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!