So when I saw that she was hosting her very first Linky Party, I knew I wanted to participate. More importantly, it was a very fitting linky to my needs right now.
As the year draws ever so near {ah, summer}, I find myself reflecting on what went right and what I need to change next year. Kim's linky will help me stick to my plan. If I write it down, I will be more likely to try to commit.
Last summer, my teammate and I sat down and mapped out the entire year aligning our curriculum with the Common Core. Oh, we were READY! We had cushion time at the end of the year before testing. Well, we didn't take into account the number of times we wouldn't be able to switch classes (and therefore not be able to teach) due to MAP testing, field trips, assemblies, early release days, etc. Basically, I think we lost 3 weeks of instruction. That should have been that cushion time. Next year, we are including those dates in our long range plans so that we are not scrambling at the end of the year.
I've used Math 4 Today as a spiral review for a million years. I even blogged about it {here}. It worked. But, I want something better and more aligned to the Common Core. So, guess what I'll be working on all summer :)
I love teaching math in small groups. I try to pack as much teaching into the 12-15 minutes I get with each group that I don't always keep my student records neat and organized. I'd like to keep anecdotal records on each of my 75 students. To do this, I need to organize my system!
What are your goals for next year? Link up with my friend, Kim!
Number graphics 1-4 are courtesy Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah on TpT. You should check her out. She's amazing. The font I used is from A Cupcake for the Teacher. Her fonts are so cute. Check her out, too!
I agree with you that staying organized during Guided Math poses some problems. Have you tried the "Confer" app for your iPad? It's awesome!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
Mrs. Laffin's Laughings
Your goals are so smart!! I agree, it really does help by writing them down. I feel a bit less overwhelmed now :) I can't wait to see your spiral math, I know that will be brilliant. And I would LOVE to see how you organize your records for your students...this is an area I need to work on a lot!
ReplyDeleteLove your goals, I too need to plan the "cushion time" for those random days that always seem to pop up!
ReplyDeleteHunter's Tales from Teaching
Get on that spiral review already....can't wait to see it and buy it:) Umm....when you taught me all about math workshop, did you talk to me about keeping student records? We need to talk about this;) I need to be more organized too!!! Can I just copy and paste your goals:) Hugs!
ReplyDelete4th Grade Frolics
For your #2 goal, here is something that has worked for us in 4th grade. We created our own Bellringer. It is divided into 5 sections on the front and 5 on the back. On the front, each content standard is represented by a day (i.e., Measurement Monday). The back is reserved for computation. After I teach long division, there is always a day for that. I often use the back to review problems that many of my students missed on the test. I like the fact that it is personalized to my students and what they need.
ReplyDeleteThey have made a Common Core Math 4 Today!!!! I just got it and
ReplyDeleteCan't wait up use it next year!!!
I really like your spiral review goal. I will have to look into Math4Today. I really need to do that more next year.
ReplyDelete✰Becca
Simply 2nd Resources
I LOVE Guided Math. Conferring notes are always my nemesis. :)
ReplyDeleteEmilyK
I definitely need to work on #2! Especially for math, I found that we didn't review enough or preview enough. I have yet to figure out what that is exactly but that is my plan for the summer, too! I want to have everything planned out so when things go a little sideways I don't feel like I'm a juggler (which I can NOT juggle).
ReplyDeleteGreat goals!
Amanda
Collaboration Cuties
PS- are you on summer break?
Hi Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteYou might want to check out Chalkboard Publishing's Daily Math workbook. You can download them from dedicatedteacher.com as an e-book. I used the 4th and 5th grade with my classes this year and found them really helpful in getting kids introduced to skills and retaining skills. What I like the most about the program is that each day is a different strand. Good luck with your goals!
Tina
Come join us for the blog meet up!
ReplyDeletehttp://alwaysalesson.com/2013/05/30/calling-all-carolina-and-nearby-bloggers/
Organization should be a goal of mine as well. My teammate always compliment me on my colorful neatly tabbed binders, but really it's an illusion. The stuff inside isn't that organized and I have a "to file" stack of papers a foot high on my desk. (Shhh.....)
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great summer!
Corrina
From Mrs. Allen's Teaching Files