An End and a Beginning

The great thing about the end of one semester and the beginning of a new one, separated by a 2 week break, is that you can change things that haven't worked and try new ideas. Some things I'm changing:

• Social Studies and Science interactive notebooks. The pace of our curriculum guide doesn't allow for extra days to be spent on topics. I felt I was overburdening my students to get a reflective piece for the left side of their notebook. Much better to just have them turn their work in and receive immediate feedback.
• Reading time. I'm still puzzling this one over. I need to find a way to do more whole group reading and also spend more targeted time on reteaching in small groups. What I'm doing is working, but just in an okay, formulaic sort of way.
  
• Free time for students. They have recess at the end of the day, but I dislike it. It should be about learning social skills and not about fighting for computer time. I'm considering instituting a board game day (Fridays, I'm thinking) where everyone must play a board game. I'll encourage students to bring in board games, too.
• I need to reward effort. Maybe with lunch with me (yuck--I need my time at lunch.) Maybe with public praise--a look who gave extra effort! kind of thing. Need to think this out.
  

That's it for tonight. I hope your year has been blessed and that next year is your best ever!