Summer Vacation and Ideas for New School Year Already???

Well it's been a long time since I've blogged, but here it goes.... This summer will be filled with reading, softball, surgery, and working on novel studies.  I really need to get back into the swing of things.

I taught 3rd grade for 10 years, and just finished my 3rd year in 2nd.  We just found out we are getting a new principal this next year, so I'm not really sure what to expect this next year other than that I will remain in 2nd grade.  Change is good, but always a little scary.

One of my main goals for next school year is to get more organized and prepared. I think this will help greatly with my classroom management.

First, I want to set up a Supply Station where all supplies, except for pencils, are kept. I want to put labels on everything, maybe have certain things labeled by table number.  I bought plastic card containers to put their crayons in, and I also want to put tape across the bottom of the crayons to help them from coming open.  One teacher suggested buying crayons for everyone as a "welcome" gift. I think I might just do that and save their crayons for back-ups.  I always have a large plastic shoe box full of lose crayons, but I prefer they have their own in a box.

I also want to have a Supply Captain that moves to the right each day.  This person will be responsible to get all the supplies for their table from the Supply Station. As for my line, I put them in alphabetical order, and the line leader moves to the caboose the next day.  The line leader is in charge of holding the door, and the caboose in is charge of turning off the lights when we leave the room.

I am definitely going to assign jobs, and have my students keep my library, math manipulatives, supplies, etc... neat and clean... at least that's the plan. Rather than make up a job board, I think I will just make a list of the jobs with the student's name next to each job.  They will keep their jobs for 9 weeks, since we will be on a 9 week schedule. I might even make up job applications that they have to fill out before I assign the jobs.  I'm not sure if I'm going to pay them with play money or not. I have done this before, but it was really hard to remember to pay them and it was hard to find the time to do it.

These are just a few ideas that I have for next school year.  I'll try and post any more ideas that I have or that I come by.

Until then, have a great summer!