Classroom Improvements

I'm linking up with Lucky Little Learners and  Schroeder Shenanigans in 2nd for Classroom Improvements.


I'm going to focus on some teacher improvements, or things I want to change for next year.

This first one isn't something I want to change, but more of a reminder for myself!

Sooooo, there are a lot of changes coming this year-and not just from our government and politicians!

We have a new principal in my building. A new behavior specialist in my building. A new superintendent in the district. (Hopefully) a new Curriculum Coordinator. A new HR person. Oh and we're completely changing the evaluation system in the state and 4th grade has the biggest class it's had in awhile.

So I need to remember to take it as it comes! :)

Next is

I've been reading Learn Like A Pirate with The Primary Gal (my posts are here), and I'm loving the book!

I hoping that I can implement some of the things to have a smoother run classroom, and my students are taking more responsibility for themselves and their learning.

Which leads me into my next goal

I used data notebooks a very little two years ago, and a little more this year (The first year we just graphed our spelling pre and post tests, and last year I {attempted} to use Jenifer Findley's Delicious Data Tracking)

I really want to focus on grit and perseverance this year, as well as making the students more responsible for their learning. I think setting biweekly goals (as in once every two weeks) is manageable and will help them be more responsible. Plus, they'll track it in their data notebooks :)

And last, but certainly not least

The way I'm doing it now is just not working for me. I feel that I'm not reaching every learner, and I could be doing such a better job.

I've been inspired by The Primary Gal, and how she does her math block, so I'm hoping to do some similar things.

First, I'm hoping to semi-flip it (contingent on me getting the tech I need!).

Ideally, it would look something like this!

~Calendar/Snack (we do both at the same time-they can eat and think simultaneously!) (And I spelled that right on the first try! Woot!)
~Entrance Slip based on today's lesson
     *Students then get sorted into groups based on response
              -Highs go watch a video, Middles/Lows get small group instruction-Middles go for practice and Lows then get reteach
~Centers
       *Practice Pages
       *Me
       *Game/Task Cards of some sort
       *Math Journals
~Exit Slip-to see who needs reteaching

^^That's still a work in progress-I need to think about it some more (and find out when we're teaching math-there's been some talk of switching around our schedule!))

I did a Math Workshop/Guided Math a few year ago and I LOVED it-I was meeting their needs so much better, and I felt they were more engaged.

Enter pilot year of programs and new program.

So that changed it up quick!

I still have about a month and half left (although summer school will take up that month!), to refine some things, but I think I'm heading in the right direction!

How will you improve for next year?

Smiles and Sunshine,
Kaitlyn