Thinking about my classroom...

My main reason for starting this blog was to improve my teaching and to document my thoughts along the way.  (And to be quite honest, keep a record of my thoughts before I forget them completely.)  So, today I am going to start a list of things/areas that need work in my classroom.  I'm hoping that each area will eventually turn into a post of it's own...eventually...  Obviously, if anyone actually reads this and has ideas to share, I am all ears!

1. Find a way to better differentiate the assigned work.  Currently (and I am somewhat ashamed to admit this), the assignments are all pretty much "one size fits all."  I know this is not right.  I just can't figure out a way to find the time and organization to change this.  And make it seem "fair" to the students.

2. Find a way to better help my struggling readers.  I teach 4th and 5th graders, but I have a few students reading at a 1st-3rd grade reading level.  I need to find some age appropriate interventions (i.e. ones that don't scream "1st grade" when you look at them).  And find the time in my day to use them.

3. Find a way to teach more science and social studies.  This is another thing that I am ashamed to admit, but I have almost completely ignored these two areas this year.  I have been too worried about making sure I teach math well (so many of my students lack strong basic skills).  I know my students would love to learn more science and social studies, but I struggle with finding the time to plan it (and teach it).  My hope is that I can find some great articles/reading passages to use--that way I can kill two birds with one stone.

4. Find a way to motivate students to improve work quality.  It took me a long while to find a system for assignments that worked with my students, but I think I finally found it.  Now, I need to raise the bar and focus on quality over quantity.  I want some type of record-keeping system that students can use to monitor their progress and be shared with parents.  I'm thinking of a type of data binder, but just not sure how to make it work...

5. Find a way to be more Montessori.  I teach in a public school, so my hands are tied on some things.  But there are many areas where I can do better.  I need to allow more choice.  And find a way to make choices seem fun, or at least not a punishment.  I think I also need to re-read some Montessori books. I feel I am losing my way...

6. Find a way to improve our class culture.  I have always prized myself on having a positive class culture where students and I work together to "run" the classroom.  It just hasn't happened this year.  Perhaps it is just starting over at a new school or maybe I have lost my touch.  Whatever the reason, I want it to change.  I want the students to take more ownership.  I don't want to give up our morning meeting, but it is feeling a little stale.  I need to make it more meaningful.  I love the ideas from here:  http://applefortheteach.blogspot.com/2015/02/our-morning-meeting.html  I also am struggling with jobs.  Some students help out with all jobs, while others just ignore the idea of taking responsibility for our classroom.  I need to figure out how to tackle these areas (and maybe the incessant talking as well...).

7. Find a way to stay on top (or get ahead?) of planning and grading.  I can't be the only one who feels like I am constantly trying to get caught up.  Or the only one to be running to the copier minutes before starting a lesson or having to make adjustments to my plans because I forgot to make copies and the day is in full swing.  I need to learn some better time management skills.  Or just find a way to schedule these tasks and hold myself accountable.

8. Find a way to better organize student materials and work.  I had great ideas at the beginning of the year, but I just didn't follow through on them.  Some students were able to keep it up, but most were not.  Now, it is a hot mess.  I've kind of given up for this year.  But I need to start thinking and documenting my ideas for next year.  Or it will happen again I am sure.

Wow!  I have my work cut out for me!  I hope I can make a small dent in at least some of these in the next 14 weeks.

New Blog

I have been wanting to start a blog for a while.  I wanted a place to record my thinking about teaching.  A place to record ideas I want to try in the classroom.  A place to record reflections of things I did try in the classroom.  And eventually, a place to get feedback about my teaching from others.
I look forward to finally starting this journey!