciate their work by displaying it.
16. Mistakes happen! Even veteran teachers make mistakes.
17. Find a communication app to communicate with your students and/or their parents.