Now that summer is coming to a close, its time to look forward to new school year.
Communication:
This year I will be focusing on keeping my communication with families documented and organized. I can't move my phone from above my students' cubbies. So I set up a small communication station for myself, right next to the phone. I have a "file" box for quick dropping of notes/tardy passes to be filed in each student's individual tab in my communication binder. I keep a tab/sheet protector with each students info sheet & any notes that come my way in the back. I also keep conference notes and monthly logs in my binder.
Organization & Classroom Management:
I want to greet all my students at the door each morning. This has always been a struggle for me because there is always something coming up last minute that requires my attention {in the classroom} during my students' arrival time. Students arrive anytime between 7:45-8:30AM. They can enter the school at 7:45 and have breakfast and then make their way to class. THAT is a long time to be standing at the door idle when I could be tinkering away in the classroom. So greeting at the door will be my goal this year. I tried to create an easy student info station right near my door for easy access.
Content:
Small group structure is so important for me. I have to have some sort of routine to keep myself on track when I am calling groups up to my table during Daily 5 time. I am going to use a schedule cue chart to keep myself from skipping an aspect of small group while I am trying to fit it all in. I'm not quite done with this area, but here's the basics!
My Big Summer Project:
School community has been on my mind all summer. I have read a few mentor texts that relate to building a school community, within the classroom, and with other staff members. I really want to stay aware and conscious of this throughout the year. I feel like I start each year off with a bang. All kinds of read alouds on character and behavior, and somewhere around November, the "back to school" vibe finally wears off and I mention and refer back to these ideals we created as a school family in August much less. I want to work on keeping the train moving all year.
Comment below and tell me what are you looking forward to this year!
Greeting students at the door is SO important! I love that you do this. I think it really sets the tone. I always say good by individually, too! Great post!
ReplyDelete