How important do you think the intentions (pg. 3-4) are?
What do you do in your classroom already for introductions? How do you introduce students to each other? How do you introduce yourself to students? How do your students introduce themselves to you? What are things you already do? What are some things you'd like to try?
To go to the bathroom, my kiddos hold up a pass hanging by the door. I nod (or shake my head) to give them the signal they can go. They put the pass on their desk, and go to the restroom. I don't expect them to ask to go while I am actively teaching and giving new information/directions. What do you all do?
ReplyDelete"They must know how to ask each other for help."
ReplyDeleteI feel like I'm constantly facilitating appropriate conversation between students when there is an issue, but I'd like to do this in other situations as well. The only other time is during Morning Meeting in the greeting. How do you guys teach your kids to talk to one another?
I believe 100% in the 4 intentions of the 1st 6 weeks of school and the importance of them. I feel as though missing any of the 4 will cause you to lose valuable instruction time throughout the year. I want to intentionally pay close attention to number 3. I think I may not always be a clear about the whole classroom material component. Guided discovery is something that I want to discuss more in the future.
ReplyDeleteOk. Let me try again...I hope I didn't mess up Nancy's . I would like to know how everyone else handles the restroom as well.
ReplyDeleteI like the hopes and dreams section of the reading. In the class that goes with the book they suggested that parents write a letter to you about their child that included hopes and dreams. I think that would be something I'd like them to bring in when we have those smart start days.
What does everyone else think?
I like that, Pam. Maybe that's something we could write on our postcards? I ask parents what they feel their child's strengths and weaknesses are right before conferences, but I that's it. I'd like to know what parent's hopes and dreams are for their child, both in the short term (this year) and long term (adult life). I think it would be really interesting. And we could remind the parents in the spring. And share it with the kiddos as well. I like that. It's a great idea. OR we could have them fill out a little questionnaire while we are assessing the students for reading.
DeleteOk. I think I finally got this figured out (this is my third time trying to post - hope I'll be successful this time!). What has made the most impact on me so far is the emphasis on spending the time to put in place the building blocks of mutual support, respect, and collaboration. When I read: "It is an investment that pays off all year long," this rang so true to me. I know that last year, with all that I had going on medically, I did not take (or have) the time to do this and it was very evident throughout the year that the spirit of community was missing in my class. I will definitely go back to spending more time on community-building this year. It makes such a difference!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree!
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