Goals for Back to School...

I received an email from our principal today that our building will not be open until August 5th... Our open house is on the 15th! Yikes! That's cutting it down to the wire! I still have about 150 books to scan into Classroom Organizer. A new genre wall to create. Plus a huge African American achievers bulletin board to set up, laminate, and plan out... I'm feeling the pressure! Plus, I have to unpack all my stuff from my counters. I just need to remind myself to do as much as I can at home and...

On that note, I'm taking my own advice. To relieve stress this Tuesday, I'm blogging about my goals for next year. I'm hoping to organize all my thoughts and get some positive mojo flowing for next year! Thankfully, Jess over at I {heart} Recess has a fantastic linky party going on right now - Monthly Goals: Back to School edition!

Personal: The first few weeks are always late nights... I don't know why I do it to myself! It's not like it can't wait or I can't do a little bit at a time. I always say, "I'll just pick up working out after this week or after this..." And then... I get out of the routine of everything. This year, I'm taking some time for myself. I'll stay an extra half hour and commit to what I'm working on but then, I'm out to do something for me. To help myself, I'm going to bring my gym bag packed and ready to change at school.


Organization: I always have the best intentions of keeping track of meetings but then they start slipping through the cracks. This year when we get our Building Handbook, I'm going to record all the important dates in my planner - as well as print out the important dates page to carry around in my planner as well! I hate being caught off guard by a staff meeting or data meeting. I like need to feel prepared.

Planning: I'm not afraid of new but sometimes I don't always stop and reflect on unit plans that "work" and I've used over and over. I'm not saying reinvent the wheel but adding iPads or throwing in a new video - never hurt! With that, I'm not going to focus on dates too much... I'm going to do what's best for kids!

Professional: I really want to revamp my grammar mini-lessons. I feel like I read Jeff Anderson and I'm like YES! ... OMG! ... This makes sense! Then it doesn't always translate into the teaching portion when everything comes together. This year, I really want to work on getting authentic instruction to fit into my writing workshop.

Students: Last year, I felt I was little too focused on Common Core and piloting new units to cut loose with my kiddos. We did have fun and I really worked hard to find great readings, sources, etc. But, I still need to remember - sometimes fluff or digging deeper is okay. Plus, who doesn't love doing the cha-cha on the way to lunch?... or how about learning the sprinkler? Cheesy dance moves are important too ;)

Motto: Ralph Waldo Emerson was on to something when he said, "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." I don't want to lose that spark and enjoyment. I want my students to know I love my job and I want to use that excitement to accomplish great things in my classroom and beyond!

Can't wait to see everyone else's goals and ideas for a great 2013 - 2014 year! I've learned so much this summer from all of you! Thanks to all my followers and all the great blogs I follow! This is truly a supportive and insightful community.