Thursday, July 26, 2012

Preparing for School Linky Party

I found another link party!
6th Grade All Stars is hosting her first ever link party.

From her site:
"The reason for this linky party is for you to help me and other new teachers in preparing for our classrooms! Just follow these simple rules and link up!"

The rules:
1. Post about this linky party on your blog
2. Follow her blog (
{6th Grade} All-Stars) (and mine too if you like)
3. Answer the following 5 questions (include documents if you have them):

- What grade do you teach?
- What is the greatest advice you received during your 1st year of teaching?
- Do you have a checklist that you follow when preparing your classroom (include the checklist)?
- What are some must haves in your classroom that you cannot live without (ex. items, books, posters, management strategies)?
- What is something that all teachers should have in their classroom?


 What grade do you teach? 6th grade Math

- What is the greatest advice you received during your 1st year of teaching? My first year was in Kinder, but it transfers well to 6th... Have a classroom managment plan, TEACH it, and ENFORCE it. The teaching part will be much easier if you have control of your classroom.
- Do you have a checklist that you follow when preparing your classroom (include the checklist)?
Great question... after 18 years, I have several checklist, but they are in my head, on post its, yellow pads, note pads. Right now I actually have 3 different notepads I am working from. Harry Wong's book, First Year Teaching has some great ones though. Maybe I should organize one. Right now I am planning my bulletin boards and creating my hw policy, syllabus, and positive behavior rewards if that gives you an idea of what's on my list.
- What are some must haves in your classroom that you cannot live without (ex. items, books, posters, management strategies)? Like I have mentioned, management strategies for sure, I also use lots of anchor charts to help students recall learning strategies we have used, my word wall is HUGE, with lots of words, and also in size. I want them to see it and I USE it daily, it has to be meangingful. This year, I am also printing lots of positive posters to pump my students up. Like cool sayings and quotes. I have lots of bins, box lids, caddies, etc... to keep things organized. I teach 5-6 classes, they keep their Math journals in my classroom. I have a bin for each period to keep them together.
- What is something that all teachers should have in their classroom? It took me a few years, but a refrigerator. Stock it with water and some time of caffeine drink. My choice would be Diet Coke. You will talk a lot, your class will not be close to the lounge, you will need water and sometimes you will need a jolt of energy. Oh and comfy shoes!!! I leave a pair of flats in my room so when I in heels I can change when my feet start to ache.  And chocolate doesn't hurt either!

Best of luck! And I can't wait to read everyone's responses!

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