Thoughts as Year 28 begins!

School starts this week for me. My schedule, as always, is different than previous years. It's one thing I really like about special education - no chance to get bored with the curriculum! This year I am teaching the following: co-taught 7th literature, general education 8th literature intervention, resource math, resource English, co-taught 7th science, social skill small groups, and 2 study periods. Phew!

I've had to get a bit more organized, so I hope I can keep on top of things without having to stay past 5:00 many days (I don't go in early, I stay late).

Advice on starting the year from a 27-year veteran teacher:

DO NOT spend the first day going over rules and procedures if possible. BORING!  Listening to rules and procedures over and over is not exciting - It makes you sound like the Charlie Brown Teacher (mwa mwa mwa) - NOT good!

DO something with your students that lets them know what it will be like to be in your class. Leave them with something that excites them to come back again!

Students coming to my class on the first day of school do the following:

     1. make something - I want them to know they will get to be creative.

     2. learn something about me - I want them to know me.

     3. tell me something about themselves - I want them to know I care.

     4. try out many seat types/figits - I want them to know they should be comfortable when learning.

These activities are important for EVERY student, but especially for those students who are struggling to return to school because it hasn't been a positive experience in the past. Starting school this way can make the difference in student effort as the year progresses.

I challenge all teachers to try one thing from my list. I would also love if you would let me know how it went. I would also appreciate hearing your ideas about the first day of class.

Looking forward to an amazing 2017-18 school year!