Trish Prentice
May 25, 2012
The last few weeks of school are BUSY. Every day can seem like an endurance race. Just this week we had reading and math assessments, Field Day, Enrichment Showcase and parent conferences. This is a scene that is playing out in schools all over the country. Teachers are thinking, "I've got to get this done so I can cross something off the never ending to-do list!" But here's an idea that will give you a moment to breathe and offer payoffs for next year. Take one morning to sit quietly and observe your children working during Daily 5. Watch and reflect with a questioning mind...what works, what could be changed?
- What is the best part of Daily 5? Why?
- What might help students become more independent?
- Does my record keeping reflect what is actually happening?
- What could I add or take away?
- Does my classroom reflect my teaching values?
- Are there physical changes to the room that could facilitate student success?
- How does the furniture help or inhibit students?
- Where could I stash more books?
- Are there ways to save time?
- Do the traffic patterns work?
- In the best of all worlds I would?
You might find it helpful to take your ideas and then discuss them with another Daily 5 teacher. Getting a different perspective can be invaluable and also affirming.
When I revamped my room a few years back it helped to "experiment" with a new arrangement before the children left for summer. I decided I wanted to move my math center to another area to give additional room for my CAFÉ board. The children and I held several lessons in the new mock-up arrangement to make sure the change would be successful. By the time summer arrived I had a plan in place that I knew would work. During June and July I did some painting, furniture collecting and re-organizing. By fall I was ready and filled with anticipation for the new school year to begin.
Another benefit of spending a morning watching your students is that it forces you to slow down, even for just one hour. Take the time to notice the vast amount of progress the children have made. Revel in all that has been accomplished. Look at each child and be proud of how much they have grown. Make notes of their successes that you can share with them later. Then pat yourself on the back for the role you played. Breathe in the joy of the moment; you deserve it!