Every year, I begin my school year by assessing my students. My first year teaching I did an abundance of research. I spoke to veteran teachers, psychology professors, as well as conduct online research. After gathering information, I created a kindergarten evaluation. I visited the student's home and conducted interviews, as well as observations. I used all of the data I gathered to create an academic evaluation assessment. I used this tool as a method of preparing my approach for the school year.
This is a form that I use in the beginning and middle of the school year. After assessing students, I speak with parents and together come up with goals for the student to meet by the end of the first and second semester. I like to involve parents in their child's academic growth.
Every morning, students recite our class pledge. They make a promise to put their best effort into everything they do. I want them to start off the day encouraged.
Calendar is the first stop in the school day. I focus on fundamental skills that students will need to apply during the school year.
This picture shows one of the strategies that I incorporate in my classroom to help students manage their emotions. If a student is feeling frustrated, or not in the best of moods, they can go take a break in Australia. It is a place they can go relax, cool down, or reflect until they are ready to join the class again.
I believe that students perform and concentrate better when they are comfortable. Exercise balls allow students who are jittery to move, which helps them concentrate. I also have pillows so students can lounge around when reading, or want to work in an area besides their desk.
In my classroom, I use Think Sheets when there is a need to address disruptive behavior. I choose to use this because they allow the student to reflect on the choices they make. It also helps them think of better choices for the future. Additionally, it helps with addressing situations without taking much time away from class time.
This is a project I created for social studies as a way to assess students. In this project, I wanted the students to experience what it would be like to be part of a business. I based the project on the lesson previously given on goods. The students had the necessary background knowledge to be able to complete the project. This is one of the different forms of assessments that I use.
This is an online resource that I use in my classroom. I incorporate it in my classroom to help student's with learning gaps, but also to help gifted students excel in their studies. Students really enjoy the lessons, and their progress has been amazing!