I've been into my classroom several times, and one of the things I did this year (based on some amazing blogs I've read) is change the seating arrangement. Kids traditionally have a desk with their own space, and I've been against that since my first year teaching (when I had to "help" the kids clean them out -- yuck!!), and I've always been a tables-teacher. Kids have an assigned seat and they work together in table groups, earn table points, have a table captain, you name it. This year, I've changed it around. I'm going to have assigned seating for the first couple weeks so we can all get to know each other's names. Then kids will be able to choose where to sit based on their needs. So far, I've used this with sitting on the floor or at their desks, now I will be introducing (dun dun DUN) standing and kneeling/cross-legged. I should have taken pictures when I was in my room today, so I'll try to remember when I go in again. Come to think of it, I had both of my sons in today and the pictures would have either been of rubber bands and geoboards EVERYWHERE or me screaming like a lunatic for them to clean up. Not pretty. Anyhoo, as I was saying, the work spaces have changed, with 4 main tables for 6 kids at each (I know, I know, a lot!) and one standing counter for 2 or 3 kids, one sitting/kneeling table for 4 kids, a separate small group work space for 4 or more kids, and the carpet and reading area for sitting and using a clipboard or just reading. I'm pretty excited about this change in my thinking, and I hope the kids respond well. I really hope they respond well since I took the legs off of one table and got rid of one completely....!
Something else I'm excited about is the new Notice and Note for nonfiction -- the fiction version is so amazing, so life-changing, so inspiring! (I don't know if I said before, but I wrote a review on Amazon and KYLENE BEERS - the author - responded! WHAT???) I pre-ordered using a couple of gift cards from my wonderful students at the end of the year, and all I can say is, come on October release date! I'm also excited about my third and final class I took this summer that used the text "Never work harder than your students" and it was really good! It was all about tips and tricks that "master" teachers use that basically anyone can do, it was like a guide to working smarter, not harder. I really enjoyed chapter 7, which was about the principal named in the title, and it also talked about our jobs in the classroom. Many teachers try to find a balance, or do too much or too little. The author explains that a balance isn't necessary, but having correct roles that everyone understand and agrees upon is. Wow! There was some amazing talk about thinking for kids and controlling their behavior -- things I agree with, namely that you can't do either, and I'd love to show this passage to adults that work in my room to show them that my expectations are for the students to do the work and behave properly, and that logical consequences will be enough for them instead of the adults feeling guilty for kids' behavior. (This is NOT how I feel about my own children, of course!!!! Ha ha!)
Well, anyway, it's been some fun and busy weeks, with trips to the pool, camping trips, and prep for school all mixed in. I hope I don't fall off the face of the planet as things get crazier, but please forgive me if I do. I'd like to keep you posted on some of the new things I'm trying this year, so maybe I'll at least manage to post some pictures. In these last few days of summer, what else should I be thinking about? Suggestions below!
