It's Back-to-School time! How do I know? Because, Walmart already has their school supplies out! (And, as luck would have it, some really good sales! Composition books are 4/$1.00!)
Back-to-School is my favorite time of year. I love thinking about all those little sun-kissed five-year-olds, bouncing up and down with excitement, already in love with their teacher and eager to learn! The chaos of kindergarten graduation and end-of-the-year parties is all but a memory now. I am well-rested and ready to start a new adventure!
This is my time to reflect--what worked well last year? What do I want to expand on? What do I want to let go? How have the standards changed? What new books/research am I interested in investigating?
I know I want to continue problem-solving as my primary means of instruction in math. (OK--so I am required to by my district--but I am truly convinced it is a great way for kids to learn. More on that later!) I I am reading the book Using Science Notebooks in Elementary Classrooms by Michael P. Klentschy in the hopes of making my science notebooks more student-directed and inquiry based. And I have fallen in love with Debbie Miller's Reading with Meaning and am looking forward to trying a modified version of her Reading Workshop this fall.
So now, the work begins. There are so many little things I can take care of now, while the Janitors are busy scrubbing and waxing and cleaning. (Did you see my list?)
Let's see how many things I can get checked off. As I finish things up, I'll post pictures and maybe a few little surprises along the way (like PDF files!). Have a great day and take time to enjoy the summer sun while you can!
Thank you for supplying your classroom with your own money. Have a great day! Lotsa love <3
Posted by: Amanda C | 06/15/2012 at 12:34 AM