Saturday, August 7

Back to School and too much to do!

Last year felt like my 1st year teaching.  I had no idea what to expect next, masks, shields, no "hands on" activities, quarantine . . . 

Our school district never stopped in-person learning but we also had remote learners on Zoom at the same time.  I felt like I could never walk away from my computer. 

This year may feel like another 1st year – but I’m ready!  I am excited that we'll all be together and can do labs again! 

 

Here are the Top 5 Things To-Do on my Planning Day(s) List:


1. Classroom Set-up

  • Boards (Safety, Learning Goals)
Students make their own symbol (click to see examples)

I can see from the picture I need to work on allignment :(

I'm trying something new this year.  I'm going to introduce the "word wall" by lesson instead of making 1 board with all the unit words.  I'm going to rearrange the board with the specific learning goals in the center and the matching vocabulary around the edges.
  • Supplies - We can share supplies again (still using hand sanitizer!) Check out the link for my favorite "tap" glue.

2. Seating Charts

  • I never sit at my desk, I just walk around so this loop works for me.  I add student names and delete extra seats.


3. Syllabus
  • I make the syllabus into a 3 fold "brochure" with fill in the blanks so it's interactive.  We complete it together on the 1st day.

4. Meet the Teacher/Orientation

  • I'm going "hands free" this year. I made signs that parents/students can take a picture of.  I'll also have a slideshow playing on repeat with the basic information.

5. 1st Week Plans

  • Safety 
  • Textbook Scavenger Hunt
  • Measurement - I like Sarah Carter's (Math Equals Love)Mini Metric Olympics adaptation of AIM's activity

 *I need to add the "big foot" station for my 6th lab group.  


My husband always tells me to make a list (and go  back and check it).  He knows me - I get distracted when I see school supplies.  


At least with a list I'll get a good start . . .


Hope your planning days go just the way you planned.  Good Luck!

Thursday, August 5

Digital Assignments

Back to School is almost here!  I'm excited to see all my student's in-person however I know that at some point during the year students will need digital options.

These activities are ready to go with new Easel Activities:



This activity has a digital assessment:

Easel Activities and Assessments are great for:

  • In-person or distance learning
  • Any Learning Management System (LMS) or device
  • Using as model in the classroom by clicking “View as a Student” 

I like that these are self grading and I get data to check student progress!