PLANNING FOR THE COMING SCHOOL YEAR

Dr. Wendy Ghiora – Posting #94 – July 31, 2011

Planning for the coming school year brings a lot of hope and some great expectations. It’s a perfect time to reflect upon what went really well during the previous school year and what things definitely need to be changed. Here are a few simple things to consider for starters:

Room Arrangement
What is the most effective positioning of student desks?
Where should my desk be located?
If you are planning to truly engage students, they will most likely participate in an abundance of cooperative learning activities. Desks joined in groups with students facing one another are most conducive for this. In most cases groups of four work well. The teacher’s desk should be located in an easily accessible spot where students can see the teacher and ask for help when needed.

Classroom Routines
What are the most important classroom routines?
• What are students expected to do as soon as they enter my classroom?
• What do I expect my kids to do once an assignment is completed?
• When can students use the bathrooms?
• Where do I want them to place various papers and supplies?
• What roles do each team member have?

Looking Ahead
Let students know right from the beginning what the purpose of the class is. Let them know what goals you expect them to reach by the end of the year. Be sure to explain these in a way that says:
“These are the things you will know, understand and be able to do by the end of the year.”

Remember Your Camera
Remember to take a photograph of each student during the first week of school. Have each student write what yearly goals they have set for themselves. I would suggest limiting this to three major goals. At the end of the year, take a new photograph of each student and have them look at their original goals and write how much progress was made toward each one. They can write about how each goal was almost met, totally accomplished, or even surpassed. Then place the beginning and ending pictures and statements side by side for comparison. Students will be amazed at how far they have come!

Your camera will come in handy to record unique and fun learning activities throughout the school year. Photos can be used in school newsletters and for an end-of-the-year Memory Book for your students. It’s true: “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

Have fun planning for a fantastic school year!

FOURTH OF JULY REFLECTION

Fourth of July Reflection
Dr. Wendy Ghiora – Posting #93

I have always thought the inscription on the Statue of Liberty incorporates the essence of what our forefathers had in mind. We still welcome people from all lands, seeking a better life under the brilliant torch of freedom. This is the poem from which that inscription was taken. I hope you enjoy it as you enjoy this Fourth of July and the many gifts we enjoy as Americans.

The New Colossus
By Emma Lazarus 1849–1887

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Fourth of July Reflection
Wendy Ghiora

On this Fourth of July, I reflect as I stand,
On thankfulness for my birth in this land.
Some say, it’s not a perfect place,
But for me, it wields an awesome grace.
For nowhere else can one truly give,
With a freedom to think and a freedom to live.
On this Fourth of July, I reflect and stand,
So thankful I was born in this wonderful land.