Preplanning: the to-do list that never ends

This week, we had 3 days to prepare for the start of the new year. That's a whole lot to pack into 3 days!

1. Faculty, department, and team meetings

2. Unpacking and organizing classroom

3. Updating and copying class syllabi

4. Homeroom and 1st period paperwork

5. Textbook retrieval and scanning

6. Decorating classroom in a way that is stimulating for but also appealing to students

7. Legal briefings and training

8. What to do on those first few days

That's only what I can think of off of the top of my head. For every task we finish, there are at least 3-5 other items that are spur-of-the-moment requests from someone else: "Could you send me...?" "Will you email...?" "Can I get your help with...?" Not only are we getting ourselves ready, but we are also taking care of colleagues. It's what we do.

My Classroom

This year, I moved from my sweet little trailer way out yonder in the trailer park to a small classroom inside. I'm convenient to pretty much everything now, which makes me (and my feet) very happy. No longer will I have to plan an afternoon trek to make copies the next day, or make sure I have water and snack to tide me over during the long hike to the front office. I'll be in the middle of the action!

It took some rearranging of the furniture that was already in the room, but I think I've set up

my class in a way that will suit my teaching style. 3 of the rows of desks are facing front, and 4 of the rows are facing the door. This set up is a trick I learned from a colleague at my previous school to help make the room seem bigger. I've also set up a "creativity table" for those who aren't suited to traditional desks.

On the board are 4 taped boxes for my various classes. As always, I'll put daily assignments and reminders here. Even with the 4 boxes, I still have plenty of space for notes and activities! It is a big board!

I've also already posted my rules. I've found that these few rules have helped me manage my students' behavior and activity better than anything else. 6 simple rules:

1. Be prepared for class: Brain, Materials, Supplies

2. Absolutely no sleeping

3. Take responsibility for your actions

4. Don't make excuses. Create solutions.

5. Never mak

e fun of someone for not knowing something

6. Stay on task and on topic

I've found that all I have to do is give "the look" to a student, and they know that they've probably broken one of these 6 rules. I'm pretty easy like that, and it truly helps students to

know what your boundaries and expectations are. If I need to add a rule, I will. These 6 have worked for 3 years, though. :)

My Space

This will be my 6th year teaching, and I have never felt more confident about beginning a new school year. I truly feel like I can handle anything that comes my way because of my experience and my flexibility. I haven't made copies of my syllabi yet...but I'll get to it! I forgot to make seating charts, but I can do that when I get to school

early on Monday! I already have assignments ready and waiting for the students, and that's my main concern right now. I know how to prioritize the rest of what needs to be done.

As you can see, I've created a little fort for myself in my "teacher corner." :) I don't like students touching my stuff or invading my space, so I do what I can to clearly set up a "no-fly zone." I've already made myself comfortable, though, and am ready to get to work! Notice "Piggy" on the book shelf for Lord of the Flies, and the raven on my media cabinet for our study of Poe's poetry. These things are fun because when students look at them, they have an association with the literature we studied. I like it when something tangible can help them create stronger links to the reading. (On a side note: this is undoubtedly the neatest my desk will be ALL YEAR. LOL)

Student Space

Letting the students know that I have high expectations for them to be productive as well, I've set up a little "productivity corner" for them. Here, they can type, study, read, or take a break from the rest of the class while they think about how to make better choices. (I just thought up that last bit, but it fits with the corner set-up.)

The calendar on the board is for students to announce their birthdays and special events. One of my SOPH LA students from last year has a birthday coming up in 3 weeks! He will be in my JR LA class this year, so I will get to wish him a happy birthday! :)

Well, that's just some of what I've been up to in these past 3 days. When I arrived at school on Wednesday, I was a little overwhelmed with everything I needed to do. Unpacking all of my boxes and setting up my classroom was a priority, though. When my surroundings are in order, my mind is at ease, and I am better able to focus. So, it looks like the year is off to a good start! I'll be making weekly postings about my 4 different classes (LA II, LDC III, SOPH LA, and JR LA), so stay tuned if you want to know more about what goes on in an ESOL classroom! :)