Are you already using the Getting Started approaches in your classroom? Ready for something more? Try these strategies, or check out the ideas on the Deep Dive page.
Build "Flex Time" into Your Plan
As you develop your map for the school year, make sure to account for the additional time you may need for reteaching, remediation, or project extension. Building
padding and flexibility into your curriculum map will ensure that you don't "run out of time in the year" before uncovering all important standards, and will also allow you to capitalize on unexpected teachable moments, revisit concepts that are difficult for your students, and go deeper into particularly engaging projects.
Seek Opportunities for Collaboration
Since opportunities to collaborate with colleagues and community members may be time-sensitive, brainstorm about these relationships as you plan out your year. Consider partnerships that will add authenticity and relevance to student learning, and think about when might be the best time of year to maximize the power of each collaboration. For example, you might schedule a performing arts project during a time of year when your local theater company is staging a production, or a project on organic farming during planting or harvest season. Alternatively, you may want to schedule certain projects when you know your community partners will NOT be busy-- for example, it may be easier for students to interview state legislators when the legislature is not in session.
Plan Intentionally to "Spiral" Key Content and Skills
As you analyze your standards, identify the content and skills that you feel are important enough to revisit multiple times throughout the school year. You may wish to create three color-coded categories for standards and topics: "To Uncover and Go Deep," "To Revisit," and "To Introduce." Think carefully about how you can scaffold student learning about key concepts and facilitate flexible application by revisiting certain standards across multiple projects.