Harry Wong is on my radar today, quoted in Primary Literacy Centers by Susan Nations and Mellissa Alonso.
My class is by no means perfect. I can witness to the fact that we do have our problems, our issues, and our moments, but as I'm now officially on spring break and looking back at the last seven months, I know that what's going so well now is a direct result of what happened months ago during that first week of school. The beginning of the year is admittedly not my favorite, but now that I'm this far into the year, I'm beyond grateful for it. All the hard work I put into establishing my classroom has paid off. I can feel its effects months down the line. (And yes, of course classroom procedural upkeep lasts all throughout the year.) With only two months of school left, it's a perfect time to think about what's going smoothly as well as what drives me crazy. That thing that gets under my skin just might be something that could have been avoided back in August. I'm grateful for new beginnings and the chance to tackle these things once again. The rest of the year will thank me for it.
The beginning of the year is not my favorite either as I just want to jump right in and get going. Time spent on learning classroom procedures is time well spent though.
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Lori, it is so tempting to just jump right in and get going, huh? Procedures are definitely worth our time. As always, I agree with you on all accounts.
DeleteI couldn't agree more. When a class is humming along and kids are moving forward respective to where they started, teachers really need to step back and congratulate themselves. Creating a working community in 9 months time is an achievement not many can attest to.
ReplyDeleteKimberley
First in Maine
Academic Resources
Kimberley, I love that humming along and moving forward feeling. It's the best.
DeleteThe beginning of the school year is not my favorite time either, but I do believe it's extremely important to take the time to establish effective routines & procedures at the beginning so that students can have a learning environment where learning can actually take place for the rest of the school year. I like to make every minute count in my classroom.
ReplyDeleteConnie, you and I are on the same page. Every minute does count.
DeleteFront loading is the smartest thing a teacher can do, but we've also got to be committed to sustaining that family system and feeding it what it needs. I find that achievement wanes and starts to suffer when "the tests" start getting in the way of a child's need to belong and connect. I maintain that scores are the highest in those classrooms where there's a climate of caring and love!
ReplyDeleteThanks for another thoughtful reflection.
Barbara
Barbara, I couldn't agree more!
DeleteI'm definitely one of those that wants to get going at the first of the year. I did better this year about slowing down, and I've made a list for next year of things I want to work on. Maybe that's a good place to start - next year will be better. Thanks for challenging us to be thinkers, Tammy.
ReplyDeleteSara, slow down to speed up is what I like to think. I love that you're already thinking about next year. I'm sure it will be better.
DeleteOh classroom management...the key to successful teaching! I couldn't agree more with this quote. I feel for those new to our profession who haven't found their management mojo. We must get it right at the beginning of the year if we want to finish well. We also have to discover what works for us and our students. Great discussion Tammy!
ReplyDeleteLiteracyMinute
Sandi, thanks for adding to the discussion. Finishing well is definitely important!
DeleteI completely agree with this! Good classroom management begins on the first day of school! I am definitely reflecting on what to change and what to keep for next year...
ReplyDeleteRachel
A-B-Seymour
Rachel, it's not easy, but you're so right. The first day is where it all begins!
DeleteI agree with you. This is my favorite time of year. We know the routine and they actually beg for the familiarity of our Daily 5 and centers! I get to do lots of one on one time with my owlets and I've fallen deeply in love with each of my students! I always think, "I'll never love a class like I love this one!"
ReplyDeleteJenny
Jenny, this is a great time of year when we can all get so much accomplished and love on them too!
DeleteAh Tammie so true! I think to when you wrote a post how the list of things to do never stops. I often think now...what really went well and what do I want to change for next year? Taking it slowly, teaching with intention does pay off! It's exciting to see kindergartener's so independant and serious about what they are learning! Melissa
ReplyDeleteMelissa, I can imagine that your k kids can be independent because you know how to establish your classroom at the beginning of the year.
DeletePerfect read for me as I go back to school tomorrow. Thankful for the fresh start to the end:)
ReplyDeleteTammy, I hope your day back is a great one and the rest of the year is wonderful too.
DeleteTammy, I couldn't agree with you more. August and September is exhausting, but it so pays off for the rest of the year. I couldn't survive without my systems and expectations in place!
ReplyDeleteJennifer, I couldn't survive either. I'm always happy when August and September are over, but they are sure important.
DeleteI'm another one of those teachers who likes to jump right in at the start of the year. It's so hard to slow down but your advice is perfect:)
ReplyDeleteBarb, there's so much to be done, that slowing down isn't easy. I hear ya!
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