Back to School Guidelines Part 1

Did I just write back to school? Wow, I can't believe I wrote that, but I am beginning to see it everywhere. Television commercials, Target, Wal-Mart, malls and other stores are starting to promote the reopening of school even though, it is still two months away in Minnesota at least. Other places might be opening earlier.

All teachers know that preparing for the start of school is overwhelming. There are so many little things that must be done to jump start the school year. I strongly believe in putting the time in now, so that I can focus on the most important thing during the school year: student learning!

Today, I am going to share with you some guidelines that I that I follow as I prepare for the start of the new school year. If I miss anything, please feel free to add it to the comments section of my blog. I am always looking for ways to be more proactive. (Note- Our school is currently under construction so I am unable to get in there as early as I usually go into my classroom, so this summer I am preparing things remotely.)

• Reflection: Every effective teacher must reflect. Take some time to think about your past school year. Think about things that really went well and some things that you can improve on. We can always improve on. I know that there are some things that I am definitely going to change next year. For example, I want to improve my data tracking. I want to create something electronically through Google to track my student progress. I want to be able to use this information to share with my parents and also other teachers. In the past, I have used binders, Microsoft Excel, the Pensieve made by The Sisters (both paper and electronic) and the old-fashioned record keeping book. All have been effective in some way, but still I feel like it is not the right system. This is one project that I am going to spend some time on this summer, especially because I can't get into my classroom. What are some things that you are reflecting on? Post them below. 
• Room Set Up- I LOVE to set up my classroom. It is a time for me to get in there and create something that will be effective for my students. Unfortunately, I can't this summer because of construction, but you can read my classroom blog to find out how I went about it last year: Classroom Set Up 2014. It is critical to create a space that is welcoming, warm and FUN. Maybe, more in elementary classrooms, but I believe that all classrooms should be FUN. Think about it...it is your home away from home for nine months. You want it to be somewhere, where students feel excited about learning. I am going to post more about room set-up later this summer, but this should get me thinking about my classroom space again. Do you have any helpful tips about classroom set up? 
  
  
  
  
• Curriculum Review- I like to call this my scope and sequence for the year. Warning: it takes a lot of time, but it was the best thing that I have done. I got the idea from Lori Finn, a fifth grade teacher at my school. At first, I thought how do you this without even knowing your kids? We all know that the school schedule changes all the time and all that other good stuff. But, hear me out. Take some time to lay out your school year. When I did this, I did a pacing guide weekly. Click here to see my example. I thought about my lessons and placed them in a manageable way. Obviously, there are going to be changes, but this at least this gives you something to keep you on track and to refer too. It also makes sub plans easier as well. Remember this, the more time you spend planning now, the more time that you can focus on student learning.
  

  

  The First Week of School

I hope that this at least get your mind going. Look for another post very soon. Now, I am off to explore Montana a little more. I can't wait to read your comments later.