Together We Are Better {Making Improvements}

I am linking up with Ashley from Schroeder Shenanigans in 2nd and Angie from Lucky Little Learners for their monthly #2getherwearebetter link up.
Although I am job hunting right now, here are a few things I want to improve on this school year:

CLASSROOM READ ALOUD STORAGE
Source: A Cupcake for the Teacher

I like the idea of having specific read alouds set aside so you can pull them as needed.  Instead of organizing by month I would organize by comprehension skill or subject.
This year I spent way too much time trying to find books for my lessons.  My new organizational system should be a time saver.

FOCUS WALL
                                         
                                               Source: Sunny and Bright in First Grade

Learning objectives should be posted clearly in student friendly language.  One district that I worked for required objectives to be posted as part of the walkthrough criteria in addition to students being able to orally describe what they learned.  So, I want to make sure that I create an area that is accessible to students.

STUDENT WORK DISPLAY

In the classroom I want a defined area for displaying student work.  The clothespins work great because each student has an assigned spot and work can be changed out easily.  Plus, students, families, and staff can recognize specific students and compliment them on their work.  

TEACHER LANGUAGE 
I was reading through Kelli's blog post and she summed up my intentions this past school year. perfectly  I made an effort to spend more time reinforcing what students are doing correctly.  
Example: "I like the way _______ is ________"  
A colleague recommended the book Teaching with Love and Logic.  This book closely aligned with my classroom management philosophy.  As I read this book it made me reflect on the language I use with students.  Classroom management is always an area to work on and I am glad I found what works for me.  I will continue to reflect and improve in this area.

Enjoy your holiday weekend!

3 comments

  1. Hi Allie! I have to get better at posting and referring to my objectives! That is definitely a goal of mine this year. If I posted them, I'd forget to refer to them. If I referred to them, it wasn't enough! I WILL do it. I WILL do it. I WILL do it ! 😉

    Crystal
    Teaching Little Miracles

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  2. I organize most of my read alouds by subject or author. I found it was much easier to find what I needed! I like the idea of the student work display with clothespins. I love this linky idea...I will have check out more! Starting tomorrow I plan on having a linky party and giveaway for friends who can and can't go to Vegas. If you have a chance stop by my blog to read all about it and link up! :)

    Brigid
    Bits of First Grade

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  3. I LOVE your focus wall! I use an objective/learning goal board that changes daily. I use language that the students understand so they get an idea of what they will be doing that day.

    ♥ Stephanie
    Fishing for Education Blog

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