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Emma - Welcome everyone! I am your host for tonight. My name is Emma McDonald and I am a mentor teacher from Inspiring Teachers. My teaching partner and I are the authors of several books for new teachers. Tonight we will talk about what you need to do to get ready for the new school year.
Emma - Why don't we start with some questions you all may have about what you need to do to get ready?
Patti - I'm a newly hired 3rd grade teacher and am a nervous wreck about the first day, even though I have four children of my own.
Patti - any suggestions regarding setting the classroom rules?
doodles - Emma, I have been reading Harry Wong's Book. Can you recommend others?
misstoe - I have a student teacher coming this fall. What do you new teachers feel I should make sure she is exposed to so she will be ready to start a year on her own in the future?
Emma - Doodles, I certainly can. My teaching partner and I wrote a very practical book for new teachers called Survival Kit for New Teachers. We wrote it to help answer all of the questions most new teachers have when entering the classroom.
Kim - misstoe, I suggest you really keep her involved. I am student teaching now and I used to feel like I needed to read my cooperating teachers mind
Kim - make sure you let her or him know from the start what you expect of her and what subjects you want her to teach.
misstoe - Kim what experiences do you think have been the most helpful?
furiajm - hi, I just graduated from college with a degree in secondary education and I hope to hear in the next couple of weeks about a job
Emma - misstoe - Allow her to participate in parent phone calls & conferences, and also have her fill out paperwork (with your help) to refer students, etc.
doodles - Where Emma can I purchase your book?
misstoe - Have you new teachers made up a personal survival kit to keep at school?
Emma - Does anyone have any questions about getting ready for school?
mhopper - no what is it
misstoe - Emma, good idea. I know she will be teaching fully for my class by teacher conferences
furiajm - the advice I am looking for is how to prepare in a short amount of time if I get told a couple of weeks before school begins
Kim - I have enjoyed working in small groups with the children. I am at a year round school and was able to see the year end and then see the year begin this week. I was also able to do running records and several other assessments at the end of the year. I thought this helped me.
Emma - doodles - Survival Kit for New Teachers can be purchased through our web site at http://www.inspiringteachers.com Just go to the Survival Kit & Other Resources link to get more information. It is also available through Amazon & Barnes & Noble.
Kim - misstoe, what is a survival kit?
fourthgrade - What is the most important thing I can do to get ready for the first day?
Emma - There are a lot of things that will have to wait until a week or two before school starts, but there are some things you can do to get ready even if you don't have a job yet.
misstoe - Kim, I have a variety of things. I have a classroom survival kit in a plastic tote and a personal kit in a zipper bag.
Laura - I think my personal survival kit will include Advil and Tums (for me of course)
Kim - misstoe, what is in each kit?
MissMolly - Hi, I'm a first year teacher, and I'll be teaching Kindergarten. Any suggestions for first day or two? activities?
Emma - Please, if I miss a question and don't answer it, go ahead and send it again. Sometimes I miss several questions when trying to answer one.
misstoe - In my personal kit is needle and thread, bandaids, tylenol, personal items, stain wipes, extra buttons, cotton and a spare pair of very comfortable shoes.
fourthgrade - I am teaching fourth grade. Are there any other fourth grade teachers here?
Emma - The first couple of days should be spent getting to know your students and developing a bond with the class as a whole. I suggest that you alternate get-to-know you activities with training (such as lining up, raising hand to be called on, quiet signal, etc.)
Christine - I'll be teaching fifth grade this fall.
Laura - yes me!!!! But I am brand new!!!!!
furiajm - are there any other secondary teachers here
misstoe - My classroom kit has a handle so I can carry it to where I am in the room. It has markers for overhead and write on board, chalk, pens, pencils, grown-up scissors, stickers, tape, stapler, index cards,
joy - I teach at the high school level: Learning Disabilities
Emma - Safety pins are also a must to have handy in the classroom! I can't tell you how many coats, pants, and other articles of clothing have been saved/held up by my safety pins.
fourthgrade - I have subbed for half a year and taught my own class for half a year, but I have never had to set up a class alone.
Laura - I am hoping that 4th graders catch on to the rules quickly...having been in school for a few years. But you never know
Tebee12 - <-- aspiring, furiajm
Emma - Laura, what are some questions you have for getting ready?
doodles - Is there a regular chat for student teachers available? I know I'll have thousands of questions! My style is so very different from my master teacher!
misstoe - I always start my year right away by diving right into an exciting science topic, usually insects.
furiajm - what is the first thing I should focus on once I know about a job and what I will be teaching
Laura - Emma-I am worried about introducing myself to parents, telling them what kind of programs I will have...I am not sure yet!
fourthgrade - Laura, I taught a class of fourth graders for half a year where they already had another teacher. I discovered that it is very hard to break old habits.
misstoe - I spend most of the first week learning procedures till we do them automaticly
Emma - Doodles, I think there is another chat that is for student teachers as well. We like to include student teachers in this chat, too!
joy - Until you get used to the time you have to get everything accomplished, it's best to overplan. That way you won't have down time with nothing to do. Gotta keep them busy!
Amy - I am a first year teacher and new to the chat room. Any suggestions?
Emma - Misstoe - Exactly! The first two weeks of school are vital for practicing procedures over and over until students know them backwards and forwards.
Tebee12 - wb again, Miss Molly
Laura - How soon after school starts do you start to teach curriculum lessons? 2nd day? 3rd day?
MissMolly - Hi, I'm a first year teacher. I'll be teaching kindergarten. Any tips for the first few days or two? Any activties?
misstoe - Laura, you can stick to introducing the curriculum to parents at the beginning of the year as well as your behavior plan. Everything else can be sent via a weekly newsletter
Pam - Furia, I would try to get teacher copies of texts and objectives for each subject
misstoe - Laura, I start the first day with a handwriting page. They can't wait to use those new books
deb - Did someone say she is teaching high school sp ed?
doodles - Emma, What can a student teacher do now to get ready?
furiajm - I will hopefully be teaching high school but I will be teaching social studies
Emma - A simple letter to students before school starts is an excellent way to introduce yourself. I usually make this a postcard and have a welcoming statement, tell them where my room is, and I also like to put in one other sentence about looking forward to having great learning experiences.
Laura - I don't know how to go about setting up a homework policy..
misstoe - Miss Molly, you will need a way to identify the children until you know them. This year I am using very large wooden beads to string the letters of their names into a necklace, but stick-on tags work well
joy - I am. I have 9th through 12 graders.
Emma - Some teachers like to make a web page with a picture and background information about themselves. If you have one, or plan to make one, be sure to include your web address in your pre-school welcome letter.
MissMolly - Okay, great. Thanks Misstoe. I bought some self stick tags
deb - I just accepted a job teaching resource English in high school. I have been teaching 2nd grade!
Pam - Laura, first check to see if your district has a policy. They may set homework guidelines for you to work within.
lovebug - Wow, Deb...there's a change :)
misstoe - Start by talking with others at your grade level or subject area for their homework policies. Then create yours. Make sure it is something you can live with.
Monica - Does anyone know about how to order primary tablet
Tebee12 - gosh Deb!
Emma - Doodles - Student teachers can get ready during student teaching by being organized. You will get a ton of materials, resources, and ideas during your student teaching. You will create several lessons and one or more units. All of this needs to be organized. I suggest that you get several 3-ring binders and tab dividers. Dedicate a 3-ring binder to subject areas, discipline/management, special needs students, assessment, etc. Then further organize your resources and ideas using the tab dividers. This will really help you when it is time to get your own classroom set up.
deb - I'm still on Cloud 9 from getting the position--I've hardly slept the last two nights I'm so excited. BUT I'm nervous, too.
lovebug - Why such a big change? (Deb)
Emma - I see a few. It looks like deb is going to be a high school teacher. I have taught 9th grade and 11th grade English.
Pam - Great idea Emma. After 22 years I still use this method of organization.
fourthgrade - Definately - a good idea for student teaching. I think I misplaced alot of info from moving.
misstoe - deb. I have taught both levels. High School kids are really just second graders that are taller and have longer attention spans, (usually)
MissMolly - Anyone teach/have taught Kindergarten?
Kathy/RC/IA - Congratulations to all the new teachers here! I'm working on an inservice for new teachers, so I'm listening for ideas and questions you have. I've taught for 18 years.
furiajm - I will be teaching probably 10th or 11th grade social studies
deb - It is extremely difficult to get a job in my home town. It has taken me four years. I've taught at 2 other schools and finally a position opened up here.
lovebug - We had three days of new teacher orientation when I first started last year.
furiajm - I am looking for some advice on how to be as successful as I can be in my first year
misstoe - Miss Molly, make sure you have attachable cards with address if your students will ride the bus and their bus number
Christine - I'll be teaching 5th grade history and langauge arts. I've been getting stuff together, but still quietly freaking out. ;)
fourthgrade - Any suggestions on good teambuilding activities?
joy - Having some trouble with the screen going blank. Sorry...
Emma - One thing everyone can do to get ready is to talk to your team leader, a department chair, or another teacher in your grade level. Call the school (if it is open) and get the name & phone number of someone you can call to discuss curriculum and other topics that are a concern for you.
lovebug - furiajm, I would say....don't allow yourself to become overwhelmed....
MissMolly - Oh wow. Never thought of that. Thanks misstoe :)
lovebug - easier said then done.....
doodles - What information should I put in my introductory letter as a student teacher? I have been a counselor for 20 years before returning to college for certification, so I'm non traditional!
Emma - furiajm- do you have any specific questions?
lovebug - but you will learn SO much in your first year....
deb - I'm wondering what to do on the first day in high school. I
lovebug - so many new things you will want to implement right away.....
Emma - I'm also having trouble with my screen not loading quickly. I apologize if I'm missing anything.
lovebug - but you will drive yourself batty if you try to use everything you learn....
misstoe - I would post info on the chatboard and tell people you are interested in e-mailing someone who has taught what you will be teaching and is willing to chat with you
furiajm - one of my biggest questions is how to set up my classroom when it comes to rules and procedures. What might work?
lovebug - I set a goal for myself.....
lovebug - I told myself that I would focus on my reading instruction....
lovebug - and this year, I'm focusing on centers....
lovebug - take small steps...you don't want to go nuts!!!
misstoe - furiajam, have you read the Wong book? Applies to high school too for procedures and discipline ideas
Kathy/RC/IA - One thing I do is I call my "rules" ... EXPECTATIONS. Rules are meant to be broken, but expectations are meant to be reached.
Emma - Deb - I suggest starting out with an activity/assignment right away. Since you are teaching English, it should be a journal entry or another type of writing or reading activity. Most high school students are actually very ready to start learning and get disappointed when all they do the first day is pass out textbooks. I like to have an assignment ready on the board when they walk in. While they are completing the assignment I call roll and take care of other "housekeeping" activities.
deb - I'm also concerned because the classes are 90 minutes long--block schedule
misstoe - lovebug, I do the same thing. Set a goal or 2 each year
lovebug - That's great, Kathy...I really like that.
Pam - I agree lovebug, you can't do it all in one year. Select something to focus on. It will become apparent what that should be once you start.
Kathy/RC/IA - Lovebug ... what grade?
furiajm - I have the Wong book but I have not read all of it but I will
lovebug - Mind if I steal it? :)
MissMolly - I like that Kathy
lovebug - First, and you?
Emma - Deb - Planning for 90 minutes shouldn't be too hard since you've come from elementary. Think about the class period in sections of time. Remember that each activity/lesson should not be more than 20 minutes long. That is the max attention span your kids will have.
Kathy/RC/IA - NO .. go ahead ... that's what we are here for!!
Emma - Kathy - I do the same exact thing! I think that expectations has a more positive connotation.
misstoe - Kathy, I really like that idea, Expectations!! My new bulletin board title! Thanks
deb - Can you suggest a specific assignment you might have on the board when they walk in?
furiajm - I do I establish that authority in the classroom since I am a young teacher and since high school students are not too far away from me in age
Kathy/RC/IA - I taught 4th and 5th ... now I'm a reading consultant. NEW position ... I'm just as nervous and overwhelmed as all of you!
deb - Forgot to mention--I'll be teaching at the high school I graduated from. A lot of my teachers are still there--it will be strange.
Kathy/RC/IA - Great .. Misstoe! Have fun with the bulletin board!
joy - Deb, on the first day of school the kids in my English classes get a homework assignment: I give them a topic to write about, so I can get an idea of their writing abilities.
lovebug - Take it one step at a time, Kathy :)
Tebee12 - But Deb, that's a great experience! I hope I have an opportunity like that one day.
Pam - furia you might list the things you plan to cover the first day . Put them on the board and check them off after you cover them and have taken questions. Kids will know you have a plan and are organized.
misstoe - deb, it will be important I think for ou to definitely look the professional that you are
lovebug - Guys...I wish I could stay...how often do you "get together"? I know I could learn so much from all of you!!!
Kathy/RC/IA - Yep ... lovebug! First step .. planning an inservice for new teachers!
deb - thanks for all the advice. I feel better already!
Tebee12 - lovebug, you can always come to room 1 or 2, whichever has more people in it... I'm in there a lot
lovebug - Wow, that's a big step :) (not to make you nervous or anything!!)
lisa - This has ben a real eye opener for me. I have been out of school for 20 yrs.!!
joy - Deb, do you know if you will have a mentor?
lovebug - Thanks Tebee...I'll remember that!!!
misstoe - Miss Molly, make sure your KDG kids have something to take home the first day that they did! Important for the moms!
Kathy/RC/IA - HA ... lovebug!
lovebug - Bye everybody...good luck to all new hires...that was me last year, so I feel for you!!! You'll do GREAT!!!!
deb - yes. I found out today that I will. Even though this is actually my fourth year to teach, I am glad to have someone to talk to since this is such a big change.
MissMolly - Okay, thanks Misstoe.
doodles - Me too, Lisa! It seems so overwhelming!
joy - Lisa, what will you be teaching?
lovebug - Hope to chat with all of you again soon!!
MissMolly - Misstoe.. how do you help the mom's. I heard that will be a big challenge
Emma - Since you are teaching remedial, you'll want to assess your student's abilities. I would put the following on the board: Take out your journal, or a sheet of paper and use the following statement to write a journal entry: "School uniforms should be worn by all students." This prompt will get their attention and should provoke some serious writing. Another idea is to use a silly entry: Top 20 reasons why I don't have my homework...
misstoe - doodles, just take baby steps!
lisa - Has anyone tried or purchased the new book from building block for Kindergaerten students yet?
Emma - This chat is held once a month.
lovebug - Good luck Kathy with your inservice "stuff"...looks like you'll get some good ideas here!!
misstoe - Do the parents bring in the kdg students the first day at your school?
furiajm - is there chat for secondary teacher anytime
Emma - Kathy, what are you doing an inservice about?
lisa - I am attempting to teach kindergarten I have been in preschool for a long time
Emma - furiajm - Teachers.Net usually lists the chat topics in the main meeting room. You might check the schedule to see if anything is up for secondary teachers.
MissMolly - Yes they do, misstoe
Tebee12 - furia, there's a secondary chatboard, where you can post msgs.
joy - Kindergarten is a big responsibility!
Kathy/RC/IA - My inservice is for new teachers. I have about a 90 min. session to fill.
furiajm - how do I get to that secondary chatboard
Emma - Lisa - there is a great Kinder chatboard and mail list here!
Tebee12 - go to T-net itself, then message boards, then high school
doodles - What info do you recommend I include in my introductory student teacher letter? I have changingcareers midlife from counseling for over 20 years? letter
MissMolly - Do you teach Kindergarten joy?
Emma - That is great. Do you know what you are going to present? You might get some more ideas off of my web site, Beginning Teachers' Tool Box at http://www.inspiringteachers.com
Kathy/RC/IA - am i still here??? I have a blank screen!
lisa - I am a little worried that what I learn in school ( the basics) will be remembered after all these years and the structure of kindergarten I am finding out sure has changed
misstoe - I would have a set procedure written on a sign by the door as they enter Miss Molly. Such as please feel free to help your child find their seat. Tell them when and where to pick up their child. Have a newsletter prepared to hand to the mom's
joy - MissMolly, no I don't teach Kindergarten, although I had been a volunteer there during my undergrad days. And I'm mom to 2 who've been through Kindergarten.
Tebee12 - Kathy, click "refresh"
Emma - Your introductory letter to students and parents should include a little background information (where you went to the university, what you did before teaching, any personal tidbits you want to offer), then put in some statements about looking forward to working with the students and parents.
lisa - where is the chat board for Kindergarten? I hope I didn't bother any of you with my concerns
KTeach - Whatever you do the first day you can do the rest of the year the structure of the first day is so important
misstoe - lisa, you and Miss Molly should exchange e-mail addresses so you can share ideas for the year
joy - Hello, Stu. What do you teach?
MissMolly - Good idea misstoe.
Emma - Lisa - probably participating in some Kinder chats, looking at the Kinder chatboard, and joining the Kinder mail ring may help you see what is current pedigogy in teaching Kindergarten.
Kathy/rc/IA - I'm back ... :)
lisa - miss molly whats your e mail
MissMolly - and yours?
joy - Lost my screen and had to log in again
Emma - The first day of school should alternate between get-to-know activites/bonding/team building activities and procedures/expectations.
lisa - Thanks for the info I'l do some futher checking
Kathy/rc/IA - What are questions/concerns most first year teachers have? It has been awhile - 18 years! :)
misstoe - I have found that having computer labels with each students name on them a great help on the first day. Can label anything easily
Emma - When going over expectations with students, I like to read the expectation and then have students tell me what they think it means. Other activities that you can do with expectations is: students say what it looks like, what is feels like, what is sounds like; students create a skit or presentation about the expectation to teach it to other students; students say what the expecation is NOT.
misstoe - I also put something distinctive outside my classroom so children can remember where it is
Kathy/rc/IA - Great misstoe - I did that last year! Thanks for reminding me. It just went on my "inservice list" of thing to cover!
Margie/CA - OK, this time I hope I don't get bumped out...
Kathy/IL/1-2 - Hi there, I'm actually a 3 yr. teacher, but I am mentoring this year..so would like to get a feel of q's etc
Emma - I don't just go over my expectations, we do a lot of activities with them over the first several days so that students fully understand what is expected of them.
Margie/CA - What sort of expectations do you post?
misstoe - We write our classroom expectations together ( with guidance) and I rewrite them into simple statements
Emma - FYI - Tonight's chat is about getting ready for the school year. Does anyone have any questions?
Kathy/IL/1-2 - Margie..what grade?
lisa - Kathy/Iy/1-2 I usually teach 3 yr olds too!!
Margie/CA - Yep, I got one...how can I get myself organized quickly?
Emma - Misstoe - Many teachers like to do that. I happen to work in a school where the classroom expectations are the same throughout the school, so unfortunately I can't do that with my students.
doodles - For third grade, how many expectations do you actually post?
Margie/CA - 10-12, history
Emma - I think that developing class norms/expectations is very important, especially with older students.
joy - I may have a student teacher this fall. Since some of you recently did your student teaching, what advice can you give me on how to help my student teacher have a worthwhile experience?
misstoe - For example it usually boils down to 1. Do my personal best 2. Be polite 3. Walk 4. Be quiet at quiet time 5.Keep hands and feet to self 6
Emma - I teach 5th grade and we have 5 expectations. It is important that your expectations are specific as well.
Ellie - Joy-Iwill have a student teacher in the fall as well. I would like some advice too
Margie/CA - Joy-have a rap session at least once a week and be specific on how to get stuff, paper, supplies, forms, etc.
misstoe - Emma, we have school expectations too, so I just make sure Our classroom rules corespond and are written in simple language
Emma - Joy - Suggest to your student teacher to keep a 3-ring binder with tab dividers to keep any materials and ideas gathered during student teaching organized. It really helps later on to be able to turn right to a section for a specific idea (for example: classroom management ideas)
Kathy/IL/1-2 - We have 4 classroom expectiations that are throughout the school
misstoe - joy, that is my question too! I have a student teacher this fall
joy - Thank you, Ellie
Emma - That's great! What grade do you teach?
Margie/CA - Joy-I can't begin to tell you all the things I wish my supervisor (ha) and mentor teacher had told me. Most things I had to figure out on my own through trial and error.
joy - Thanks, Emma
misstoe - We have procedures posted throughout the school. Example, Restroom Procedures, Lunchroom Procedures, Hallway, Reces
Ellie - good suggestion Emma
Kathy/IL/1-2 - New teachers...have you had a chance to get into your new classrooms yet?
misstoe - Like what Margie?
Simba - Yes, and it's been wonderful to have the time to think, clean and plan
doodles - What do you master teachers want most from a student teacher?
misstoe - doodles, I like someone to be enthusiastic, caring for the children and willing to try new ideas
Kathy/IL/1-2 - that good, Simba...any q's about your room? setting up, etc?
Emma - If you are going to have a student teacher, you might want to take a look at our Survival Kit for New Teachers. It has a lot of the questions that new teachers have when they first enter the classroom. This might give you an idea of what to help them with.
Simba - Not really Kathy, We have lots of freedom to do "whatever", which I like
Margie/CA - Misstoe-how to arrange for a sub, staff meetings, bus duty, parent teacher conf, back to school nights, long term assignments, report cards, how to set classroom rules and teach them the first days, what to put on secondary bulletin boards when everything available is elementary, etc.
Kathy/IL/1-2 - that's nice, Simba..where are you at?
Rose - hi everyone, im teaching 2nd grade next year its my first job
Ellie - Is that avaialble through teachers.net? (the survival kit?)
Kathy/IL/1-2 - Congrat. Rose :)
Simba - I have a suggestion for next time we all chat--Put your grade level as part of your username.
Simba - ...which Kathy did :-)
misstoe - Margie, just make the room homey. A plant here, a small lamp there. Posters that tie into subject matter, nice background and border
Emma - Margie - The bulletin board issue is a tough one since, as you said, everything is geared for elementary. I used to go to the district Media center and use the Ellison machine to cut out letters for my boards. I used the themes of "school events"; "look what we're doing"; and "community/world events" Others could be "famous mathematicians"; famous scientists; famous authors (or current authors being studied); quotable quotes (from books & from student work)
Emma - Curtains add a nice touch also, if you have windows. I made long curtains so that I could cover the windows for film clips and movies.
misstoe - We have several Teachers Stores in the area that carry many items for High School Bulletin Board. Can order things through catalogs too
Beth - I will be student teaching this fall in 3rd grade. Any great advice from you
Simba-KY-3rd - What desk layouts are you all using?
misstoe - Emma, I agree. I have white shades so I put up valences
Margie/CA - Tebee12- that's what I had to do too.
Kathy/IL/1-2 - We have tables...so 6 sit at a table (in groups)
Melissa - I'm thinking of curtain for my new room. Have you found any rods that work well for large windows in a typical classroom?
Simba-KY-3rd - The classes I've observed where kids face each other..it seems so much more opportunity for talking and not listening.
misstoe - Beth, carry on a daily journal with your teacher. When you are observing write down ideas and questions. When teacher is watching you, have them write down plus and minuss. Suggestions, ideas to discuss. Then when you talk after school, you will have a starting point
Margie/CA - I thought I'd use the standard rows, at least for awhile until I got to know everyone.
joy - New teachers, find out when you can get into your classroom (a week or two before the students begin), so you can decorate a bit, meet other teachers and get advice, and become familiar with your building. And I have a blank screen again....
Simba-KY-3rd - Me too Margie, but I will put them in groups and pairs on a regular basis
misstoe - Simba, tables really give the ki9ds more work room and help with cooperative learning. We use a folder to set up a personal office when needed
Emma - Someone earlier asked about sub folders. I put the following into my sub folder: seating cart, class schedule, detailed lesson plans, daily procedures & teacher instructions, class roll, sponge/warm-up/finished activities, creative writing ideas, a form to report what happened & what was covered, helpful students, "who to know" (principal, team members, counselor, secretary)
Kathy/IL/1-2 - Simba, you're right..it can open the opportunity for talking, but it's great for groups activities, plus they share all their supplies
Margie/CA - I'm going to try to get into my classroom early, but I'm not sure it's going to happen.
Tebee12 - great, I have to do it again!
joy - Must leave now. Thanks for your advice. Good luck to everyone this school year.
misstoe - Rows are not allowed in our building. Can have pairs or groups or large square or circle
Margie/CA - What! No rows!
ally - this is my first year..and I am feeling frustrated..because I dont know what I can be doing this summer to prepare. I get into the class room Aug 1st kids come aug. 14 ..is that enough time to get ready?
Margie/CA - How do you set up pairs without appearing to have rows?
Melissa - I have a large informative sub folder but I feel my subs don't read the info....any ideas
Emma - Simba - talking can be a positive experience in the classroom. I find that my students usually are actually talking about classroom topics. We do the same thing in inservices. We often talk, but our talking is sharing ideas about the information being presented. I use a hand signal to get student attention back on me when the talking is too distracting.
Kathy/IL/1-2 - :) Our school doesn't have rows either...we have tables
misstoe - ally, how great that you actually know when you can get into your room!
Simba-KY-3rd - (think I lost the room text)
ally - still feeling frustrated.. will it all fall into place??
Kathy/IL/1-2 - Ally, when do you start school? Do you have a class list?
misstoe - Kathy, we had a choice of desks or tables. I have large square tables
ally - no class list yet.. kids start aug 14 I get into classroom aug 1st
Kathy/IL/1-2 - misstoe, I like tables
Margie/CA - Hmmm. I have seen my room, at least I think it will be my room, the powers that be aren't sure. One little bulletin board, lots of windows, no shelves, one little-bitty teacher's desk, and lots of ratty student desks.
misstoe - I try to make all my nametags for tables, lockers, etc prepared ahead of time
Emma - I talk very specifically on the first day about "My time" and "Your time". When I am standing in the front of the room teaching or giving directions, it is my time and students need to be respectful of that. I expect them to look at me, show me they are listening by keeping their mouths closed and hands to themselves. When they are working on an assignment or project, it is "their time" and they may talk, sharpen their pencil, get needed materials, etc. IF they need to.
Kathy/IL/1-2 - ally, things will definitely fall into place..
misstoe - ally, I put up my Math-Their -Way Calendar board and put out trade books
Simba-KY-3rd - Nice thoughts Emma...I like "my time" and "your time"
ally - math their way calendar?? what is that?
ally - i like "my time" ... "your time"
misstoe - I have a theme for the year and put up a display for that. This year are theme is Hands-On Explorers
misstoe - ally, what grade will you be in?
Tebee12 - I'm so tired of logging off and on again with blanked out screens! :(
Kathy/IL/1-2 - New teachers..what are some of your biggest concerns??
ally - 3rd grade.
Emma - One neat way of keeping yourself organized is to have a teacher binder. Take a 3-ring binder and create the following sections with tab dividers: student information section, calendars/schedules section, substitutes section, six weeks unit lesson plan section, extra forms section & team planning section for middle school teachers.
ally - biggest concerns----- not being prepared
Emma - misstoe - do you know ITI by Susan Kovalik?
Kathy/IL/1-2 - ally...do you have a team teacher or mentor teacher?
misstoe - Emma, I also make up a clipboard to use with Behavior checklist and a binder with pages for each student for notes
misstoe - Yes Emma. We are a CLASS school based on her work
ally - i think I will have a mentor teacher.. first week I am in a new teacher orientation..
Margie/CA - Behavior-ah ha. Any suggestion for high school?
Emma - Ally - since you already know that you can get into your classroom a week or two before school starts, you'll be prepared. For other ideas on getting prepared, check out our tips at http://www.inspiringteachers.com
misstoe - ally, if you will be in lower grades you must ask your school to send you to Math Their Way training!
Kathy/IL/1-2 - best of luck, everyone!
Simba-KY-3rd - Tebee, try hitting "Resume" in upper right of screen
Emma - Misstoe - I do the same thing with the clipboard! I use a spreadsheet to help me monitor and record student behavior, work habits and daily objectives. It works very well.
ally - thanks..emma.. going to check ou that site.
Emma - The program for upper grades is Hands-On Math
misstoe - My claendar board has a calendar with movable dates and months. Individual cards with names of the months. A birthday Cake for each month. # little boxes for straws to count the days labeled ones, tens humdreds
Tebee12 - bye room! thanks for all the great ideas! (Simba, I tried that repeatedly-- got a connection error message)
Margie/CA - Good night.
ally - hands on math huh?? i will look into that
Simba-KY-3rd - Misstoe, what grade are you
misstoe - I have a tally board where we tally the days each month, a coin holder. and coins with velcro on them. We add a penny each day and add it up. Also a chart for the temperature
ally - thanks everyone!!!! I'll hang tight..and wait until aug 1st.
Emma - Well, everyone...I've got to be going. I have a 2 year old who refuses to go to sleep. Please check out our web site and our book Survival Kit for New Teachers at http://www.inspiringteachers.com! There are lots of great tips and helpful resources for new teachers all through the site! Hope to see you next month! Oh, also, if you have any ideas on topics you'd like to discuss in the future, please e-mail me with them at emma@tenet.edu! Thanks!
misstoe - ally, there is also, Math- Their Way of Thinking
misstoe - Simba, grade 2
Simba-KY-3rd - Bye Emma...good ideas!
Tebee12 - bye & thanks, Emma
misstoe - ally, I spend a lot of time writing down ideas in a naotebook that I might want later
Christie - Any suggestions for analyzing math levels in 4th grade class?
misstoe - I draw little diagrams of how I might arrange my room. Ideas I glean for behavior plans and reading encouragement
Simba-KY-3rd - How do you all deal with all the kids' papers? You can't grade every single thing they do...
misstoe - Christie, go visit the grade 3 teacher and borrow an end of the year test
DW - I'm going to be teaching second grade this year and I found a wonderful book. It's called On Their way by jane Fraser. It's really helped me think about how to start .
misstoe - Simba, some things the students grade with yellow highlighters. Some I just check off as completed, some I grade in class while children are working independently. Some I take home
misstoe - DW, who is it published by?
misstoe - Simba, I think portfolios are important too
Simba-KY-3rd - I'd also like to plug Harry Wong's book...The First Few Days of School...he strongly encourages teaching routines and procedures
kristi - hey all! 1st grade teacher from ia here!
misstoe - well, I am going to visit the other rooms. Have an enjoyable first year!!
DW - It's published by heinemann
kristi - can anyone tell me how i post a message for email, i'm new to all this!
DW - They also have one written just for 1st grade teachers. Harry wong's book is great too!
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