Over the last few weeks, many of us have had our fill of events and to do lists! We have... 1-run the testing gauntlet of one, two, three, and even FOUR days--bless the testing coordinators 2-entertained testing exhausted kids until the last day of school while maintaining discipline 3-found creative ways of doing something and nothing while half the kids are out on the next field trip 4-been to every assembly, graduation, and end of school event known to man 5-completed your personal to do list 6-completed the check out list for campus 7-Marie Kondo-ed (if that's now a word) your classroom until you appear to be a minimalist The list could probably continue to go on and on and on and on... But, we teachers don't simply stop when that final bell rings on the last day. A few of use may ask the students for their perspective on what went well and what didn't. If you do this, provide them with a few non-negotiable things such as homework and writing essays. Also, remind them that you will take their suggestions to heart. Many teachers jot notes on lesson plans throughout the year so that they have clear guidance of what to change, what to dump, and what to add. Some teachers take some time those last few days to reflect on the year as a whole and make a list or what not for the same purposes. With the new TEKS being redesigned to have 7 Strands that are to spiral continually throughout the school year. So, when reflecting on the past school year, consider some ways to make the spaghetti curriculum work for you and your kids WITHOUT reinventing the wheel! Also, with the passing of HB 3906, there will be changes made to the STAAR test with a variety of dates of implementation. While reflecting, anticipate some of the changes and how to implement them WITHOUT driving you crazy! Also, I realize it's too late this year for this activity, but I also took some time to ask every class and every table to come up with a REAL piece of advice for the incoming class that they 1) wished they knew when starting 7th grade, 2) learned from being in 7th grade, and 3) wished they would have done in 7th grade. At first, the kids are silly and the advice is, well, terrible. Let them get the goofy out then focus them back to the task. It is amazing what these kids create! The posters are on my board, ready for the first day. One class really made me crack up when a student questioned with panic shaking his voice, "You aren't showing this list to the 8th grade teachers, are you?" Well, my young friend, what do you think? The main point here is reflect then relax and recharge! Teaching is TOUGH! The physical, emotional, and mental demands of this job take a toll on us mind, body, and soul. I realize your calendar is filled with all the appointments you haven't been able to take care of during the school year, the family outings and vacations you have been needing to take, as well as the required professional development to maintain certifications, endorsements, and updates, but take time for you. Take naps. Treat yourself to a spa day. Take a hike. Sleep late. Stay up late. Take the trip. Go to the pool. Just do something for yourself this summer that is completely, totally, and only for YOU!. Out-going 7th graders advising in-coming 7th graders | Student Suggestions PreAP/Advanced English--Grade 7 Academic English--Grade 7 In General for BOTH levels |
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Kristina JanewayYou must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right. Archives
January 2020
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