Staying in the Groove


 Spring seems to be here, and classroom routines are in place for the most part. I'm trying something new but also staying focused on emphasizing the ideas and concepts that I value in my classroom.

Takeaways:

  • Emphasize and reinforce what's important. For example, I often want my students to discuss our learning together. Whenever I see a student group want to default to working
    on a question independently I gently remind them that I learn from them everyday, and I've taught this subject for many years. I make it clear that if I can learn from them they can certainly learn from each other. I take the opportunity to reiterate the significance of academic discussions.
  • I'm remembering to acknowledge student birthdays on or as close to the student's actual day as possible. Yes, it does take forethought and planning (I have 140 students) but it matters to me, and it seems to be appreciated by them.
  • LEGACY. It's everything, especially in the spring as these 8th Graders are in the process of wrapping up their Middle School careers. I introduced LEGACY in early January and this language is now embedded in our classroom environment. Today I reminded my classes about Gratitude and challenged them to thank two adults in their lives today that have impacted them. 
  • Something new(er): classroom jobs. I selected a station leader for today's geography activity and another passed out the maps. Could I easily do these jobs? Of course. The eagerness of the students selected to do these jobs each class period reminded me that they need this opportunity, and it lends to their Leadership in class.
Stay focused on what's important--that's what's motivating me these days.

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