My first week of school was simply amazing. I am really hoping that this was not just a Honeymoon week, and that this is how my year will be all year long. In honor of such a successful first week, I thought that I would share my top five moments with you.
One. Whole Brain Teaching is amazing! I was so hesitant about using this technique at first, but I am in love with it. My kids kept telling how much they loved it too. In my opinion it seemed that my students were much more engaged than when using traditional teaching techniques. I cannot wait to see how WBT progresses as the year does.
Two. Interactive Student Notebooks are still the best invention ever! I do not know what I did last year during the fall semester before I implemented them! My kids seem to really be enjoying them too and I heard several times that they didn't mind taking notes/working/learning this way. That sure made my teacher heart happy.
Three. My room has been a huge hit. You can find the photos I posted here. I have gotten so many compliments about the decor. Since I have implemented WBT this year, one of the rewards they can earn with their scoreboard is to work with the lights off and we turn the lanterns on. I had no idea how excited 6th graders would be about that!
Four. I was dreading using CSOPE for my curriculum this year, but it too has been wonderful! I had heard many negative things about it, but I was excited to just have a scope and sequence for the year. I am happy to say that I am actually loving CSCOPE. My fellow Texans, if you are in a district that uses it, do you have to use the ELA one?
Five. I got out of AM Bus Circle Duty already. You have to love school holidays!
I will be back soon with some answers to some of the questions that you all have asked. If you have one for me, just visit here!
I started using WBT this year as well! I'm just beginning and have a lot to learn, but it went so well next week that I'm super excited about trying more!
ReplyDeleteHappy short school week!
Lisa
Super Pig and Tyrant King
Glad you had a good first week, sweet friend!
ReplyDeleteHappy you had such a good first week! :)
ReplyDeleteJenny
Luckeyfrog's Lilypad
I live in north Texas and my new district uses cscope. I HATE it, but I came from a district with a curriculum writer so I'm spoiled. I teach ELAR/SS, so yes, I have to use it. Maybe I'll adjust one day. :)
ReplyDeletethose kids are blessed to have you as their teacher ms klohn
ReplyDeleteGlad your 1st week was good! Next week will be our 4th week already-this year is FLYING by!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving:
1. Using notebooks in history
2. Using conversation calendars as bellringer
3. Strategic teaching
Shannon
http://www.irunreadteach.wordpress.com
Sound's like you're having the kind of year that makes you love teaching! I'm in the same spot as you...*fingers also crossed it's not honeymoon week*!
ReplyDeleteIf you have time, I'd love to hear your thoughts on whole brain teaching and how you implement it!
This is my first year to teach 5th ELA and I love the idea of a small group setting and students rotating to different stations. How did you get WBT and Interactive Notebooks started...does the concept come from either Cafe/Daily 5? I've looked into purchasing these books to help me get small groups started...would you recommend these resources to get started?
ReplyDeletesrodriguez0206@gmail.com