I've been meeting with all of my students to discuss goals for the second quarter and what we should be working toward the rest of the school year. Let me tell you, some of my students are so impressive! So impressive in fact, that I've been pushing myself to create some second quarter goals of my own. I've noticed some things that went really well first quarter and then some things that I would like to work on improving. So...Here goes!
I would love to give my students time to discuss the books they are reading with other students or the whole class. So many times, students come to me wanting to just sit and talk about what they're reading or reread certain lines with me because they were funny or interesting. I would love for them to have time to share things like that with the whole class. Encouraging students to share their books with others promotes a positive reading environment. It gives students ideas for new books to read as well as motivation to share their own stories with others. It is a continuous circle, which I love. I created a Google Sheet for students to sign up different days of the week and am excited to get started on it throughout this week.
I first heard about weekly surveys through Michelle Brezek at a team meeting. She asks her kiddos every Friday to take a quick survey about their week and what should be retaught next week. I love the idea! I don't have time to sit and talk with every student every day (as much as I would love to) to make sure they are understanding all the material and doing OK. This survey is an alternative that allows me to check in with students as well as give them the chance to talk to me privately. It took several more weeks for me to create my own weekly survey though. I wasn't sure on what questions to include or how to format it. After messing around with Google Forms for a while, I came up with a relatively simple survey for students to complete every Friday.
- Have "book talks":
I would love to give my students time to discuss the books they are reading with other students or the whole class. So many times, students come to me wanting to just sit and talk about what they're reading or reread certain lines with me because they were funny or interesting. I would love for them to have time to share things like that with the whole class. Encouraging students to share their books with others promotes a positive reading environment. It gives students ideas for new books to read as well as motivation to share their own stories with others. It is a continuous circle, which I love. I created a Google Sheet for students to sign up different days of the week and am excited to get started on it throughout this week.- Use Reflection Surveys:
I first heard about weekly surveys through Michelle Brezek at a team meeting. She asks her kiddos every Friday to take a quick survey about their week and what should be retaught next week. I love the idea! I don't have time to sit and talk with every student every day (as much as I would love to) to make sure they are understanding all the material and doing OK. This survey is an alternative that allows me to check in with students as well as give them the chance to talk to me privately. It took several more weeks for me to create my own weekly survey though. I wasn't sure on what questions to include or how to format it. After messing around with Google Forms for a while, I came up with a relatively simple survey for students to complete every Friday.
I love the idea of a weekly Reflection Survey not only because it allows me to hear from every student, but it also asks them to reflect on their own learning for the week and how things went well or could be improved next week. I want students constantly reflecting on their learning, and this is a positive way to do it every week.
- Blogger:
I am not the best blogger, I will admit it. I ask my students to blog twice a week and I barely blog twice a month. I want my students blogging more and integrating blogging into their own lives. However, I am not setting a good example if I'm never blogging myself. My goal for the rest of the school year is to publish at least ONE blog per week. Please, be patient and understanding if I don't meet this goal right away. I can't promise it will happen, only that I will try to ensure it happens. If I fall behind, I will do my best to add more later.
- Reading:
I asked all of my students to create reading goals for second quarter, so I must create a reading goal as well. In order to reach our yearly goal, students need to read roughly two and a half books a quarter. Most, if not all, of my students are currently reaching this goal. I have many students who surpass it and push themselves for more. I love it! I currently read about two books per month. Motivated by my students, I would like to push myself to read more. On top of reading two books per month, I would love to incorporate reading more educational books into my routine. I want to keep my "teacher" hat on 24/7, so I am constantly thinking of my students and ways to make learning more meaningful for them.
I know there are a million other things I should be working on as well, and I fully intent to push myself more as the year goes on. However, I'm also trying to tell myself one day at a time and only so much can be accomplished at the end of the day. So, I'm not going to overwhelm myself by forcing more goals than I can accomplish. If anyone has done any of these things or knows someone who has, I would love to hear more about it! It'll be my first time incorporating them into the classroom, so I could use all the help I can get.
Have a great afternoon!
💜Ms. Haury
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