I don’t know about you, but I love this time of year! Don’t get me wrong. I definitely need the break that summer affords, especially after the year I had this past school year (you can read about it here), but by the start of August, as stores are putting out their back-to-school supplies and sales, I too am anticipating the fresh start of a new year.
Our school doesn’t allow us to keep our classroom keys over the summer (which is probably a good thing, really, or I might have been there far too often over the summer). It wasn’t until mid-August (a week or so before we are contracted back) that we were permitted to check back in and retrieve our keys… and gain access to our classrooms. And, thanks to Pinterest and Amazon, I was ready to get back in, full of new ideas and new purchases.
I spent my first day back rearranging my student desks (I’m trying out a new idea for collaboration and group work) and reorganizing my classroom. This is something I do every year (something my co-workers find quite funny, actually). At the end of the previous year, I strip my classroom bare so that when I walk back in come August, it truly is like a fresh start. I can reflect on things that went well and change those things that need improvement. It’s one of my favorite aspects of teaching, that every year, every trimester, every school break, and even every day gives all of us a new beginning and new opportunity to reflect and improve. After all, education is a journey, not a destination, isn’t it?
This year, I am making a commitment to become more organized in my classroom and to be more deliberate about my student groupings and collaboration techniques. I can’t wait to share what I learn on this journey!
What are your goals for the coming school year? Are you trying out new curriculum ideas or classroom management techniques? Feel free to share your new school year goals here!
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