My brain
has officially switched over to school mode. I still have twenty-one days until
I go back, twenty-three until the students do, but I’m thinking about school a
lot. The classroom is close to being ready, which is a minor miracle. I decided
to take some student advice and reorganize my library this summer. There are
over three thousand books in my room, which made it a bit of a nightmare. All
books are back on shelves, so the room is getting closer. When the physical
room is set up, the planning can begin. There is so much to think about, so
much to consider, but this is the stuff I love. Thinking about units, considering
picture books, articles, skills I want to share. I love this part of preparing
for the year. Each year is different, students shape what I need to teach and
what standards need to be covered in depth. There are some things I know
upfront I have to plan for, some wait until the year begins.
With
curriculum constantly on my mind, I tend to find things I can use almost
anywhere I turn. Quick writes have become one of my favorite parts of workshop.
Whether it is a reading or writing class, I like to open with something to get
my students writing. We can then share and move on to the mini-lesson from
there. Linda Rief’s Quick Write book helped me start out, she has many poems
you can use as you begin. From there I’ve pulled my own writing, student poems,
and articles to use for our quick writes. One of my favorite things to write
off of would be videos. If you want to try it with your students, here is a
video I plan on using at the start of school. It is from Jack and Finn – twins from
England that run a YouTube channel. I think the video is wonderful and could
start a powerful discussion in our class—describe what you love.
