Wednesday, August 1, 2018

It's time to get started


My goals this week was to begin thinking about changes to the structures and procedures to my room.  I had a plan to start on Monday, but it has been raining non-stop and I felt so tired.   My colleague and best friend asked me to accompany her to work today.  It was the jump start that I needed.  I went through my Pinterest pins for organizing and managing my room.  Here are my procedures for this upcoming school year:

Beginning  of Class: 
  1. Have copies available at either the student table or as table folders (still debating this one)
  2. Use classroom screen to have the directions and timer on the board
  3. Word Problem/Application Bell Ringer

Procedures
  1. Sign Out/Sign In Sheet 
  2. Instead of giving students bathroom/hall passes that they end up losing, I will have students sign out by a sign-out sheet and keep a tally of their exits on another sheet each week.

Passing Out Papers
I will assign 2 student helpers to help pass out papers, pass out materials, and collect papers/materials each week.  This will provide every student with chance for responsibility in the classroom.

Cell Phones
Last year, I started collecting cell phones every day during 2nd semester.  Students turned in their cell phone in the beginning of class in a "calculator holder".  If students did not turn in their cell phone, it was understood that the cell phone could not be seen/heard (school policy).  If the cell phone was seen/heard, students would either have to turn in everyday after that or turn into the office per school policy

EAI Education CalcSAFE Jr. Calculator Storage - Scientific
Ending Class
I want to designate about 8 minutes at the end of the classroom for students to complete an exit ticket, put away calculators, and return cell phones.  I saw a "pin" where they used pockets to collect exit tickets with students rating their understanding.




Monday, August 1, 2016

My First Blog



After reading the wonderful posts and comments from #tmc16, I decided not to be a MtBos stalker (3 years running unfornutately lol), but actually participate.

One of my main goals this year is to incorporate strategies from Make It Stick (I am currently reading the book).

Tonight, I participated in my 1st Twitter chat #makeitstick.  It was awesome to respond and receive feedback that further extended my thoughts of understanding how to incorporate the strategies strategically and effectively.

My hope is that #MtBoSBlaugust will encourage me to continue blogging everyday this month.

This is the beginning of a lot of firsts and it is EXCITING.