Saturday, July 27, 2013

A FEW MORE IDEAS!


Here are a few more idea for you before school begins.  You know all of those love letters and pictures children draw for you each year?  Why not use a three-ring notebook to save them so children will realize they are special to you?  Keep the notebook in your classroom library so the children can revisit it all year long.

Cheers and Goals
As you meet with parents at the beginning of the year, ask them to write down several special things about their child and three or four goals that they have for their child.  This will let you know their priorities and expectations.  As you review the list with them say, “This is how I can help (child) accomplish this goal.  What can you do to nurture this skill at home?”  This will build a partnership and remind parents that have a powerful role to play in their child’s education.

Under Construction – Wrapped Up!
Clare Ashford has a great idea to take “under construction” one step further.
“Before Meet the Teacher night (before school starts), I wrap all my bookcases, computers, etc. in butcher paper and then put an ‘under construction’ sign on them. It serves 2 purposes. 1- that way kids don't get into things while I'm busy talking to people! and 2- we ‘unwrap’ the items together as a class when we're ready to use whatever it is. It is very helpful and makes for an organized start to the year!”

Key Ideas on a Key Chain  (Teresa Whitehead)
Write words to songs, finger plays, transition tips, etc. on index cards and punch a hole in them.  Attach to a retractable key chain and you can carry them with you wherever you go.