March 2012 Goals
Accomplishments this Month
Creating student centered lessons and/or classroom
I continue with our choices for 5th and 6th grades students. This continues to be a worthy “choice” for the students. They enjoy it so much. If they complete all choices for the week they earn an extra quiet choice for the next week. This has really motivated them. If they have three (3 weeks) complete “choices” they earn a special treat - movie, free time etc. This has also motivated them. Something else we have started, is a sign in and out sheet. We have two students that like to wander and don’t like to be told they can’t go to this room or that room. Now, they have to ask, sign out with time, etc. This has led to more freedom along with more accountability. They not only learn to tell time each day, but feel in control of when and where they go. Yeah!! Such little things have such an impact.
Growing as a quiet reflector and as a role model for my students and fellow educators
Stepping back, thinking before I talk - something I want my students to do also - well they need to see it modeled. Each day I write it on the board - quiet reflector, a listener. This helps me remember and also lets students in on my journey. A few are practicing also.
Each morning, at each school, I try to jot down a few thoughts in my journal. This has helped me so much. It can shape my entire day.
I am adding a goal. This is for me and my students. I am trying to get into the habit of making sure everything is relevant. My goal is to have a discussion with myself - daily and at least once per week with students.
Wow!! I need to read this each morning. I cannot believe how easy it is to slip back into the same old routine. I will say this has been a difficult month - we had spring break (5 days) and it seems most students have spring fever. So do I. Making everything relevant is soooo hard. I am not kidding. For now having the conversation with students is a major accomplishment. Listening to them seems to give them permission to be active in their own learning hmmmm . . . .
Creating student centered lessons and/or classroom
I continue with our choices for 5th and 6th grades students. This continues to be a worthy “choice” for the students. They enjoy it so much. If they complete all choices for the week they earn an extra quiet choice for the next week. This has really motivated them. If they have three (3 weeks) complete “choices” they earn a special treat - movie, free time etc. This has also motivated them. Something else we have started, is a sign in and out sheet. We have two students that like to wander and don’t like to be told they can’t go to this room or that room. Now, they have to ask, sign out with time, etc. This has led to more freedom along with more accountability. They not only learn to tell time each day, but feel in control of when and where they go. Yeah!! Such little things have such an impact.
Growing as a quiet reflector and as a role model for my students and fellow educators
Stepping back, thinking before I talk - something I want my students to do also - well they need to see it modeled. Each day I write it on the board - quiet reflector, a listener. This helps me remember and also lets students in on my journey. A few are practicing also.
Each morning, at each school, I try to jot down a few thoughts in my journal. This has helped me so much. It can shape my entire day.
I am adding a goal. This is for me and my students. I am trying to get into the habit of making sure everything is relevant. My goal is to have a discussion with myself - daily and at least once per week with students.
Wow!! I need to read this each morning. I cannot believe how easy it is to slip back into the same old routine. I will say this has been a difficult month - we had spring break (5 days) and it seems most students have spring fever. So do I. Making everything relevant is soooo hard. I am not kidding. For now having the conversation with students is a major accomplishment. Listening to them seems to give them permission to be active in their own learning hmmmm . . . .