Well, its that time of year, when we are all shopping and getting in the Christmas season. We are busy decorating, cooking, wrapping presents, and counting down the days to time off. Have you ever wondered what goes through the minds of our students during this time. While we are busy making our lists and asking students what is on their list, do we stop to think about how that question in the mind of our students.
While most students are like us, there are some we are forgetting about. Do they have a tree to put up? Will they have presents under their tree? Will they have family to visit while on this long break? Let's not forget these students.
Let's take a look at what their Christmas break might look. Some of their families may not get along and fight during this time, since they are spending more time together. This can cause some added stress on them as we are counting down to that break. They may not have enough food to eat or that Christmas ham you are eating. Christmas presents are scare, if any at all.
So before, we start counting down in front of kids and having them fill out Santa's list of toys, let's keep these kids in mind.
As a family, make sure you give in front of your kids during this season. Let them pick out a toy for Toys for Tots, allow them to put money in the kettle for Salvation Army. Young kids need to understand that giving is important and not just receiving.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Sunday, August 6, 2017
Waiting for the First Day
First day jitters are real! Although I'm starting my 26th year of teaching, those first day jitters have not gone away. Just thinking about meeting my new students a week before school starts, makes me nervous. I've made a checklist to make sure I have everything ready for them.
Starting to plan for those first days takes time, because you want to make sure everything is ready. Some of the first day activities I do give me some insight into my kids. The best activity I found is called: In a Million Words or Less. The assignment basically asks students to tell me about them. Some students will tell you everything, others are a little more reserved. I also send one home for the parents and ask them to tell me about their child. Parents love to tell you about their most prized possession. The insight I gain for this activity lets me get to know my students from their view and their parents. This year, I'm changing the student activity to, I Wish My Teacher Knew.... I can't wait to see what they wish I knew. Along with this activity, I will make my version of I Wish My Students Knew to model for them.
Another activity I do with my students on the first few days of school is to discuss bullying. This is not a topic students want to listen to or hear about for the most part. However, I have done some different things to show them how strong words can be. One way is to empty a tube of toothpaste and then ask them if I can get toothpaste back into the tube. Of course not they will say. I explain to them that is how words work. Once you say them, text them, tweet them, facebook them, you can take them back. Another activity is to have two apples and show them that they are they same. However, before class, you have dropped one several times so it bruises the inside. When your class arrives, you have them say mean things to the bruised apple (they don't know it is bruised). Then they say things to the nice apple. Then you discuss how the apples look the same on the inside, but when you cut them open, the one that they said mean things to will be bruised. These activities help me to discuss that we are team in the class. Everyone will make mistakes, including me, but we have to help each other.
Then, there are procedures that need to be taught. No matter what age of the student, procedures need to practiced and modeled. I want my students to come in and start working immediately on their bell work. So, on the first day, I will something for them to do when they walk in the room. The directions will be on the board. While students are entering, if they do not follow the directions, I will have the class come back in the hall and explain again what I expect of them when they enter. This must be practiced from day 1. We will model and practice all the procedures during the first few days of school.
What are some first day activities you plan for your students?
Starting to plan for those first days takes time, because you want to make sure everything is ready. Some of the first day activities I do give me some insight into my kids. The best activity I found is called: In a Million Words or Less. The assignment basically asks students to tell me about them. Some students will tell you everything, others are a little more reserved. I also send one home for the parents and ask them to tell me about their child. Parents love to tell you about their most prized possession. The insight I gain for this activity lets me get to know my students from their view and their parents. This year, I'm changing the student activity to, I Wish My Teacher Knew.... I can't wait to see what they wish I knew. Along with this activity, I will make my version of I Wish My Students Knew to model for them.
Another activity I do with my students on the first few days of school is to discuss bullying. This is not a topic students want to listen to or hear about for the most part. However, I have done some different things to show them how strong words can be. One way is to empty a tube of toothpaste and then ask them if I can get toothpaste back into the tube. Of course not they will say. I explain to them that is how words work. Once you say them, text them, tweet them, facebook them, you can take them back. Another activity is to have two apples and show them that they are they same. However, before class, you have dropped one several times so it bruises the inside. When your class arrives, you have them say mean things to the bruised apple (they don't know it is bruised). Then they say things to the nice apple. Then you discuss how the apples look the same on the inside, but when you cut them open, the one that they said mean things to will be bruised. These activities help me to discuss that we are team in the class. Everyone will make mistakes, including me, but we have to help each other.
Then, there are procedures that need to be taught. No matter what age of the student, procedures need to practiced and modeled. I want my students to come in and start working immediately on their bell work. So, on the first day, I will something for them to do when they walk in the room. The directions will be on the board. While students are entering, if they do not follow the directions, I will have the class come back in the hall and explain again what I expect of them when they enter. This must be practiced from day 1. We will model and practice all the procedures during the first few days of school.
What are some first day activities you plan for your students?
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Building Relationships
First of all, let me tell you this is my first attempt at blogging. I am starting my 25th year as a classroom teacher. My experience ranges from 2nd grade through 8th grade. Most of my years, 18 of them, have in the middle school classroom. Yes, I not only like these kids, but I love working with them and watching them grow into adolescents.
One of the most important things I have found to be most beneficial is building relationships early. Students want to know who you are and they want you to know who they are. When I taught elementary, I always sent a post card welcoming the students to my class. When I moved to middle school, I looked for those cute post cards and they didn't exist for middle school. I was troubled by this. Who doesn't like to get mail? Who doesn't want to feel welcome to start a new year. So, I decided to write a letter to each of my students. I start the letter by welcoming them to the new year. I tell them what the school year will look like. Then, I tell them about my family and what I did over the summer. I remind them of important dates, if I know them, and always encourage them to read and practice their multiplication facts. At the end of the letter, I leave my email and school address and ask them to write me back. I am surprised every year at how many letters and emails I get back. Even if I don't get one, most students will say, "I got a letter from you!".
Another way to build relationships with middle school students is to recognize their birthday. I send birthday cards to each of my students. I also have them on my calendar and make sure I greet them on their special day by telling them Happy Birthday. They are amazed and shocked that you know it's their birthday. I have had students tell me that my card is the only card they received. Imagine that impact. Someone cares about them.
It doesn't matter how you develop relationships with your students, what matters is that they know you care about them.
How do you build relationships with your students?
One of the most important things I have found to be most beneficial is building relationships early. Students want to know who you are and they want you to know who they are. When I taught elementary, I always sent a post card welcoming the students to my class. When I moved to middle school, I looked for those cute post cards and they didn't exist for middle school. I was troubled by this. Who doesn't like to get mail? Who doesn't want to feel welcome to start a new year. So, I decided to write a letter to each of my students. I start the letter by welcoming them to the new year. I tell them what the school year will look like. Then, I tell them about my family and what I did over the summer. I remind them of important dates, if I know them, and always encourage them to read and practice their multiplication facts. At the end of the letter, I leave my email and school address and ask them to write me back. I am surprised every year at how many letters and emails I get back. Even if I don't get one, most students will say, "I got a letter from you!".
Another way to build relationships with middle school students is to recognize their birthday. I send birthday cards to each of my students. I also have them on my calendar and make sure I greet them on their special day by telling them Happy Birthday. They are amazed and shocked that you know it's their birthday. I have had students tell me that my card is the only card they received. Imagine that impact. Someone cares about them.
It doesn't matter how you develop relationships with your students, what matters is that they know you care about them.
How do you build relationships with your students?
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