Allison Behne
Listen carefully.
“As a new student from a neighboring community, Alisha came in quiet, reserved, and scared. She left confident and happy, with many friends.”
“Jeremy found a love of reading after being given the freedom to choose what, when, and where he read. By the end of the year he not only loved to read, he grew four reading levels!”
“Kara, the child who challenged you many times throughout the year, often told her friends how much she loved having you for a teacher.”
“As children entered the room and got ready for their day each morning, many would visit the conferring calendar to see when their next appointment was and to be sure they were ready. They looked forward to the one-on-one time with you so much!”
“Your kindness and patience made it so that Matthew felt comfortable asking for help when he struggled.”
If the walls in your classroom could talk, what story would they tell? What moments would you want captured forever? What moments would you wish to rewrite? Our classrooms may be small in size, but a lot takes place in the confines of those four walls. The children and adults who enter do more than take up space—they learn, reflect, laugh, discuss, problem solve, process, build character, and form relationships. They create a story that could be an inspiring and motivating read, and we are the authors of that story.
For many, this time of year means empty desks, bare walls, and silent classrooms. Students are on summer break, and the look and feel of learning that once filled the classroom is gone. As you clean out your classroom, take a minute to sit back, reflect, and celebrate. What would your walls have to share? What story would they tell?
Teaching is a hard job, and you have just finished another year, imfluencing several more children. Try not to let yourself get overwhelmed by all there is left to do or all that wasn’t accomplished. Instead, reflect on the moments to celebrate, note the changes you want to make next year, and give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done . . . You deserve it!
News from The Daily CAFE
Questions Answered…
How do you provide seating to meet students’ differing needs?
Some bodies don't function well sitting in a chair all day. Here are some creative alternatives that our students love.
Purposeful Practice…
Narrowing the Focus and Length of a Lesson to Make It Brain Compatible*
Shannon Campbell, a fifth-grade teacher, shares how she uses her curriculum as a resource to provide support, extend instruction, and adjust the focus and length of the lesson.
Assessment Matters…
Start the First Day of School with an Instructional Plan for Each Student*
By sending information ahead, students and teachers can pick up right where the learning left off.
Try Today…
Book Looks
We’ve added three new Book Looks that are great for teaching a variety of strategies as well as important life lessons.
The Heart and the Bottle by Oliver Jeffers*
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires*
Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson*
Focus on Health…
Resolve to Be Happy
Resolve to be happy by doing four simple things.