Wednesday, July 4, 2012

4 on the 4th!

Happy 4th, Bloggy Friends...again! (I figure, since it's summer, and there are so many wonderful linky parties/book studies out there, and I have time, why not post twice a day if I want?!)

Ms. M over at Ms. M's Blog is having a linky party about 4 new things that you want to do for next year!

1. I want to implement a Guided Math/Math Workshops next year. I think that this will be a good way to reach all my students needs, as well as helping raise those pesky test scores!

2. I really want to try and do Interactive Notebooks next year for different subjects. I think that it would work great in Reading, Science, Social Studies, Math and well.....everything! I think it would be a wonderful resource for the kids, and help their learning as well.

3. Really focus on creating a classroom community. I truly believe that Responsive Classroom can work wonderfully, but I really need to take the time and do my way. Last year, I really wanted to do it with my 4th graders, but my mentor told me that there was no time in the day for things like that. I wish I had listened to what I knew was right for me and my style and done it anyway, and stole time from somewhere else. I'll make it a priority this year!



4. Really focus on having a CAFE/CRAFT board, as well as a VOICES board (Kristen at Ladybug's Teacher Files has wonderful, free resources for this). I think that having the lessons up for the kids to see will help them remember, as well as making the classroom cute and wonderful! :)

Those are my four things that I want to focus on next year! Go link up!

Smiles and Sunshine,
Kaitlyn

7 comments:

  1. I'm right there with ya on Morning Meeting! I've wanted to do it...but 'there's no time in the day'. I've decided I'm going to carve out at least a little slice of time for it next year. How much time are you alotting for Morning Meeting?

    Primary Inspired

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    Replies
    1. Brenda,

      I think about 15 minutes. Since I have 4th graders, I don't think that I need to spend as much time going over the message like they do in younger grades.

      This year I wrote a letter to the kids every day (the one part I was able to save from Morning Meeting!) and it was their responsibility to read it before we start our day...I think I'll do something similar this year..but maybe included Math Stretches since it looks like Math will be first.

      I hope this helps!

      :) Kaitlyn
      Smiles and Sunshine

      Delete
  2. Wow, now I'm feeling like I want to teach some math. Too bad I don't. Lol

    Interactive notebooks, hmmmm sounds interesting.

    Thanks for linking up.
    Ms. M

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  3. I've never heard of Guided Math before a couple of days ago. Now I have another book in my cart to read. =) Thanks for sharing! I'm your newest follower. I also teach 4th.
    Emily
    I Love My Classroom
    www.ilovemyclassroom.blogspot.com

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  4. I cut out my morning meetings last year too. I hated doing it but I went along with my team too. There doesn't seem to be enough time during the day. I am also going to try and stick to my guns this year and make sure morning meetings happens.

    Amanda
    The Teaching Thief

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  5. I hate when people rain on your parade! Good for you for following your gut! :)

    Marvelous Multiagers!

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  6. All of your ideas are things that I want to do next year too! I really want to look more at the classroom meeting book. It looks fantastic and that is something I definitely want to start next year. Super excited for all your awesome new adventures! :)

    Amanda
    Reaching for the TOP!

    ReplyDelete

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