well, this week marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. i start new teacher orientation on thursday. it's definitely a mixed bag of emotions. i'm excited, nervous, scared, happy, anxious...just to name a few. the first day will be fine. i won't have to teach math. ha! it's the days after that have me so nervous. will i be able to teach them? will they be little monsters? will i be able to keep up with all of my IEPs??
i've been by my classroom a few times and it feels a little "institutional" right now. i want to brighten it up...although technically, it's already bright, with lots of windows and two sky lights. but the walls...oh, the walls. i'm going to have the kids work on a personal shield the first day. that way, i'll get to learn more about them, and i'll also get to use their shields as decoration.
i've also got to get my class rules in order. the high school has a handbook that the students get that outlines basic rules for them to follow. so obviously, i will expect those rules to be followed in my classroom too. but i was thinking about giving them "life guidelines" rather than rules. these are guidelines they can live by throughout their lives. something a little different from the norm...
1. be trustworthy
2. be truthful
3. do your personal best
4. show active listening
5. no put-downs
i think these cover pretty much everything. i want to instill in my students the need to be responsible citizens. i know that not all will succeed, but if i can get just a handful to follow these, i would be more than happy.
but maybe i've left something out. what do you think?
I like your "rules". :-)
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