Center Shifting!

I decided to do another shift and I changed the layout of the classroom.   I didn't consult students beforehand and what's funny is two students came in and said, "Yes!   I thought it would look good like this."   Too funny!    We did three centers instead of two and it went really well for two of my classes.   My third class didn't like having three centers so we did two centers and then did the third center, whole group.    I'm having so much fun with this class.   I'm learning that the students learn best when they're given the time to reflect on their needs and then be able to state those needs not to me, but to their peers first.   Watching them learn from one another has been such a blessed and cool experience.   Have I ever mentioned that I love my job?   I do.   :-)

Independent Reading Time

Wow!   Check out all these awesome student reflections on what they like about Independent Reading Time!   I was really nervous to take this risk and make this shift this year.  However, I had to.  The research is there.  I can't expect my students to become better readers if I'm not giving them the time to practice their craft "without me."   I spent a great deal of time reading about this very statement throughout the summer.    I'm so pleased to see that my students are not only rising to the challenge but also embracing the challenge as well.   The students have been asking me, "Will we have time with our books tomorrow?" - Talk about a smile file moment!   Periods two through six are working incredibly hard and I'm so excited to take this further with each passing month.   At the end of the month, we will be having mini-conferences.   I do not assign book reports.  

#healthyteacher

I've been using the hashtag #healthyteacher to keep me accountable with my weight watchers.   Last week I decided to join Planet Fitness.  

Earlier in September, my asthma went out of control and I was hospitalized.  It was horrible.  Luckily, I am on the mend and my new meds are working fabulously!   I think it's important as educators that we focus on our total well being.   We need to take care of ourselves physically and emotionally, not just professionally.   I read this neat little article about mindful eating and thought I'd share it!  

Nit picky

Yep... another shift!

When students are reacting to text, let them react!

Text talk is okay!   I understand what "sus" means (suspicious) and I understand spelling isn't a favorite task for my kiddos.   Meet them where they are!

Student Control Shifts - part 2!

One of my favorite shifts thus far is allowing the students to do more of the talking than I'm doing.  I have to admit - this was TOUGH for me and it requires a risk from them as well.   We've been talking about our thinking, talking about our understandings as well as misunderstandings and moving along at a steady pace.  Students are engaged in the text and I'm basing a lot of what we do around their interests (this is something I've always done).

Student Control Shifts

Alright... let's admit it... when it comes to teaching there is an element of control.   Am I right?   Can I get an Amen?   AMEN!   However, I'm learning that the control does not have to come from me.   Yep.  True story.   It doesn't.   Once rapport is established, routine is established, and rules are known... control doesn't have to come from me.   Take my furniture shift for example.   I didn't do this.   I wouldn't have even thought to do this funky "E" weird shaped concoction we have going on.   The kids did it.   And I love it!  I do!  I can biddy bop here and there and pop in to a pocket over here and then shoot over there and it's a good time!

Oh - and the decorating... that's all them too.

Take a risk.  Surrender control.  I'm sure the kids will change it up again and I'm probably going to be cool with that!  

"Getting to Know You" from The King and I

I know, I know... I haven't been posting!   Shame on me!



I feel like this will sum it up.   I've been having a blast getting to know my students!   Be on the lookout for more posts!   I have one brewing!