You might not believe this but this time of year is the not one of my favorite times of the year. I am not "good" at ending things. I struggle with transitions and I am the type of person that is always thinking about how I could have done something better. The goodbyes are tough and knowing that I won't see some of the kids next year is hard. Another challenge for me, this time of year, is that I am already thinking of next year and what I need to do differently to get better results.
As you can imagine, being in the present and in the future at the same time can be frustrating. You are ready to move forward and begin a new journey with new goals but you still have a duty to yourself and those you work with to finish strong. I have tried a few ideas, as a school administrator and as a teacher, to help end the year well while preparing myself for the next year. I really hope you use some of these ideas these next 4 weeks of school. They really are more helpful to you, as an educator, and to your students than showing another movie.
Ideas For The EOY
All of the next suggestions begin with building a master list. It has four categories:
A. Major things you will definitely do
B. Minor changes you will make
C. Major things you will never doD. Minor things you will never do
1. Have students write essays based on the question: If you were the teacher in this classroom, what would you do differently and what would you do the same? Ask students to seriously think what helped them learn this year and what things distracted them for learning. Tell them that some things are off the table (rules, no HW, having to learn at all) and make sure they know that what they share is helping you be a better teacher. Younger students can draw pictures or even share during a discussion (small group or one on one). I will warn you. Just like I have to do when I receive feedback from adults in the building, you'll need to put on your "big girl (boy) panties (boxers) and receive the feedback and then use the information to guide your next steps. Remember: Your value doesn't decrease based on some one's inability to see your worth. BUT you're value can increase, in your own eyes, when you recognize a chance to grow and become a better version of you!!!
2. Hand our index cards and ask your students to list five things that you did that helped them learn this year and on the back, of the card, list five things that distracted them from learning. While they are doing their cards, take time and make a similar list and see if your can predict what they are writing.
3. Divide your class into small groups and give them time to role play you as a teacher. Ask them to recreate a lesson they remember you teaching. Watching the students "become you" is sometimes as painful as watching yourself teach but you will be able to see mannerisms and hear words used that you might want to add to your list of change.
4. Have the students write a letter to your future class about what they learned this year and how to have a successful year in your class/ grade. This is an awesome beginning of the year activity that your future students can do in August.
5. Have your class create a Class Yearbook where they review each month and list what they learned in each subject and what they remember about the topic. This is a good reflection activity for them as well as you. You might realize that a lesson you feel needs to go for next year might be the most effective and engaging lesson that kids remember.
As I shared earlier, these are ideas I have used since 2001 and was so pleased to run across someone using similar ideas on Edutopia. Hope everyone has an awesome week !
Week of May 16-20, 2016
Monday, May 16
- Performance Series Make Ups
- Reading 3D Assessments Continue
- NO PLCS
- SIT Mtg at 3:30 in Cafe
Tuesday, May 17
- Arts PLC at 1:45
- Performance Series: Vaughn and Jackson
- LAST DAY FOR READING 3D ASSESSMENTS
Wednesday, May 18
- Goal Turn In At PLCs: K/1-10; 4th-6th-11; and 2nd/3rd: 12:15
- Performance Series: Vaughn and Jackson
- BT Meeting in Cafe at 3:30 (Don't forget reflections)
Thursday, May 19
- Performance Series: Russell, Lee and Pearsall
Friday, May 20
- Performance Series: Russell, Lee and Pearsall
Coming Up Next Week
Arts Night Rehearsals on 5/23 and 5/24
5/23 1:45-2:45 - 3rd-6th grade rehearsal (K-2nd grade OFF)
1:45 - 2:15pm
Payton: Bryant & Daniel1:45 - 2:15pm
Kline: Griggs
Brownlee: Falls
Nelson: Jones
Morrison: McLaughlin
2:15 - 2:45pm
Payton: Griggs
Kline: Falls
Brownlee: Jones
Nelson: McLaughlin
Morrison: Gibson
5/24 - K-2nd grade rehearsal (3rd-6th OFF)
1:45 - 2:15pm
Payton: Russell1:45 - 2:15pm
Kline: Pearsall & Lee
Brownlee: Jackson
Nelson: Grunden
Morrison: Vaughn
2:15 - 2:45pm
Payton: Jackson
Kline: Foxx
Brownlee: Pearsall & Lee
Nelson: Russell
Morrison: Grunden
Remember, if you can not attend please email Mrs. Nelson ASAP!!!
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