It's back to school time. It's crazy, but even after twenty years in the classroom, I still get butterflies at the end of summer--I mean, in my tummy.
Part of me knows I'll be fine. As soon as the kids walk through the door, it's all good, because all my preparation, instinct, adrenaline, and calm kick in.
All my superpowers rally 'round, and pull me through that first day...
And then the next...and the next, till it's June. Then in June, I stand there with my jaw hanging, and I ask: how in the world does the clock spin faster every year?
Well, this year I managed to jot down my best tips to keep it together, keep it together, keep it together, keep it together--besides saying that 8X fast (just kidding)!
No joke, though, my tips turned into a 700-page compendium that keeps me sane. Of course, I'm sharing!
The Teacher Guide for a Great Classroom is designed with one goal: to help you to be CALM and CONFIDENT in your classroom—as if you've done it a million times—with teacher scripts, lessons, posters, printables, tips, behavior management resources and materials you can use all year.
It begins with good behavior management. My approach is creative, organic, and very effective. At every step, I start with the tools for no-stress behavior management. Then I show you how to infuse these with respectful fun, so they come alive in your classroom.
Once behavior is in place, you can move on to crafting the kind of lessons that make you--and your kids...and your admin--smile. The Perfect Lesson includes checklists, charts, cheat-sheets, tips, scripts, class posters, lesson plans and lesson plan templates so you can tick off "yes, yes, yes!" on your Danielson teacher evaluation.
The Substitute Teacher Kit is for the days you're absent. You know you drag your self into school sometimes--though you really need to stay home--because it's easier than pulling together last-minute lessons.
And even worse, you dread picking up the pieces of the hurricane, aka your well-meaning sub. This kit gives you substitute lessons and directives ready to go, so you can return to a clean, organized room. It also serves as a great refresher course for regular teachers.
There's a delicious bonbon at the bottom of the bag. My beloved Math Song MP3s to relax or energize your class. As soon as I hear the first beat of the music I go "ahh!" and so do my kids. We never do get tired of them. Can you ever get tired of fun or calm?
The Counting Songs feature a soothing vocal over relaxing music with a soft beat. They're great for meditation, transition, stretching or dancing, and a couple dozen more things.
Rap Your Math is a math drill in a catchy rap song. You can change the verses daily to match your lesson. And kids vamp to this like they own the universe. For the moment, they really do.
This kit will help set the tone for a great year of teaching.
Here's the full roster, including 3 mega-resources:
- The Perfect Lesson Plan: checklists, charts, cheat-sheets, tips, class posters, lesson plans and lesson plan templates for K – 5
- Substitute Teacher Kit: In-Depth Guide and Dozens of Printables for Kids – a thorough substitute binder for the days you are absent
- Behavior Management with Humor -- a creative approach to discipline in the classroom.
- Behavior Management Callbacks -- an instant call to good behavior
- Behavior Management – Behavior Modification Charts -- fun and easy behavior mod
- School Rules
- Bathroom Rules
Rap Your Math – Math Drill in a Song MP3
Counting Songs for Relaxation and Behavior Management MP3
In The Teacher's Guide for a Great Classroom you'll find:
• What to do and say during the entire school day
• Making a good first impression
• Mastering behavior management
• Teaching rules
• Presenting a lesson
• Lessons in reading, writing, math, social studies, science, art, and music
• How to handle assemblies, parties, trips, fire drills and other emergencies
• Dozens of printables for fun, easy lessons to use all year
As always, I'll be thinking of you and wishing you all the best as you start your new year!
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