January 11, 2007
Below is our newsletter for the week. Remember, we are not the end-all, be-all! We are just teachers sharing our thoughts and ideas with you. Feel free to modify strategies you receive from us to fit you and your classroom.
Weekly Tip: A Fresh Start
by Emma McDonald
One of my favorite books of all times is Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. The main character is a dreamy young girl who, through her imagination and spirit, tends to get into trouble. Yet her outlook on life continues to be sunny and full of optimism. One of Anne’s favorite sayings – “Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it” – has become one of mine as well. This phrase offers hope to anyone who has experienced a day riddled with blunders and problems. I especially find it relevant in the classroom.
First, the idea that we can start fresh is hugely comforting. After a semester of trials and tribulations, we might reflect and decide we have several areas prime for improvement. When looking back over last semester, do you wish you had related to a student differently or handled a situation with more compassion? Do you find yourself wanting to rewrite your expectations and procedures or change the layout of your room? The beginning of a new semester, grading period, or even the day back after a break of four or five days is the perfect time to get a fresh start.
The key to introducing change in your classroom is to be prepared in advance. Take the time now to work up new procedures. Sketch out a new design for your room layout. Start writing out the expectations you have now that you’ve been in the classroom for a while. Think and plan in advance so that when you introduce the change to your students, you are prepared for their questions and any possible revolt.
Once you’ve introduced the change, be consistent. Treat it similarly to the beginning of the school year. Train students in the procedures and use your posters to remind them of the expectations. Use the same routines each day until they become habits for your students. Without this consistency, your changes will not have a positive affect on your class. If you are trying to change your own behavior, put reminder notes everywhere you usually stand or sit in the classroom. “Ask before laying blame.” “Take time to talk to students one on one.” “Remember that each day is a fresh start.”
Second, take this saying, “Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it” to heart when disciplining students. I have this phrase posted in my room and use it to tell students that each day they enter my classroom they are entering fresh with no mistakes. It doesn’t matter what happened yesterday. Today is new. Today offers the choice again to learn or not to learn, to behave or not to behave. We all make mistakes, most of which we regret. Yet, we do not have to make those same mistakes day after day. This attitude offers hope to students and at least gives each one the opportunity to try again rather than misbehave because it is expected.
Do you have a special story about making a fresh start you’d like to share with us? Please respond to this email and we’ll post your thoughts in our Idea Share.
Ever had a metamorphic sandwich? After 40 years of experience in science classrooms, Frederick Briehl, M.S., Ed. shares a collection of motivating and challenging science projects, experiments, and activities for middle school students. Activities are identified in three categories: Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science. Each activity is written as a science lesson plan with a specified objective, purpose, problem, materials, procedure, observation, conclusion, and practical application. Perfect for introducing new topics and concluding units! Middle School Science Activities to Challenge and Enjoy - eBook format only List price: $12.95 Click HERE for the Inspiring Teachers Online Catalog of Books and Classroom Tools Newsletter Subscribers Receive 20% off every order and a Free Book! (while supplies last)Enter coupon code: WIN07 at checkout to receive the discount.
“Experience...has ways of boiling over, and making us correct our present formulas." ~William James, from his book Pragmatism (1907) What about your classroom would you like to change? How do you feel about changing things in the middle of the school year? Why? How do you think the students will respond to changes you might make? What does "Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it" mean to you? Do you often wish for a fresh start? Why or why not? Do you think your students also wish to have a fresh start? Take some time to plan out what you would do differently in your classroom if you had the opportunity. Next, look for the opportunity to implement these changes.
Classroom Tip: Good Planning Helps Classroom Article: Setting Expectations
What topics would you like to see addressed in this Weekly Newsletter? What questions and quandaries do you have? Please email any and all ideas to: info@inspiringteachers.com
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If you love these strategies and want more, check out all Survival Kit for New Teachers (Newly Updated) has to offer. Available in elementary and secondary editions.
Veteran teachers, check out the Teachers' Choice Winner Classrooms that SPARK!
Both of these great resources are available as eBooks as well! Click on the links to learn more.
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